Pirtek FLUID - September 2012

02 FLUID MAGAZINE sEptEMbEr 2012 I www.pirtek.com.au

Hi FolksIn a short few months we have managed to reach out to the majority of the Pirtek franchisee network and establish some valuable lines of communication.

The key ingredient to the success of this magazine, the new website, our social media plan and our internal and external communication strategies is - You!

We want to know what is going on in your area, happenings with your staff and customers and stories that you think should be shared with our ever-growing network.

It’s the stories that you and your customers want to hear about. Remember there is plenty going on and that builds excitement and opportunity around the Pirtek network.

As we build this communication program, it becomes a valuable asset for the entire franchisee network - as a group and individually.

Please do not hesitate to make contact with information and ideas, no matter how big or small - I can be contacted anytime at [email protected]

We hope you enjoy the first edition of Fluid and look forward to talking with many of you personally in the future.

EditorBen Beazley

indexCOVERIn this first edition of Pirtek’s Fluid magazine, we introduce our brand new website at www.pirtek.com.au.

We focus on the Pirtek BBQ for Prostate Cancer that was held last month, along with the annual Pirtek Fishing Challenge.

The season has come to an end for the Pirtek Parramatta Eels and we farewell a legend, along with welcoming a new era under Ricky Stuart as the new coach. All this and a whole host more!

21

10 14

12

5 Steve Dutton Welcome6-7 Cover Story - New website unveiled8-9 BBQ for Prostate Cancer held around Australia10-11 Fishing Challenge a success12-13 Ambrose Flashback14 Coffs Harbour partners with Tex & Bundy15 A Life-Giving gift at St Vincent’s Hospital16 Milperra doubles up in Franchise of the Year17 New Digs - Welshpool18 New Digs - Latrobe/Moorabbin19 New Digs - Malaga20 Ricky Stuart gets to work at the Eels21 The retirement of a great man22 Media Watch

FLUID MAGAZINE sEptEMbEr 2012 I www.pirtek.com.au 03

Las Vegas

Join uson the 10th

Anniversarytour in

See page 23 for details


Hi all,

I would like to welcome you to the first edition of Fluid – Pirtek’s new quarterly e-zine publication.

This document is part of a new communication, marketing and media strategy we have developed, which will help bring us in line with current technologies as well as helping us digest our daily news and information.

We have done this in association with the BAM Group, who have had a relationship with Pirtek since our involvement with V8 Supercars and Stone Brothers Racing more than 10 years ago.

The group has a good understanding of our business and people, and has some exciting developments in the pipeline, which will be a fantastic asset for all of us.

This will benefit both our franchisees and our valued customers.

While Fluid will have regular sections, we will also be creating unique new pieces from throughout the country – highlighting the experiences and stories of our franchisees and their staff and customers.

We will also be bringing you closer to our initiatives to highlight the Pirtek brand and products through our local and national sponsorship programs, and our commitment to give back to the community.

Fluid is designed to provide a regular behind-the-scenes look at our business, provide education on new products, be entertaining and informative and bring us all a little closer.

We also look at the fantastic on-going work of the Prostate Cancer Foundation and Pirtek’s involvement with this great organisation.

As the name suggests – Fluid is “liquid” in its format and we are excited about the input of its readers and all our stakeholders – it can be whatever you want it to be!

We hope you enjoy the first edition of Fluid and we look forward to your feedback and suggestions.

Regards,

Stephen DuttonGroup General ManagerPirtek Fluid Systems Pty Ltd

A New erA ONliNe

editorial


Pirtek together with its media and publicity partner BAM Media has developed an all-new www.pirtek.com.au website to better inform customers as well as service the 92 franchisees across the country.

Through months of planning and now through to its execution, Pirtek’s stance of industry leading standards has been applied to the website. All the key features and easy navigation is there, but also a personalised touch with images of each of our franchisees.

With information needing to be close at hand, a mobile version of the website is also available. This is especially important for sales and service representatives in the field, plus customers who can have the information at-hand.

“The new corporate website embraces all the latest in new technologies of the internet,” said General Manager of Sales & Marketing at Pirtek, Rod Chapman.

“It’s such a critical part of communicating for Pirtek that we had to ensure that we had everything covered.

“The full corporate site has everything required and the new mobile version will be something I know our franchisees and customers will welcome.”

The www.pirtek.com.au site will be constantly updated with product information and other news of Pirtek, the franchisees and the brand in the community.

