Well Wishes for Russell Becker

Well wishes for Capricorn Member Director Russell Becker

A famous little bear once said, "How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard", which is how we feel saying goodbye to our Member Director, Russell Becker, this month.

Russell Becker finishes his tenure as the NSW/ACT Member Director in October 2021 after serving on the Capricorn Board of Directors for a maximum term of 16 years.

Russell has been a Capricorn Member since 1991 and was elected to the Board in 2005. Between 2015 and 2019 he also served as Chairman of the Board.

During his tenure as a Director, Russell has helped Capricorn to grow membership from 9,000 to over 23,000 in 2021 and has seen annual Member purchases of AU$500 million grow to over AU$2 billion.

Under his leadership of the Board, Capricorn has launched new products and services such as Capricorn Service Data, the New Zealand Capricorn Mobil Fuel Card, and the Capricorn Rising Stars Apprentice of the Year competition. 2019 also saw the first year Capricorn paid a Trade Volume Rebate of $5 million back to Members based on Trade Account spend.

Passionate about the next horizon of the automotive industry, Russell recently contributed to Capricorn’s State of the Nation 2021 report. In the article he encouraged Capricorn Members to think about training an apprentice for the benefit of the industry.

“The industry is a pretty good place. Of course, there are lots of challenges, especially with changes to technology, but I think overall the data tells us the industry is really healthy.” Russell said.

Russell has also been a member of Capricorn’s Remuneration and Nomination Committee and a Director of Capricorn Mutual Ltd and spent time on the Audit and Risk Committee. Russell will continue to run his successful mechanical repair workshop in Dural and contribute to a number of charity and sporting organisation boards including Special Olympics, junior soccer, and motor sport.

From all of us at Capricorn, especially the Capricorn Board, we thank Russell for his commitment and service and wish him all the best in his future endeavours. As another famous saying goes, ‘goodbye for now, but not forever.’

An election for the Member Director to replace Russell will take place from 15 September 2021 to 15 October 2021.

More information on the candidates and how to vote can be found by logging into the myCAP Portal at capricorn.coop

better protect Victoria's environment

On 1 July 2021, the Environment Protection Act 2017 came into effect in Victoria. Enforced by the Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA), the legislation aims to prevent harm to the environment and public health.

The centrepiece of the new act is the general environmental duty (GED) and applies to all Victorians. Under the GED, businesses are required to have reasonable knowledge about the risks their activities pose, and how to address them. In effect, the GED just makes it clear that it is your responsibility to manage your business to reduce risk to the environment.

The EPA has provided guides for managing the risks of different activities, including waste management and recycling. The guides demonstrate how to manage the risks, examples of how risk management can be done in simple processes, and an outline of the new legal obligations for businesses.

The Act is now criminally enforceable, so it’s important all Victorian Capricorn Members familiarise themselves with the legislation.

This is just a summary for general informational purposes only, not legal advice. To find out more, visit epa.vic.gov.au for tools, guides, webinars, and more.

MEMBER PROFILE

For Tiago, a passion for cars means embracing EVs

Like so many people in our industry, Tiago Santos Da Silva found his passion for the automotive business while working in the family workshop. In Tiago’s case, it all started at the age of 12, in Brazil, when he started cleaning his stepfather’s workshop.

Today, Tiago has been in business in Perth for 15 years and has a team of four at his full-service garage in Osborne Park. Offering everything from oil and filter changes to auto-electrics to air-conditioning and roadside assistance, Tiago has also made a point of ensuring his team at Tiago Car Technology is as up-to-date with electric vehicle technology as possible.

“I fully advise all technicians out there to start investing in time and training into the electric car industry,” he said. “It’s easy and it’s possible.” Tiago joined Capricorn last year and said being a Member had “honestly made my busy life easier.”

“I save time, I save paper, there’s less stress — and it’s a onestop shop,” he said. “And there’s quick communication on the phone with my suppliers.”

Tiago had previously been a solo mobile mechanic, but his business has been growing successfully, thanks in part to diversifying.

You can follow Tiago and his team (and experience his enthusiasm for electric vehicles) on Instagram at @Tiago_car_technology.

Capricorn Finance

Invest in your business growth.

Available now to Capricorn Members.

