Page 18 - Australasian Paint & Panel May-June 2021

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News • In Focus
PAINT&PANEL MAY / JUNE 2021 WWW.PAINTANDPANEL.COM.AU
FAREWELL PUBLISHER HELEN DAVIES
AFTER MORE THAN 20 YEARS AS PUBLISHER OF PAINT & PANEL AS WELL AS MANY OTHER YAFFA MEDIA TITLES, HELEN DAVIES HAS RETIRED.
E WOULD LIKE TO PAY TRIBUTE
to Helen Davies, Paint & Panel
publisher as well as publisher of such diverse titles as Climate Control News, fashion magazine Ragtrader, Dance magazine, Toy & Hob- by and Food Service News. We asked Davies to reflect on her time at the helm. “For more than two decades I worked on Paint & Panel. During this time I saw many changes and challenges the industry had to face,” she said. “There were the marches down George Street in Sydney, NRMA court cases and the formation of national networks such as Gemini which became AMA Group,
Capital SMART and Repairhub.
“This meant the demise of many family run bodyshops while others grew, adapted and embraced the oppor-
tunities which come with change.
“I oversaw five editors across this pe- riod while we grew the brand. We launched our digital media, the L!VE conference, specialised group events, podcasts and virtual events were all part of the new media available during this period with print still underpin-
ning the brand.
“In the beginning when asked what
magazines I worked on the smash repair one was mentioned in hushed tones only to become one of my favourite sectors of all and I was happy to shout about it.
“I found the collision repair industry to have a real sense of community. Business owners were hungry to learn and grow and also share their business ideas.
“I leave you two great industry people Sam Street and Lynette Rochford who of course will continue the industry dialogue how this great sector is ramping up after a challenging year for everyone.
I look forward to seeing this industry continue to grow and maintain their unique sense of community,” Davies said. “I will enjoy the memories.”
Editor Sam Street said: “Helen has been my best ever publisher. She not only em- braced new ideas but was an innovator, coming up with plenty of her own. She has a deep understanding of and affection for the industry and has been instrumen- tal in calmly and efficiently making sure that all of our new ventures see the light of day. She will be sorely missed at Yaffa.”
Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association Stuart Charity said: “I first met Helen when we were planning to
launch the inaugural Collision Repair Expo in 2007 and found her to have an unrivaled knowledge of and connection into the collision repair sector.
“She also has a deep passion for the industry and she was always the first to swing her support and innovative ideas behind any initiatives that had the po- tential to benefit the industry. I would like to wish Helen great health and hap- piness in her well-earned retirement.
Julie Thomas from Car-O-Liner is one of Davies’ favourite industry leaders. “Words cannot adequately express the appreciation I feel for having known her. I hope everyone is lucky enough to
For more than two
decades I worked on Paint & Panel. During this time I saw many changes and challenges the industry had to face.”
know someone like Helen. Her ability to connect with people is something that cannot be taught,” Thomas said.
“I have always believed that people you meet are what makes the job we do worthwhile. Thanks for the memories it was such a pleasure getting to know you and thank you for being part of my sto- ry. Enjoy your retirement.”
Davies enjoyed the many Paint & Panel events and their success was a testament to her hard work and organisational skills.