As well as the main website, Pirtek has launched into the world of social media with our Facebook site at www.facebook.com/Pirtek.

“This social site continues to become an important platform for people to see the regular goings-on in the Pirtek world,” said Chapman.

“Such things as social events for franchisees, photo galleries, updates and on-going information about our sporting and community partnerships.

“Growing the Facebook page is very important and Pirtek encourages customers to ‘Like’ the page and spread the social message.”

Overall the new Pirtek website is set to become the company’s number one marketing tool to both new and existing customers.

It also becomes a hub of information for franchisees and their staff as we continue to grow both the Pirtek business and the brand.

While the new website and social program has been in the pipeline for several months, you can be assured it is a “work in progress” as we strive to deliver the best on-line product possible to everyone who requires it.

new website feature & social media

THe New-lOOK PirTeK : ON-liNe



PirTeK PrOSTATe CANCer BBQ


PirTeK PrOSTATe CANCer BBQPirtek’s 92-strong network of

franchisees joined together on Friday 14 September to raise

funds in the fight against prostate cancer.

Part of Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia’s ‘Big Aussie Barbie’ campaign, the nation’s leading provider of hydraulic and industrial hose products and services, threw the doors open across the country from 11.30am-3pm.

Barbeques were fired-up with Service and Supply centres offering visitors sausages and refreshments; all money raised through gold coin donations went directly to PCFA.

September is the perfect time for a barbecue with the arrival of spring, Father’s Day and the footy finals.

“Raising funds and awareness for Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia is something Pirtek and its franchisees have a strong commitment to,” said Pirtek General Manager of Sales & Marketing Rod Chapman.

“Pirtek has been holding these barbeques since 2009 and we have raised over $100,000.

“September is the arrival of spring and a perfect time to host a barbie and to raise funds for such a worthy cause is even better.

“The Service and Supply centres across the country really came alive as the Pirtek franchisees really put on a great event on the day.”

Pirtek Centres reported a greater response to the BBQ event this year - some raising double from previous years.


Anglers from across Australia have shared in $130,000 in cash and prizes in the fourth

year of the Pirtek Fishing Challenge.

The biggest tournament of its type in the Southern Hemisphere, this year’s Pirtek Fishing Challenge attracted 6500 entrants, up from 4000 in 2011.

The $20 entry fee from every competitor will go to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, meaning $130,000 has been raised.

Broken into state-based groups, plus

a division for anglers on the Murray Darling Basin, 17 individual anglers won $4,000 cash prizes in the mystery length category.

Another $62,000 in prizes were awarded across a range of categories, including a popular junior’s section for entrants under 16 years of age.

“A huge thanks to all the anglers who participated in this year’s

Challenge, what a fantastic result with $130,000 raised for Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia,” said event organiser Michael Guest.

“We had thousands of fishos all casting a line on

the same day and some terrific fish were caught and released right across the country. ”

An industry-leading provider of hydraulic and industrial hose products and services, Pirtek has been overwhelmed with the growth of the fishing challenge.

“For two year’s running now the participation rate has grown by 60% which is an incredible result,” said Pirtek Group General Manager Stephen Dutton.

“This is allowing us to continue our goal of raising funds and awareness of Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.”

iN AUSTrAliA’S BiGGeST ONe-DAY FiSHiNG

COMPeTiTiON

2013 DATES:Sunday

March 24, 2013Registrations close

Wednesday March 20, 2013

wiNNerSANNOUNCeD


Listed here are the major prize winners in the $4000 Mystery Length Division:

NSW/ACT* Bass - 37.4cm : Darren Pearson - Nobbys Creek* Flathead - 65.1cm : Chris Rowland - Charlestown* Tailor - 48.4cm : Robert Winch - Kingswood* Whiting - 38.0cm : Ben McKittrick - Singleton

Murray Darling Basin* European Carp - 58.8cm : Bruce Popple - Rivett* Golden Perch - 43.2cm : Paul Dullard - Girgarre* Redfin - 30.7cm : Wayne O’Leary - Kambah

Northern Territory* Barramundi - 81.0cm : Matt Stapleton - Gracemere

Queensland* Barramundi - 86.2cm : Peter Kenny - Newmerella

For the full list of prize winners visit www.pirtekfishingchallenge.com.au

* Flathead - 64.6cm : Andrew Janes - Buddina* Whiting - 35.9cm : David Milgrom - Wurtulla

South Australia* Australian Salmon - 49.5cm : Gordon King - Kangaroo Island

Tasmania* Flathead - 48.7cm : Jamie Harris - Burnie

Victoria* Australian Salmon - 46.2cm : Aaron Pettman - Lara* Flathead - 55.7cm : Paul Fairless - Orbost

Western Australia* Bream (black/pikey/yellowfin) - 33.6cm : Izzy Kalzee - South Hedland* Golden Trevally - 58.6cm : Dean Skennar - Port Hedland

Major On The Water Prize Draw Winners

* Jack Clemens - Narre Warren East (Victoria) : Evinrude E-tec 75hp outboard engine. RRP $13,138.