4WD INDUSTRY TO FEATURE AT AUTO AFTERMARKET EXPO

The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) is proud to announce the launch of the 4WD Innovation Zone feature at the Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo, taking place at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, April 7 – 9, 2022.

The Expo is the nation’s most comprehensive exhibition for the aftermarket industry, featuring the latest vehicle repair and servicing equipment, replacement parts, tools, and accessories, plus industry experts sharing technology and trends.

As part of the process of continuous improvement, the AAAA has launched a dedicated 4WD industry section at the Expo to provide an opportunity for companies involved in 4WD modification, accessories and tuning to promote their company through a trade only B2B platform.

There will be many ways for exhibitors to supercharge their business development. The Expo is a perfect platform to launch or showcase new products and services or generate brand buzz through interactive activities and competitions. Innovative new 4WD products can be entered in the Expo Awards Program and product demonstrations on the show stage provide another marketing platform. Networking opportunities at the Expo will also be massive. Companies can connect with prospects face-to-face in a relaxed atmosphere and strengthen relationships with existing customers.

“We are always looking at ways to extend the appeal and value of the country’s premiere aftermarket show — an event run by the industry, for the industry. Given the Australian 4WD aftermarket industry is valued at $6 billion, comprises over 2,000 businesses and employs more than 70,000 Australians, a dedicated 4WD industry space within the Expo is a logical step, and one the 4WD industry has been asking for,” said Stuart Charity, CEO of the AAAA

Other exciting components of the 2022 Auto Aftermarket Expo will include a modified and classic vehicle display area in the show concourse, celebrity appearances, interactive displays, demonstrations, and competitions, plus a comprehensive and free industry education and information program.

“Interest in the 2022 Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo has been unprecedented, with over 75% of available space already allocated. And with major 4WD companies already locking in positions as foundation members at our new 4WD Innovation Zone, demand is expected to be extremely high for the limited spaces on offer. This is a not-to-be-missed opportunity for 4WD companies looking for a boost to sales, connections and brand awareness across the industry,” Stuart said.

The 4WD Innovation Zone will add to the Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo’s massive 21,000 sqm footprint, which also includes the co-located Collision Repair Expo. And with a projected 400 exhibitors and up to 10,000 trade visitors over the 3-day event, the 2022 Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo is gearing up to be the best ever.

“We look forward to hosting Australia’s best 4WD parts and accessory manufacturers, resellers and retailers between 7 and 9 April, 2022 in Melbourne. It is a great opportunity for the entire aftermarket industry to come together, to recognise and celebrate success during these challenging times,” Stuart said.

To secure your space at the 4WD Innovation Zone as part of the Aftermarket Expo, please contact Expo partner, IEC Group: 0402 067 321 or nina@iecgroup.com.au To enquire about sponsorship opportunities, please contact the AAAA on (03) 9545 3333 or michelle@aaaa.com.au. For more information on the 2022 Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo – www.autoaftermarketexpo.com.au

LAST CHANCE

WIN FREE FUEL FOR A YEAR FROM AMPOL*

Use your Capricorn Fuel Card to get 1 x entry for every $30 spent at Ampol and Caltex stores**

UNLIMITED ENTRIES!

The more you shop, the more chances to win! Entries close 31 October 2021

Open a new Fuel Card account for a chance to WIN 100,000 BONUS POINTS^

Visit capricorn.coop/fuelcard and apply for a Fuel Card today! 1800 327 437 I csl@capricorn.coop I capricorn.coop

*The “Free Fuel” prize is a an AmpolCash Fuel Voucher valued at $3,500, issued from Ampol. This prize is advertised as “free fuel for a year” as part of the advertisement of the Capricorn 2021 Fuel Card Promotion. This is based on fuel capacity in an average mid-sized vehicle consuming 1750 litres of fuel per year at a cost of $2/litre. The prize is not transferable and cannot be converted or exchanged for any other prize or redeemed for cash. ^The “Bonus Point” prize is 100,000 Capricorn Rewards points valued at $1,000, issued from Capricorn on behalf of prize sponsor WEX Australia. Capricorn Rewards Program terms and conditions apply. **Ampol Limited, through a subsidiary, is a licensee in Australia of the Caltex trademark, but is in the process of transitioning its network to instead trade under its own Ampol trademark. For full competition terms and conditions and Capricorn Rewards Point terms and conditions visit www.capricorn.coop/TC. ACT Permit number: TP 21/01356.