23 November 2021
Three outstanding contributors to industry have been added to the BCCM Honour Roll for 2021, with their endeavours spanning motoring, insurance and banking.
The Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals recognises the exceptional leadership of:
- Bronwyn Morris AM, immediate past President of RACQ and current President of RACQ Foundation
- Rowan Dowland, Chief Development Officer, Bank Australia
- Russell Becker, Director, Capricorn Society (CSL)
The honours will be conferred at events this evening in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and online.
The BCCM Honour Roll is a virtual ‘hall of fame’ recognising outstanding leaders of the co-operative and mutual sector and acknowledging their contributions to their industries.
BCCM CEO Melina Morrison said: “This is our opportunity to recognise outstanding service and dedication to the co-operative and mutual sector.”
“Resilience, endurance, integrity, compassion and assistance are all qualities that we acknowledge in our Honour Award recipients. Co-operative and mutuals leaders have called upon these qualities to help them serve the needs of their millions of Australian members during the pandemic,” said Morrison. “This year we welcome three more exceptional people who have translated their passion for co-operatives and mutuals into a lifetime dedication to the sector.”
As past President of RACQ and current President of RACQ Foundation, Bronwyn Morris has served Queensland’s largest club during a period of great change, growth and success.
Joining the RACQ Board of Directors in 2009, she brought extensive business and financial expertise acquired from her governance roles and more than 20 years’ experience as a chartered accountant.
From 2017 to 2019 she served as the Queensland President of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, receiving her AM in the 2019 Australia Day Honours for her significant service to business.
Rowan Dowland has played a major role in the growth and success of Bank Australia and its predecessor credit unions.
He has been a leader in promoting the purpose and strengths of co-operatives and mutual enterprises in Australia through the customer owned banking movement.
He has also been a strong supporter of co-operative housing models, helping to develop financing options for co-operatively owned social, affordable and accessible housing.
Russell Becker has served for 16 years as a board member, four years as chair (2015-2019), of Capricorn Society (CSL), Australia’s largest co-operative in the automotive parts buying industry.
CSL operates across Australia and New Zealand and boasts total assets of $130 million.
Since joining the Board in 2005, Russell has seen membership expand from fewer than 10-thousand to almost 24-thousand today, with member purchases totalling $2.69 billion.
“All three recipients possess the sort of leadership qualities that make them most worthy inclusions on the Honour Roll,” said Morrison. “Their vision and dedication to the ideal of a democratically-run business serve not just their memberships but the broader communities in which they operate. Qualities called forth during this time of society-wide need.”
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