Western Australia/Northern Territory

WA State Winner: Brendon Grant (illion) presenting trophy to Charis Ludemann (Bunnings).

Grace Welch, Cecilia D’Castro, Sarah Bracegirdle, Jo Ralph and Daniel Czaplinski.

President’s report

Credit management continues to change and evolve and every year we look forward to finding the young credit professionals of the future.

WA’s turn came on Friday 16th August and the WA Council was pleased to welcome Brendon Grant from illion to introduce our five finalists to the members who gathered at Crown for the event. The continued support of illion shows they value the award as much as we do. With the Botanical rooms at Crown packed with many familiar faces as well as plenty of new ones, it was a great night to catch up with credit mates and recognise our young professionals.

With the excitement of five amazing finalists, with three of our five having the first name ‘Alex’! the awards became subject to a hostile name change with Alex Cimetta, Alex Fenna and Alex Ramsay supporting a name change to The ‘Alex Awards’, however Melissa McVey and Charis Ludemann ensured that the name of the AICM YCP Award remained intact.

The WA members congratulate all of the finalists for 2019 but unfortunately, there could only be one winner and we look forward to Charis Ludemann from Bunnings representing WA at the National Conference on the Gold Coast in October.

On the back of the conference, we are returning to Ischia in Highgate on Wednesday, October 23 for our second networking event at that venue. Last year was very popular and no doubt will be again. Thursday, December 5 will be our final event for the year. Please join us to celebrate The Pinnacle Awards and early

WA State Finalists: Charis Ludemann, Alex Cimetta, Melissa McVey, Alex Ramsay and Alex Fenna.

Deng Gichuru, Sam Giovenco, Jon Brett , Adam Reid, Lisa Marr, Melanie de Jager, Kelly Dunlop and Martin Bigg.

Colin Winning, Megan Burford, Janelle McDade, Melissa McVey, Brendon Grant and Matthew Walker.

Emily Taplin, Angelene Neville, Riddhi Khemka (all from Synergy). SV Partners: Alex Cimetta, Karlee Munro, Joshua Franzone (seated), Mariana Pereira and Otavio Neto (standing).

Katrina Whittred and Massimo D’Alo (Kleenheat). Hope Helm (illion), with Vanisha Ladhani and Joanne Edwards (Brownes Dairy).

Xmas at The Bayside Kitchen in Crawley. Into its third year here in WA, we encourage all of you to get behind these awards and nominate yourself, your staff, or other credit professionals to recognise a job well done in our industry for the year ending 2019. – Lisa Marr MICM, WA/NT Division President

Economic Breakfast

We held this year’s Economic Update later than usual and no one was disappointed. We waited for the budget announcements and the election to be held. Expecting a review of the first 100 days of a Shorten Labor Government, we were delivered confirmation of a steady Morrison course for the next 3 years and current WA economic trends by Alan Langford from Bankwest. We are more than grateful that Alan is able to present to our Members each year on such an important topic. The information while broad, assists us, collectively and individually to review economic indicators closer. We look forward to seeing Alan in 2020 and thank Matilda Bay in Crawley for a great venue.

Young Credit Professional

The Young Credit Professional journey thus far has been one of a kind. It has challenged me and pushed me out of my comfort zone. I have surprised myself and have enjoyed sharing my passion for credit with the credit professionals here in Western Australia.

I am excited to see what the National Conference has to offer and look forward to meeting the other finalists. I have been able to meet some incredible people so far and can’t wait to broaden my network within the credit industry even further.

I hope to influence and impact other young women in credit and encourage them along their journey as my leaders have influenced me here at Bunnings. My goal is to deliver a memorable presentation and lasting impression. I want to keep the people I will meet at the national AICM conference in my network and learn from their past experience to further advance my career and professional journey.

– Charis Ludemann

We’re proud of the nominations we received this year and the fantastic candidates we met at the YCP dinner and

AMCAP: Bart Biddeloo, Angus McVey, Melissa McVey and Paras Shah.

AICM Membership Pin 30 years – Kevin Allen. Jeanette Lyes and Alex Ramsay (Kleenheat).