* Wayne Matters - Dalmeny (NSW) : Ocean Kayak Prowler Ultra 4.3 plus Humminbird fishfinder, Bladepro paddling vest and Carlisle arctic paddle. RRP $4,400.

* Rod Snart - Nambucca Heads (NSW) : Lowrance HDS-8m Gen2 Multifunction Chartplotter. RRP $2,299.00.

* Sam Curry - Wongaling Beach (QLD) : Berkley tackle pack. RRP $2000.

* Russell Lakey - Ulladulla (NSW) : $1500 BCF spending spree gift voucher.


AMBrOSe leADS PirTeK FAlCON TO GlOrY

FlASHBACK:


It has been a decade since Stone Brothers Racing climbed another big mountain when its star recruit Marcos

Ambrose guided the Pirtek Falcon to Championship-winning status.

Stone Brothers came into existence in 1998 and immediately tasted success when the team landed the biggest endurance prize in touring car racing at Bathurst at the hands of drivers Jason Bright and Steven Richards.

That was Pirtek’s first big reward and it came in rapid time. Over the next five years there were plenty of highlights, but it was not until 2003 that Pirtek landed the “big one” - when Ambrose topped a brilliant season by winning the V8 Supercar Championship.

SBR had built the brand-new Pirtek BA Falcon for the season after the category fell into line with the Project Blueprint changes that were designed to make the Commodores and Falcons essentially technically the same.

Ambrose had given the Pirtek Falcon the perfect baptism by claiming the first race on the opening Championship weekend in 2003, at the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide.

More success was to follow soon after when Ambrose led home the first trifecta at Eastern Creek for Ford since 1997.

That would start a string of wins for Ambrose who would prove unstoppable winning the next three rounds at Winton, Perth and Darwin.

Through all this success Ambrose did not clinch the lead in the race for the Championship until Round eight at Oran Park.

The Pirtek driver’s team-mate Russell Ingall won the Queensland Raceway round before Ambrose pounced at the Sydney track.

Ambrose arrived at the 13th and final round at Eastern Creek as the driver to beat although it was no forgone conclusion.

He held a six-point lead over rival Greg Murphy and was 30 points ahead of Mark Skaife.

It was a three-way showdown but after the first race it was reduced to a two-driver war after Murphy was forced to stand down after an existing back injury flared up and forced him out.

Then Skaife was caught up in the infamous ‘road rage’ incident with Ingall.

Ambrose had prevailed during a wild weekend of twists and turns and won what would be the first of back-to-back Championships after finishing on 2085 points - beating Murphy (1983) and Skaife (1817) to the gong.

The number 4 Pirtek BA Falcon stands as a proud reminder of how Stone Brothers, who had signed Ambrose in the 2001 season and subsequently rescued his career, had delivered a golden moment in the eponymous team’s history.

Co-owners Ross and Jimmy Stone are fierce competitors and are racer’s down to their bootlaces, they have managed to line their trophy cabinet with the Championship prize in the Pirtek Ford which won universal praise in the sport for being the best-looking and best-prepared car on the grid.

As such, it is a highly valued machine and the Stone brothers maintain ownership of the Pirtek-liveried Ford to this day.

Ambrose campaigned the car the following year to successfully defend his crown and he ran the car again in 2005 when he narrowly missed a hat-trick of Championship wins when he was beaten by Ingall - who also carried Pirtek livery on his Caltex Falcon.

Currently the car is sitting undercover on a hoist in the Stone Brothers Racing factory at Yatala.

It is ready to be brought back to life and rebuilt to the glory of its second Championship triumph carrying the coveted Number 1 from Ambrose’s 2004 campaign.

FlASHBACK:


Pirtek Coffs Harbour has partnered with the well-known men’s charity campaigner Tex (Terry) O’Grady and his blue heeler Bundy.

