PPSR practicalities

Anthony Mackwell (Tony) FICM

from Victorian Managed Insurance Authority

(VMIA), 25 years of AICM membership

How did you get into credit?

I initially started off in the banking sector and then I worked for a domestic building warranty insurer, Tony Mackwell MICM called HGFL. I started off as a claims officer and then in a recoveries role. Meanwhile, I completed my associate diploma of credit management and worked at the Housing Guarantee Fund for 16 years. I then worked as a credit manager at Reece Group for 7 years and I’m now back with one of the current domestic building warranty insurers, VMIA.

What do you enjoy about your job?

I enjoy being a mentor for the younger members of our team and watching their careers grow.

What do you enjoy about the AICM?

I’ve been on council for over 11 years and really enjoyed being able to enhance young people’s careers in any way possible, and that was the reason why I went on council. On council my portfolios were young credit professional awards (YCPA), sponsorship and CCE, as well as being the National YCPA Coordinator, a Division President and represented the Division as a Director on the National Board. I was also privileged to be the Master of Ceremonies at Vic/Tas AICM dinners and award nights, for several years.

What challenges are you seeing and future thoughts?

We had a record number of certificates issued for builds in 2021. We assist the homeowner in getting their works completed just in case the builder goes bust. In 2022, builders are going to face a lot of challenges, including timber shortages and staffing issues.

What advice would you give young credit professionals?

Any young members under the age of 30 should apply for YPCA because, through my experience, it’s amazing to see what their profile and CV looks like after going through the application process and/or winning the award. The younger people will get a shock at how experienced they are and how they can expand their careers.

Tell us a little bit about yourself?

I’m originally from NZ, so I’m heavily involved in sailing. I’m a crew member on a yacht and we compete down in Hastings in Western Port Bay.

Councillor update

The lovely Alan Izra from McMahon Fearnley Lawyers is stepping down to spend more time with his family. Alan has been a fantastic contributor on council and always shares law updates in an easy to understand manner. Thank you Alan, you will be missed! Alan Izra

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. Our amazing MC Balveen Saini with a full house of WINC attendees.

Natalie Hodges (NCI) with Shalini Arora (Sol Distribution). Jacinta Highfield (Equifax) and Wendy Yip (Verstone).

President’s Report

Firstly, my thoughts and prayers go out to any NSW (or other) flood affected members. It has been devastating to witness firsthand the damages to so many and it appears we are not over it yet, as I write this NSW is being told to brace themselves for another week of heavy rain.

Aside from Fires, Floods and Flu NSW has been able to add another “F” word to the 2022 vocabulary…. “FUN”. NSW Council has been successful in hosting 3 events this quarter: WINC, Economic Breakfast and the Social Networking Night at Archie Brothers.

It has been such a nice sight to see so many members come together and catch up on missed times and genuinely having some fun.

The NSW council is currently going through some small changes: l Arthur Tchetchenian has stepped down from council to focus on work, I would like to thank Arthur for his contributions to date especially within the

Membership portfolio. l Kimberly Watts is starting maternity leave to welcome in baby #4! We wish you all the very best and look forward to meeting bubs!

This does however open the door to anyone who is interested in coming along to check out what council is all about or to lend a hand with upcoming events/committees. If interested, please reach out to: theresa.brown@optus.com.au

Alexis Wolfe (Endometriosis Australia), Debbie Leo (AICM Director), Mandi Gunsberger (Speaker), Theresa Brown (NSW President), Balveen Saini (NSW Councillor and WINC MC).

The NCI team out in force to support WINC - Rebecca Bishop, Jacqui Ross, Anthea Ladeyuowa, Natalie Hodges, Janet Fenech (Atradius), Michelle Cann, Georgina Facchin, Kate McGrath and Eliza Mackenzie.

NSW council is looking forward to seeing you at the upcoming Risk Seminar scheduled for 12 April – registrations are now open.

– Theresa Brown MICM CCE NSW Division President

WINC, 25 February

The Women in Credit Luncheons (WINC) are our renowned networking event where credit professionals meet to connect, recognise, and share the stories and achievements of exceptional women. AICM are committed to recognising and progressing women in the credit industry and strive to provide more opportunities to enhance careers. The much-anticipated WINC that was postponed from last year was worth the wait. The 2022 Luncheon on Friday 25 February was truly inspiring, educational, and entertaining. It was held at Dockside in Darling Harbour, and it was a packed event with almost 200 attendees. This year our MC was Balveen from BBW Lawyers.

Endometriosis is a health issue that impacts so many women around us. It is often misunderstood and not spoken about, like many other ‘women’s issues. This event was a great chance to raise awareness and funds for Endometriosis Australia.