Membership Pin 5 years – Rikki Schulze.

share with you some insights into the wonderful talent coming through in WA:

Alex Ramsay, Senior Consumer Collections Officer at Kleenheat

Alex completed his Bachelor of Commerce degree in 2018 and seizes an opportunity to innovate and improve, making a huge difference in the consumer collections area at Kleenheat and plays a critical role in providing seamless transition to new Alex Ramsay process and procedures. Constantly developing, Alex is a valued member of the team and great representative of someone who is growing and developing their career within the credit industry.

A marathon running, acoustic guitar player, Alex loves Chilli, collecting chilli sauces from around the world and says that he is inspired by and owes everything that he’s learnt about business, finances and life from his parents. Alex lists his favourite musician as Ed Sheeran and likes the US Version of the Office. He is a fan of the Perth Scorchers and supports the West Coast Eagles. Charis Ludemann, Credit Risk Team Leader at Bunnings Group

Charis consistently exceeds all expectations held of her, not only in day to day core responsibilities but also in her constant drive and determination to develop herself and support the wider team. Her strong Charis Laudemann skillset in risk and leadership and her outstanding customer service and dedication to supporting other areas of her business has culminated in her recent acceptance into the Grow My Career program for women in Leadership.

Fitness is important to her and Charis spends her time in her home gym and enjoys walking her dog. She lists Taylor Swift as one of her musical preferences and whilst she doesn’t follow a team sport, Charis is inspired by Cross-fit athletes like Tia Claire-Toomey and Cole Sager.

Charis has been to 27 countries and lived in 4 of those, looks to her husband for motivation, and is inspired by Ben Bergeron and Brene Brown.

Alex Fenna, Credit Management Officer at P&N Bank

Alex has excels in his day to day tasks, is self-managed and strives to do his best every day. He is regarded as one of the top performers and balances the very human needs of P&N Banks’ members in times of financial difficulties with compliance Alex Fenna requirements and targets in mind. Focused on continuous improvement, process and enhancements, Alex aspires to lead teams in the future and is developing the skills needed for this. Alex enjoys reading and dancing and was featured in a music video! In terms of movies, his favourite is the Blind Side. His favourite artist is the Game, likes the Toronto Raptors and is inspired by Kawai Leonard, who is a basketball player.

Melissa McVey, Accounts Receivable Team Leader at AMCAP Distribution Centre

Melissa is a valued member of her department and her application to her work is well supported by her performance and a desire to further herself within the industry. Melissa loves a challenge and always finds a way to get the job done, whist putting the interests of the company and stakeholders first. Melissa is current member of the AICM West Australian Council and her commitment to her peers and the industry is undisputed. Outside of work, Melissa enjoys pub grub, Netflix, travel and has a strong passion for the Fremantle Dockers. On the silver screen Melissa likes anything with Hugh Jackman or Chris Hemsworth with Home and Away, Brooklyn 99 and Suits on her Netflix favourites list. Once an aspiring gymnast Melissa counts her parents, husband and her credit teams as her inspiration.

Melissa McVey

Alex Cimetta Senior Accountant at SV Partners

Alex commenced at SV Partners as a graduate accountant in January 2018 following graduation from Curtin University where he received numerous commendations. His achievements include instigating and Alex Cimetta completing a redesign of creditors reports to improve communications, proactively contributing to office morale and successfully promoting team work amongst staff members, whilst working through difficult and repetitive tasks. Outside of the exciting world of accounting, Alex enjoys cooking, gardening and binge-watching TV shows and once performed in a band for then Prime Minister Julia Gillard! His favourite band is the Gorillaz and Star Wars is his favourite movie. Alex is a Fremantle Dockers supporter and thanks his grandfather for pushing him to study and get a good education.

We often praise and thank our members/volunteers for the hours of work that they do for the institute, but we should also thank their partners who support them over all the years that they offer their services. Without these unsung heroes we would not get the dedication and years of service that many of our members provide.

Thank you Debra, Margaret and Jenny for your ongoing support. (And what a lovely photo.)

Debra Allen, Margaret Verge and Jenny Vredenbregt.

The Australian Institute of Credit Management welcomes our Partners for 2019.

National Partners

Trusted Insights. Responsible Decisions.

Divisional Partners

Official Division Supporting Sponsors

Our National and Divisional Partners support and work with the AICM to promote the Institute’s activities, represent the Credit Industry and develop the careers of all Credit Professionals. As these organisations support your Institute and your Industry please consider them when you require assistance.