News

Murray member milestones

22 July 2021

 

VACC President, Mark Awramenko, VACC CEO, Geoff Gwilym and VACC Industry Policy Advisor, Michael McKenna hit the road recently to mark the milestones of some of the Chamber’s longest-standing regional members.

First visit was to 50-year member-business, Mustica Motors in Cobram, where they were welcomed by owner, Chris Mustica. The business was founded by Chris’ father, Neville, the son of Italian migrants. Neville had been working as a mechanic for Alan Marxsen Motors, a Leyland dealer, and was given the opportunity to buy the dealership on a ‘handshake deal’ in 1969. Originally located in the centre of town, he and his wife eventually relocated the business to the Murray Valley Highway in 1984. Priding itself as a family affair, Chris and his brother Brendan both started out as apprentices. While Brendan left to pursue a career in automotive overseas, Chris stayed on and has been involved in the business 36 years and counting – he and his wife Annette buying it from his parents in 2008.

The successful enterprise has faced its fair share of challenges along the way. Mustica Motors was one of the 180 dealers that lost their Holden franchise when the marque made the decision to leave Australian shores in 2020. It disappointed Chris that, due to pandemic restrictions, dealerships were unable to eyeball the management at the time and put a case forward for local dealership presence and retention.

Additionally, it astounds Chris that motor vehicle manufacturing was permitted to up and leave Australia. He put to the table: Should Australia consider manufacturing vehicles again given the continued restrictions with COVID-19 and international delays? A loaded subject, Geoff maintained that only electric vehicles could be considered in that case. However, an even greater challenge would be convincing Australians to buy home-grown vehicles again, especially when the aspirational buyer still dreams of the likes of Audi or BMW.

The Mustica family being Nissan dealers since 1974 and Holden dealers for 29 years, the conversation quickly turned to the impact of electric and hybrid vehicles, especially in regional Victoria. The consensus was that it will be a less brand-driven market in future, with the next generation of drivers regarding their vehicle as more of a commodity – rather than a prized asset.

Before hitting the road, President Awramenko thanked the team again for their support and contribution to the Chamber and their local community, presenting them with a 50-year certificate.

Koondrook was the next stop for VACC – more than 300 kilometers north-west of VACC House in Melbourne and home to 75-year member, Molin Motorcycle & Marine. Originally Molin’s Garage, the business was founded by Arthur and Thelma Molin in 1963. Nowadays, it is run by their son, Geoff and his son, Paul, who takes care of the day-to-day administrative, sales and repair side of the business.

Like the automotive industry it serves, the business has evolved since it first opened its doors. The original workshop was rebuilt before being leased, and the team eventually moved into the current premises – down the road – in 2003. The business service offerings have also expanded but the main reason behind the move was space. "(Well) we said we'd build a big one so we wouldn't have to put anything outside. (Now) half the stuff is outside," admitted Geoff Molin.

Sitting down with the team, VACC CEO Geoff Gwilym wanted to learn more about the business’ local clientele and ability to attract staff. Paul explained that originally customers predominantly worked in the rail or timber industry. Today, the business largely relies on tourist traffic, the timber mill, dairy farming, and other farming sectors to support its day-to-day operations. "And the sawmill is still in the middle of town. One-hundred and thirty-eight years," added Geoff Molin. The scope of work has changed too. "In the old days, (we’d) pull cars apart and rebuild the engine," said Geoff. However, if someone came to him today, wanting a rebuild? "(I'd say), throw a new one in." He maintains that it is simply not viable to repair engines like that anymore.

Overall, times are buoyant, but supply chain issues remain a challenge. Echoing reports from across the Australian retail sector, the business’ stock orders are running behind. For new boats and agricultural bikes, the wait can be over a year. The team are feeling it and customers can be impatient, but they maintain that the good reputation of the business locally makes a big difference.

The team has also felt the direct impact of the industry’s skills shortage. Chamber research shows a current skills gap of 31,140 automotive positions nationally. VACC continues to lobby the Morrison Government to expand its Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List but, for the time being at least, it comes down to taking what labour is available. "You've just got to," says Geoff. "Everyone I speak too, whether it be Echuca, Bendigo, whoever, it's the same – we can't get staff."

Typical of most country families, the bonds are tight and Paul’s son, Ash, helps out. A great asset to the business, Geoff recalls him always “mucking around with (machines)" growing up. Currently a second-year carpentry apprentice, Ash is still weighing up his options and considering his trade aspirations. As apprenticeships and engaging the next generation remain a primary objective of the Chamber, he was able to provide the group with some insight into the younger generation’s perception of the trade.

“From my point of view, I am quite happy in the current environment (but) a lot of other people say, “No, get out on site,” said Ash. Another factor is wages, with automotive apprenticeships paying a lower rate compared to other trades.

Thanking the Molin family again for their loyalty to the Chamber and valuable industry insights, Geoff, Mark and Michael headed back to Melbourne with a lot to think about.

In summary, while there is still work to be done, the member-visits proved once again that the energy and drive of VACC’s regional members is alive and well.

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