Three new members have joined the board

The Australia Collision Industry Alliance (ACIA) has welcomed three new board members to strengthen the skills and experience of those leading the not-for-profit organisation, which promotes careers in the collision industry.
These appointments are on a casual basis pending endorsement by a member vote at the next AGM.
Anne McClure of McClure Refinishing in Northern Queensland; Tracey Richards of Geoff Richards Panel Beating in Dubbo, New South Wales; and Paul McMartin of Sydney Automotive Paint and Equipment have recently been appointed to the board.
“As a second-generation business owner, I know how vital it is to prepare the next generation for the future,” Paul said.
“The entire industry needs to get behind ACIA to ensure that future is a successful one.
“Many of our team are former tradespeople, and the same is true across other collision industry suppliers.
“If you haven’t joined ACIA yet, now is the time – if we want a skilled workforce for tomorrow, we need to act today.”
Anne McClure has volunteered at many ACIA careers events helping to spread the word about the opportunities this industry offers.
“As an industry we’ve been slow to position collision repair as a viable career path and that’s left us playing catch up against other industries,” Anne said.
“We’ve seen trade schools and RTOs in several states remove automotive repair and refinish from their programs, often citing a lack of enrolments.
“Yet when we attend career events under the ACIA banner, it’s clear that students are interested in our trade – they just need to know it exists.
“I joined the ACIA board to help change that. We need to invest in apprentices and ensure this industry is recognised as a rewarding, viable career path that young people can be proud of.”
Tracey Richards was one of the first collision repairers to join ACIA.
“Joining the ACIA Board was a natural step for me because I care deeply about the future of our industry,” Tracey said.
“Our family business in Dubbo has always supported young people – from hosting school work experience to trade visits, which our son Lewis now leads.
“With experienced tradespeople retiring and technology evolving rapidly, we’re at a turning point.
“ACIA is focused on attracting and supporting apprentices, and I’m proud to be part of a group that’s taking real action.
“Even from regional New South Wales, I’m committed to doing my part and encourage other business owners to become members, get involved, and help shape the future of our trade.”
Anne, Tracey, and Paul join Rob Bartlett of SupplySide, Stuart Faid of AMA Collision, Sarah Moynihan of Fortress Collision, and Jason Trewin of I-CAR on the ACIA board.

To find out more about ACIA or to join, please visit www.theacia.com.au