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PETER RYAN INDUCTED INTO THE ACT SPORT "HALL OF FAME"


Peter Ryan, of R & R Fabricare, Queanbeyan fame, writes: "After being retired from Rugby for 40 years (ouch), I was recently inducted into the ACTSPORT Hall of Fame. This was a great surprise and thrill, and we enjoyed a lovely lunch and presentation at the Bradman Room, Manuka Oval here in Canberra last August, with 30 family and friends. The Award is something for the Pool Room!"

Joy Burch MLA, Member for Brindabella, opened the ACT-SPORT Hall of Fame luncheon, held in honour of the contribution made to the ACT by David Furner (rugby league), Ante Juric (football), Katrina Powell (hockey), Peter Ryan (rugby union), Sian Mulholland (cycling) and the late Alison Ide OAM (tennis and veterans athletics).

"I would like to acknowledge the significant contribution that these six people have made to the ACT and to their particular sports," Ms Burch said. "They have each served to inspire many Canberrans into participating in sport and enjoying the many benefits this brings.

"The six athletes nominated to the Hall of Fame have done a lot to help shape the identify of our community. Their achievements help to contribute to our proud tag as Australia's most active state or territory.

"In the ACT we have a fantastic reputation for producing many of Australia's elite athletes across a diverse range of sports. This is a credit not only to the athletes themselves, but to countless administrators, volunteers, coaches and officials whose contribution is equally valuable.

"I congratulate ACTSPORT on their Hall of Fame initiative. The ACT Government is proud to have provided ACTSPORT with just over $1.5m in funding from the Sport and Recreation Grants program since 2001 to help them run initiatives such as this."

Previous inductees to the Hall of Fame are among the most recognisable names in Australian sport and include Mal Meninga, Joanne Brown, David Campese and Robert de Castella.

Great to see a member of one of drycleaning's foremost famiies recognised so publicly for achievements in other arenas. Peter's brothers include Brendan (formerly a President of TRLA (A) Ltd) and Lynton (formerly a President of DIA Ltd.) Their father Alan Ryan was also TRLA NSW and National President, and Mark has been President of DIA ACT. A very active, industry conscious family.



DAVID AUBREY RETURNING TO EUROPE
 
David and Kristine Aubrey have been such a fixture across the Australian laundry scene that it is hard to imagine an event without them. However, David Aubrey has been offered and has accepted a new position and challenge within the Jensen Group in Europe. So, as of the first week in April 2010, David will relinquish his role as General Manager of Jensen Laundry Systems Australia Pty. Ltd. David would be the first to admit that it was only with the selfless support of his wife Kristine and her being at his side so far from their children and grand children, that made his task possible these past five years. Nevertheless, the decision to return to Belgium was not an easy one for David or Kristine, who not only enjoyed their time in Australia, but thoroughly embraced the Australian lifestyle.

David Aubrey arrived in Australia in May 2005 to take on the role of General Manager of the newly formed company, Jensen Australia Pty. Ltd. His depth of industry knowledge and experience in Europe, combined with his innate professionalism and understanding of systems, was an enormous asset to Jensen in stamping the company ethos across the new company. David’s tireless support of the industry associations and events, and his efforts to get to know as many launderers as he could, right across Australia, certainly resulted in a very solid foundation, and today Jensen is a seamless part of the Australian industry landscape. I know many launderers have appreciated David’s curiosity and determination to really understand their individual business.

Kaj Andersen paid tribute to David in the official announcement which graces the back cover of the Jan/Feb issue of the NATIONAL. “I am sure you will join with me in thanking David Aubrey for his loyal and solid service he has provided to the Australian market and would also like to thank his wife Kristine for supporting him in doing this. We wish them both well in their future endeavours. and wish him well in his future endeavours. I feel sure the new General Manager of Jensen Australia will come as no surprise to any of you: Nick Soteri. Nick, who is well known throughout the laundry industry, of which he has many years experience, will doubtless fill the position of General Manager as successfully and professionally as he has filled his role as National Sales Manager. With Damien Eaves as his partner you may be sure Australia will continue to be well served by Jensen Group. I will still be the Managing Director of the company, which comes under the auspices of Jensen Asia. The Jensen Group has every confidence in Nick and wish him success in his new role, and we trust the Australian laundry industry will continue to support both him and Jensen Australia as you have done in the past.”

Having enjoyed a close friendship and professional relationship with David and Kristine Aubrey, I spoke with David this week and he said “I wish to thank everyone in the Australian Laundry Industry for their friendship and the warm and open manner in which you all accepted both my wife, Kristine, and me, into your industry. Australia has been an experience we will never forget. We have been able to see so much of your beautiful country over the past 5 years in our visits to customers, many of whom have become friends, and various journeys we have made. We have always and without fail been welcomed with open arms. We have also learnt to say “Chrissie pressie”, “barbie” and “arvo’ – and I knew I had been accepted when I was called “Dave-o”.” Kristine added that it was really the lure of grand-children that was calling them back to Belgium, and they had begun to think of Australia as home, particularly when faced with the harsh weather which inevitably accompanied their Christmas visits home!

Good bye and good luck to the Aubreys.

We congratulate Nick Soteri on his new role and hope to feature a chat with him in a future SPIN.

Peter's son Mark
Speaking of which, Mark Ryan, (Peter and June's son), is currently the last Ryan in the industry of his generation, so it is very important and valuable to him to keep the name going.
Mark writes "I plan to rebrand R&R Fabricare this year and put up old pictures and memoribilia that tell the family story in the call office. So far my customers love it, and most comment how you "don''t see that much anymore." To update you, please check out my new site www.rrfabricare.com

I hope one or more of my boys feel the same way one day. By the way, all are growing into happy, healthy kids. Joshua started Year 1 this year, Bryce is now in preschool and Lucas is 18 months and a bundle of fun.

"Cheers for now, and I will keep you posted on my story as it unfolds. All my uncles and aunties have given me their blessing and are very happy about it."