2024 Honour Roll Inductees

Almondco
Retiring Director

Andrew is regarded as a leading authority on almond growing. He is a distinguished member of the Almond Board of Australia Hall of Fame.

Following his father, Eric a founding member of Almondco, Andrew has devoted over five decades to profoundly shaping the almond industry.

With 50 years’ experience as a grower, Andrew’s influence extends well beyond the orchard, pioneering the cultivation of new almond varieties, and modernising farming practices and irrigation technologies.

Joining the Almondco board in 1994, Andrew has served as a director, deputy chairman and on many board committees. His leadership and business acumen helped Almondco evolve into one of the most respected almond marketers and processors globally.

Passionate about upholding Almondco’s co-operative ethos, Andrew has stood for returns for growers and safeguarding their collective interests. His extensive knowledge has been an invaluable resource for the co-op’s continuous improvement.

Andrew’s contributions honour his father’s legacy and underscore his impact on horticulture. Andrew’s vision and leadership have paved the way for a bright future for almond growers and producer co-ops in Australia.

MDA National
Retiring CEO

After a decade of outstanding leadership, Ian steps down having guided MDA National through significant transformations, building a strong team poised to lead the organisation into its centenary year. 

Under Ian’s stewardship, MDA National has remained committed to its mission of providing medico-legal advice, support services, and professional indemnity insurance to over 54,000 medical practitioners across Australia.  

A champion of aligning with the values of the broader mutual sector, Ian worked closely with the BCCM and the International Cooperative and Mutual Insurance Federation (ICMIF) to enhance the organisation’s mutual value. This has reinforced MDA National’s commitment to protecting members and fostering supportive relationships throughout their careers. 

With a career spanning over three decades, Ian’s impact on the healthcare industry and his leadership at MDA National have made a lasting impression. His dedication to member-focused service, innovation, and sustainable growth has ensured MDA National’s continued success as it approaches its 100th anniversary. 

Australian Mutuals Foundation
Former Chair

Brian’s impact on co-operatives and mutuals spans five decades. His journey began in 1971 at the NSW Registry of Credit Unions and by 1980, he was the youngest general manager of a credit union in Australia, leading the University of New South Wales Staff Credit Union.

Throughout the 1980s and 90s, Brian worked for Transrail Credit Union where he was instrumental in founding Combined Financial Processing, which provided computer services to 45 credit unions across New South Wales. As CEO of Encompass Credit Union, Brian oversaw significant growth and a merger with Select Credit Union.

Brian co-founded the Australian Mutuals Foundation, a charity dedicated to supporting disadvantaged children in Australia and fostering credit union development in Asia. The foundation’s partnership with Barnardos Australia and its efforts to raise over $2 million to assist communities affected by bushfires and floods highlight his commitment to social responsibility.

Michael Lawrence, CEO of the Customer Owned Banking Association said, “Brian has devoted his life to the mutual sector, both in terms of his career successes and his quest to give back, which is evident in his passionate involvement with AMF, where he has been critical to its establishment and ongoing achievements.”

Bank First
Outgoing Chair

Thirty-one years ago, as Bernie prepared to embark on a journey to Minneapolis, USA, as an international teaching fellow, she moved her banking to a “bank for teachers”.

It was a decision that would profoundly shape her professional journey. Years later, Bernie came across a board internship position of that same bank. In 2010 she became the inaugural board intern of the Victorian Teachers Credit Union. She was elected a director a year later and Chair in 2015, a role she held until her retirement this year.

Bernie has been instrumental to ensuring Bank First adapts to the changing landscape, with the launch of mobile banking in 2011, the introduction of a banking app in 2014, and rebranding to Bank First in 2017. Under her guidance, the bank expanded its market to include nurses and allied health professionals and appointed its first female CEO in 2020.

Bernie’s leadership has driven the growth of Bank First, doubling of its assets, loans and deposits, and also fostered a deep commitment to the communities it serves. Community investments include over $870,000 in Victorian schools, $300,000 in scholarships for education and nursing and a partnership with Pinchapoo to address hygiene poverty in hospitals.

Bernie leaves a notable legacy. In the words of her colleagues, Bernie has broken through barriers as a passionate role model for the importance of mutuals in caring for those who are busy caring for others.

