South Australia

Gemma McGrice (Councillor) with Quentin Yip (NCI).

Merna Spain (Brice Metals) with Alice Carter (Lynch Meyer).

President’s Report

2021 marked another difficult year under the pandemic in SA, your strong committee are planning for increased events and face to face activities. We will be hosting a number of exciting events in 2022 and are looking forward to a bigger and better year! Last year’s Pinnacle Awards, held on 25 November at the Havelock Hotel, was well attended with many familiar faces and some new faces in the credit industry. The Pinnacle Awards presented a great opportunity to recognise the achievements of leaders in credit and was a nice time to catch up with colleagues before the Christmas break.

The winners of the SA Division of the Pinnacle Awards were as follows: z Credit Manager of the Year: Andrew Butterworth

MICM – Elders Rural Services; z Senior Credit Officer of the Year: Angela Turnock,

Newtons Building & Landscape Supplies; and z Consultant of the Year: Maria Scacchitti MICM – NCI

Commercial Collections.

I take this opportunity to congratulate our welldeserving winners and look forward to seeing the achievements that our wonderful credit professionals will produce in this coming year.

I thank Cameron Henderson from Oakbridge Lawyers for putting forward his nomination for the ultimate prize: 2021 National Young Credit Professional of the Year. He was the nomination for the SA division but was unsuccessful. However, congratulations on putting forward such a strong application and a great interview – well done Cameron!

The SA Division Council is excited to see some new faces stepping into Councillor roles and I look forward to the energy and enthusiasm that they are sure to bring to their new responsibilities.

In addition, I welcome Oakbridge Lawyers as our new division partner. Their participation in the AICM is very much appreciated.

Our current team is certainly up to the task of supporting our SA members but we welcome any members who are willing to assist – either on Council

Eddie Bastiani (Oakbridge Lawyers) with Clare Venema (SA Division Vice President).

Trevor Goodwin (National President), Karen Goodwin and Daryl McKenzie (NCI).

Members and guests await the announcement of the awards.

Neil Fennell (SA Division President), Lisa Anderson and Lee Freundt (both Coopers Brewery).

or working in a sub-committee. Please feel free to contact either myself or any SA Division Council member.

I look forward to seeing you at one of the marketing events in 2022 which will start shortly at the Adelaide Fringe Festival. I wish you all a better and more optimistic year ahead.

– Neil Fennell MICM SA Division President

SA Breakfast Session Tips for customers when they go into liquidation

James Neate (Councillor), Andrew Butterworth (Elders Rural Services), Alice Carter (Lynch Meyer) and Rob Maslin (Elders Rural Services).

On 6 October 2021, the SA Division held a breakfast session at the Lion Hotel in North Adelaide, to hear a timely discussion from excellent speakers about tips for customers when they go into liquidation.

President Neil Fennell, and Vice President Clare Venema were the MCs for the event and were also in the company of AICM fellows and life members from the Division who were in attendance, namely James Devonish from Oakbridge Lawyers, James Neate from Lynch Meyer Lawyers, and Trevor Goodwin from NCI.

Chris Pittman, Chief Financial Officer of Leader Lawyers, who gave attendees a run-down on Tools for Computers kicked off the presentations, speaking Insolvency. Finally, Travis Olsen, Associate Director at about Tools to Help with Bankruptcy. This was followed SV Partners provided his perspective as an insolvency by James Devonish, Managing Director at Oakbridge practitioner.

Our 2021 award recipients – Clare Venema (SA Division Vice President), Angela Turnock (Newtons Building & Landscaping Supplies), Maria Scacchitti (NC), Andrew Butterworth (Elders Rural Services) and Neil Fennell (SA Division President).

Claire Venema (SA Division Vice President) with Gemma McGrice (Councillor). James Neate (Councillor) listens intently to Adrian Stewart (Australian Clutch Services).

The speeches were followed by a panel discussion by the 3 speakers, who gave their perspectives on questions such as “what sort of questions should I be asking at a creditors meeting?” and “does having a security interest help in an unfair preference scenario?”.

The perspectives given from the speakers were extremely valuable and incited conversation, and the SA Division is extremely grateful for their time and continued dedication towards the professional development of its members.

SA Pinnacle Awards

On 25 November 2021, the SA Division celebrated the credit profession’s shining stars at the 2021 Pinnacle Awards, held at the Havelock Hotel.

President Neil Fennell and Vice President Clare Venema were the MCs for the event, and handed out awards for Consultant of the Year, Senior Credit Officer of the Year, and Credit Manager of the Year. The finalists for Consultant of the Year were Eddie Bastiani, Senior Consultant from Oakbridge Lawyers, and Maria Scacchitti, Credit Services Consultant from NCI Commercial Collectors.