Tex and Bundy travel around Australia on a Suzuki sports motorcycle raising funds and awareness for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and other charitable organisations that focus on men’s health issues. They are also campaigners for ‘Men’s Sheds’ and motorcycle road safety.

Based in Macksville on the mid-north coast of New South Wales, Tex and Bundy raise in excess of $500,000 per year by travelling to major public events, hospitals, and are amongst the star attractions at the Australian MotoGP each year at Phillip Island.

Six-year-old Bundy is a Stumpy Tail Blue Heeler or ‘Smithfield’ who sits on the fuel tank of the motorcycle in her own custom-made jacket and ‘doggles’. It is estimated that she has travelled over 500,000km in her lifetime.

Pirtek Coffs Harbour will supply a wide range of hoses, fittings, mechanical spares and lubricants to keep Tex and Bundy on their crusade across the country. Plus they assisted with the supply of a replacement engine for their Ford Transit support vehicle.

“Tex and Bundy are heroes of the New South Wales mid-north coast region and it’s fantastic for Pirtek Coffs Harbour to get involved with their outstanding work,” said Pirtek Coffs Harbour Operations Manager Greg Marshall.

“Pirtek is heavily involved with the Prostate Cancer Foundation so with Tex and Bundy being champions for the cause, it’s a great way that collectively we can continue to raise much needed money and awareness to battle the disease.

PirTeK COFFS HArBOUr PArTNer wiTH MeN’S HeAlTH CrUSADerS

O’Grady served for 20 years as a Royal Australian Navy submariner and is a qualified mechanic. Also on his resume is a commercial light pilot’s licence and he is a Justice of the Peace (NSW). A keen motorcycle enthusiast, the 55-year-old has held various national and local titles in road racing. He nowadays specialises in long distance endurance riding and is keen to point out that he still travels the most distance of any person on two wheels in Australia.

Tex and Bundy are 100-percent self funded and support their crusade by only working part-time or on a contract basis.

“I really appreciate the support from the group at Pirtek in Coffs Harbour,” said O’Grady.

“Doing so much travelling we really do need to keep both the motorcycle and our support van in top shape. So we will certainly make use of everything that Pirtek can provide us.

“I enjoy travelling the country and having Bundy along for the ride. There is not one single moment whether we are on the road or at a public event that people don’t want to know what we are about.

“As a qualified Assistance, Dog, Bundy is always in big demand to visit hospitals, hospices and homes for the elderly.

“Having worked in male-dominated industries, I am passionate about supporting men’s health issues and I am delighted to see companies like Pirtek using their franchisee network to build awareness for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

“The demand from people wanting us to visit is truly humbling, but it means I can’t work fulltime. We are always looking for further support to ensure the Tex and Bundy road show can continue.”


A new neurosciences unit at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney has been made possible after Peter Duncan, the founder and Executive Chairman of Pirtek, funded its establishment.

Mr Duncan, a former patient of the spinal care section of St Vincent’s Hospital said he admired the level of care and dedication demonstrated by all nursing staff and doctors. Named in his honour, the Peter Duncan Neurosciences Research Unit will focus on turning research into treatments for patients with different diseases.

Utilising a multi-disciplinary approach, the Unit’s research program will involve

an array of new techniques in the fields of neurobiology, stem cell biology, neuroimmunology, neurovirology and neuropsychology to discover new knowledge.

Working closely with the Hospital’s Department of Neurosurgery, the application of discoveries will be used in neurosurgical interventions such as deep brain stimulation and adult stem cell implementation.

The aim is to develop treatments for chronic neurological and neurodegenerative disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis, HIV-associated Neurocognitive Disorders, Alzheimer’s disease; Parkinson’s Disease and Stroke.

“The Peter Duncan Neurosciences Research Unit will bring benefits to individuals, and to the wider community,” said Mr Duncan.

“Its life-saving work will result in lessening patients’ suffering and ultimately alleviating the distress of families with afflicted loved ones.”

St Vincent’s Hospital is extremely grateful for Peter Duncan’s vision in establishing The Peter Duncan Neurosciences Research Unit at St Vincent’s Centre for Applied Medical Research.

The unit was officially opened in mid-June with staff from around the world expected to join the new facility in the coming months.

Val and Peter Duncan open the new neuroscience unit

AT SYDNeY’S ST ViNCeNT’S HOSPiTAl

A liFe-GiViNGGift


For the second year running Pirtek Milperra has surpassed 91 other Pirtek Service and Supply Centres across Australia to be awarded the National Franchise of The Year for 2011/2012.