People First Bank
Deputy Chair

Kerry will retire as Deputy Chairman of People First Bank in November, concluding a remarkable 33-year commitment to the mutual sector.

He joined the board of the Heritage Building Society in Toowoomba in 1991 and dedicated two decades of service before being appointed Deputy Chairman in 2011, the same year the organisation rebranded as Heritage Bank. Kerry’s leadership continued through the merger with People’s Choice Credit Union in March 2023, forming People First Bank.

Kerry’s influence extends beyond banking; contributing to the business community as Managing Director of Betros Bros, a family business based in the Darling Downs and serving on various boards including as director of St Vincent’s Private Hospital.

Kerry has been recognised for his service to the community and the banking sector. He was awarded the Centenary Medal for distinguished service in 2001, received an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Business from the University of Southern Queensland in 2019, and was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2021 for his contributions to banking, the retail food industry, and the community. In 2023 he was the University of Southern Queensland Alumnus of the Year.

Kerry’s unwavering commitment to member-owned banking has helped redefine the identity of finance mutuals setting a standard for excellence and service that will benefit future generations of members.

RACQ
Director

Nigel Alexander is Chairman of RACQ Insurance Limited and Club Insurance Holdings Pty Ltd, and Chair of the Group Remuneration and Nomination Committee. Nigel is also President of the Australian Automobile Association and Region 2 (Asia Pacific) Treasurer of the Federation Internationale De L’Automobile and Chairman of UnitingCare Queensland. He is also a director of QIC Agribusiness Holdings Pty Ltd and various private companies. In 2016 he retired as CEO of The North Australian Pastoral Company Pty Ltd.

He is an agribusiness specialist and qualified accountant and has previously worked in corporate finance roles with both Australian and international banks.

RACT
Former President and Chair

Kathryn joined the Board of RACT in 2006, bringing a wealth of experience in finance and governance from her roles in infrastructure and industry.

As one of the pioneering female directors at RACT she played a crucial role in the organisation’s development over her 17-year tenure, which has shaped RACT into the sustainable, modern mutual it is today.

Kathryn’s influence led to significant changes at RACT, particularly in transitioning toward joint venture models. Serving as president from 2016 to 2021 and vice president from 2010 to 2016, Kathryn’s dedication and commitment have left a lasting mark on the organisation expanding its purpose beyond motoring to support the development of resilient, connected communities.

Kathryn stepped down from the RACT Board on the day of acquisition of Tasmania’s only insurance underwriter, RACT Insurance. This milestone is a testament to the solid foundation she helped create.

Kathryn has passionately supported RACT members, road safety initiatives, and the organisation’s role in Tasmania’s future prosperity.

Kathryn chairs Blue Line Laundry, a member-based charity dedicated to creating meaningful employment for individuals of diverse abilities, cultures, and backgrounds.

Mark Mugnaioni, CEO of RACT said, “Kathryn has been fearless in her pursuit of excellence, leading truly transformational change within RACT for the benefit of all Tasmanians.”

Capricorn Society
Group CEO

David Fraser, Group CEO and former CEO of Automotive at Capricorn Society Ltd, is retiring this year, leaving a remarkable legacy in the co-operative and mutual sector.

With over 38 years in the automotive industry, David’s leadership has been pivotal in driving Capricorn’s growth. In the 2024 financial year Capricorn achieved $3.73 billion in member purchases and a $92.3 million member value return. The organisation now has 30,000 members across Australia and New Zealand.

David’s commitment to the co-operative principles, collective action and shared ownership has guided Capricorn’s strategy ensuring that member interests remain paramount.

His contributions extend beyond Capricorn. He is a councillor of the Co-operatives Federation of WA and chairs the Western Australian Motor Industry Foundation. In 2022 David was inducted into the AAAA Hall of Fame.

After five years dedicated service to the BCCM board, David stepped down as a director in September 2024.

David’s commitment to future leaders is exemplified by his role in the Capricorn Rising Stars program, celebrating outstanding apprentices.

David embodies the qualities of dedication, loyalty, and selflessness that inspire future generations of co-operative leaders. I invite David to the stage to receive his award.