The judges commented that Eddie showed a real client-centric focus and passion for responding to clients’ needs in a timely and efficient manner, and that Maria shone with her experience, motivation and understanding of credit industry needs. Maria ultimately took home the prize, having shown a continuous strive for professionalism and improvement, and that she was result-orientated and always seeks the best final outcome for her clients. Both contestants are true stars, and a huge congratulations for Maria for winning this year’s award.

The winner of Senior Credit Officer of the Year went to Angela Turnock, who is a Credit Controller at Newtons Building and Landscape Supplies. Angela had demonstrated that she is an exceptional credit officer,

Clare Venema (SA Division Vice President) announces the award with Gemma McGrice and Maria Schacchitti (both NCI).

Mira Abu Shama, Monique Milic and Eddie Bastiani (all Oakbridge Lawyers).

having achieved outstanding results with a strong work ethic and is passionate about her growing credit knowledge and improving her role for the benefit of the company and clients, with the judges commenting that it is clear that Angela is motivated with her career and is an asset to her organisation.

The SA Division had amazing finalists for the Credit Manager of the Year award, all having submitted outstanding applications.

The first finalist was Andrew Butterworth, Regional Credit Manager at Elders Rural Services. Andrew showed a great deal of experience, knowledge and passion, with great staff engagement and that he fosters a positive working environment.

The second finalist was Lisa Anderson, Credit and Customer Service Manager at Coopers Brewery, who showed a great value for her team, and passion for leading by example to allow others to grow and perform at their best.

The third finalist was Rob Jackson, National Credit Manager at Beaumont Tiles, who showed leadership in navigating his team through the COVID-19 pandemic, leading a motivated and successful team as they came out on the other side.

The fourth finalist was Rachel Coomblas, National Credit Manager at Aspire 42. Rachel showed her leadership by having an “open door policy” and encouraging new ideas and drawing on the knowledge of her staff before implementing changes that could affect their day-to-day lives.

The winner of this award went to Andrew, having operated his business in a difficult COVID environment, and continued to grow and train his staff, whilst also actively educating his Board on credit matters.

Congratulations to all the winners and finalists – the event was a great success and gave the SA Division an opportunity to celebrate all of their achievements and continued dedication to the credit profession.

Quentin Yip (NCI) with Eddie Bastiani (Oakbridge Lawyers).

Gemma McGrice (Councillor) with Brianna Harris (Oakbridge Lawyers).

Spotlight on a Member Robert Jackson

Beaumont Tiles

The SA Division is proud to have a number of outstanding credit managers, who continue to inspire and lead its members. One of these outstanding professionals is Robert Jackson, National Credit Manager at Beaumont Tiles, and one of the finalists of this Robert Jackson year’s Pinnacle Awards for Credit Manager of the Year.

Robert has been involved with the AICM for about 20 years and is able to provide some valuable insights into what it takes to be a credit manager at the top of their game, and how being a member of the AICM has shaped their professional successes.

I had a chance to speak with Rob about his time with the AICM, and he provided some great insights, namely:

What is your biggest professional accomplishment to date?

It’s hard to pinpoint one accomplishment. It’s good to look back at my time at Schneider Electric and Hills, knowing I made a positive impact. I’m hoping to make a similar mark at Beaumont Tiles – so far so good!

What advice can you give to emerging credit professionals?

Never trust salespeople! No, I’m kidding (sort of). Seriously though, it’s important to develop good working relationships with the sales team. Develop a spirit of cooperation, not adversity. Every company has a different risk appetite. Do your research on applicants and customers, then present the facts to enable your employer to make an informed decision on risk. Check and double-check your security. Have a sound security agreement and guarantee. Use the PPSR. Keep your ear to the ground and act quickly when things start to sour (or sooner).

What has been your biggest professional challenge to date?

There’s been many challenges over the last 20 years but dealing with a redundancy in 2016 was the toughest. The number of National Credit Manager roles located in Adelaide have been in decline, so it’s great to back with a respected national brand like Beaumont Tiles.

What has being a member of the AICM done for you?

As an inexperienced Credit Manager in 2002, I was grateful for the education, the access to industry sponsors, and the networking opportunities provided by the AICM. The AICM has continued to lead the way for Credit Managers, helping us navigate new legislation and understand rulings on all credit-related matters. And I miss the National Conferences so much!

What are your favorite things to do outside of your profession?

I’ve picked 2022 to build a house for the first time. Probably terrible timing, but at least it will have a wine cellar (hello to my friends at Pernod Ricard). I’m also a dog person – Esther and Buddy keep me busy! And I’ve been known to yell at a footy game or two – Go Crom!

It is clear, that Robert is an asset to the SA Division, and truly deserving for the professional recognition of being a finalist at this year’s Pinnacle awards.

The Australian Institute of Credit Management welcomes our Partners for 2022

National Partners

Trusted Insights. Responsible Decisions.

Divisional Partners

Official Division Supporting Sponsors

Our National, Divisional and Professional 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.