Debbie Leo from Equifax shared her own personal experience which resonated with so many in the room. It was humbling to have such a powerful story shared amongst colleagues, members, and friends. There were more than a few teary eyes amongst the audience as we could relate to or just appreciate the strength of this woman on stage.

What made this more even more powerful was that Alexis Wolfe, the CEO of Endometriosis Australia was there to share in the support and build on the importance of raising awareness and speaking about Endometriosis.

The keynote speaker was Mandi Gunsberger, the founder and CEO of Babyology from 2007-2017, the number one media company for Australian parents. Mandi started the business in her living room and spent ten years building and running the digital media publishing company. The story of how her blog grew to a business and household name was remarkable. Some of the key messages we heard from Mandi were around how nothing happens overnight and need for businesses to continually pivot.

Another interesting point the Credit Managers in the room could relate to, was the importance of cash-flow and Mandi’s story about those difficulties were a valuable insight for our members. Mandi was so open and honest in sharing the mistakes and lessons she learnt that the audience could understand how hard she worked. It was also nice to hear about how she rewarded the family after selling the business with 15 months in Tuscany!

We had just enough time to question Mandi on her experience before moving onto what seemed like a never-ending series of raffles.

Thanks so much to our generous sponsors and audience for their raffle donations! Michelle Cann from NCI, along with our NSW Council President Theresa Brown had a lot of fun handing out all the prizes. After the event many moved onto the nearby bars to socialise with colleagues and friends amongst the AICM. It was the perfect start to the weekend.

Natalie Trajcevski, Melissa Girarantano, Tracy Usher (all CCSG) and Nidhi Lamba (Downer).

Melanie Cochrane (Equifax) with Aleks Glisic (Athena).

NSW 2022 Economic Breakfast 16 March

This year’s Economic Breakfast was held at the Rydges Hotel in the CBD. Fortunately, there was good coffee and breakfast (especially for the avocado fans) to

Michael Murray (Electrolux) with Ivelina Paneva (AON).

A proud Tony Pilimon (Rexel) receives his newly minted CCE from NSW Division CCE Chair Grant Morris. Fiona Reynolds of our event sponsor Turks welcomes attendees to the Economic Breakfast.

Libby Simpson (New Balance) with Beth Gray (BG Collections).

wake-up the drowsy eyes and get attention focussed on our speaker, Mark Thirlwell, Chief Economist at the Australian Institute of Company Directors. It was a popular event and was particularly well attended by CCEs who were offered complimentary attendance as recognition of their importance to our Institute.

Mark’s presentation was informative and interesting. The content included valuable insights on emerging trends. If there is one message that resonated a lot, it was how the market has continually been Daniel Turk (Turks) with Barbara Cestaro, Geraldine Case (both AON) and Michael O’Donnell (Panasonic). Christopher Wheatley, Julia Fawcett (Noumi), John Field (Reworq), Ian Smallman (Clarian Consulting), Fabian Sommariva (Allegis Group) and David Jovanov (ARMA).

30 year membership certificate recipients: Andrew Le Marchant (AICM), John Field (Reqorq Consulting), Peter Morgan (NSW Director) and Bruce Bills (Metcash).

surprised by the scale of actions by the Reserve Bank over the past 2 years. COVID has reminded us that a key competence businesses need is to be adaptable.

Following the economic presentation our MC David Hunt introduced several members to receive membership tenure awards so there were smiles all round.

Thank you to Fiona Reynolds representing our sponsor Turks for putting on such an informative event.

Members in spotlight

Julia Fawcett MICM CCE

NOUMI

Good people bring out the good in other people. Julia is one such person. A long-time AICM member and CCE, one of her daughters is now CEO of Endometriosis Australia. Many of us met her daughter Alexis at the WINC event which raised much needed funds for endometriosis education programs, and research. Julia explained to me how Alexis wanted to give back. Her upbringing and nurturing mother clearly had a part in making her the woman she is today. Julia Fawcett MICM CCE

Julia is another credit manager who ‘fell’ into the role. Initially working in banks where she chased overdue loans and built a knowledge of the lending industry, the early 1990s recession saw her contract expire. A friend offered the chance to do cheques for a little while and that turned into 11 years at Active Hire, now Alcott Hire. By the end of that Julia was a Credit Manager. Julia has worked in several different businesses over the years, but Credit has been the mainstay.

Her loyalty to her latest employer is strong. We joked about how she ‘tidied up’ the shelves at Woolies when she saw her businesses products out of place.

She tells me one of the best things she did was joining the AICM. The conferences were great, the ability to build up knowledge first-hand was there and the networking has proven itself invaluable. She also sat the exams and became a CCE.