Judged across an extensive set of criteria, Pirtek Milperra (New South Wales) won the award ahead of runner up, Pirtek Midland (Perth, Western Australia).

Whilst Pirtek Milperra has been in operation for over 25 years, Jakki Dutton has owned the franchise since 2007 and employs 12 full-time staff, including six mobile service vans.

BACK-TO-BACK NATiONAl FrANCHiSe OF THe YeArPirTeK MilPerrA

Pirtek Milperra was announced the winner at the Pirtek National Franchisee conference in Bowral recently.

“It’s amazing for everyone involved with Pirtek Milperra,” said Centre Manager of Pirtek Milperra Jakki Dutton.

“It goes back to the hard work and determination, plus the attention to detail that our team prides itself on.

“There are some amazing franchisees in the Pirtek network that I look up to and learn from. It’s a fantastic business to be involved with and one that continually strives to improve its range of products and services.

“In recent months we completed a major overhaul of our showroom and service centre which was on the back of winning the previous Pirtek Franchise of the Year award.

We identified then that we had to continually improve the business if we wanted to set new standards.

“Awards like this demonstrate to our customers that they can feel confident they are receiving the best level of service possible.”

General Manager of Sales & Marketing at Pirtek National Office Rod Chapman praised Pirtek Milperra for going back-to-back.

“Jakki and her team have once again set the standard amongst 92 Pirtek centres across the country,” said Chapman.

“Like in the previous year, it was a very close decision as the standard across the country was extremely high.

“Awards like this cover a wide range of criteria, but most importantly it’s about the end result for the customer.”


CHeCK OUT

THE NEW DIGS!Across Pirtek’s 92-strong franchisee network there has been plenty going on with new premises and upgrades around the network. Here is a rundown on what’s been happening so far in 2012.

Western Australia’s original Pirtek outlet at Welshpool has been totally transformed with a totally new 1200 square metre facility.

First opened 25 years ago at 220 Welshpool Road, the new building is on the same site after a clever re-building process which kept business operating at that address.

The business now has a bold new look, plus extensive service, sales and administrative facilities. For a business that already boasts 18 full-time staff and six mobile service vans, further expansion is now a real opportunity.

“Two years ago we recognised that we had simply outgrown the existing building,” said Pirtek Welshpool owner Rachel Anderson, who has been involved in the business for 22 of the 25 years of operation.

PirTeK welSHPOOl - weSTerN AUSTrAliA

Pirtek Welshpool owner Rachel Anderson

“It was obvious that we needed a new facility. However, the key to our business was our location and the landowners were outstanding in sharing our vision for the future.

“We now have the most modern building not just in our line of business, but also the newest in the entire area. This is great for our existing customers, plus its presence is sure to draw plenty of street traffic and new business.

“Pirtek has a key relationship with servicing Komatsu machinery and the new building will be a key to providing to that area of the business.

“For customers we can better service their needs, including the establishment of an in-house testing facility, which will really separate us from the competition.”


The Latrobe Valley now has a service and supply centre, located at 4/2 Vestan Drive, adjacent to Princes Drive in Morwell.

Pirtek has operated a mobile service only operation since 2008, but the growing demand has seen the establishment of the newest service and supply centre in the country.

Pirtek Latrobe includes an outstanding showroom. A large warehouse facility with an extensive stock holding of hydraulic hose and fittings, industrial hose and fittings, lubrication gear, spill control products and a vast array of ancillary lines. Plus a workshop area that includes lathes and milling equipment to cater for specialised requirements.

One of the key features of Pirtek Latrobe is a static pressure test machine that can pressure test hose assemblies and fittings up to 65,000 psi. It is the only machine of its type in the Latrobe Valley thus allowing Pirtek to provide a full service meeting the exacting standards of Mechanical Design Guideline #41. MDG41 is a document designed to outline ‘best practices in relation to fluid power safety in minesites.

Centre Manager/Director Geoff Ponton says the move to a fulltime service centre was to meet the growing customer demand.

“The Latrobe Valley is a busy region with power generation, coal mining,

PirTeK lATrOBe - ViCTOriA

PirTeK MOOrABBiN - ViCTOriA

Pirtek Latrobe’s Geoff Ponton with Pirtek Victorian State Sales Manager Gary Dunkinson

timber mills and the associated industries that support all these businesses,” said Ponton.

“The highly-visible location is outstanding and the showroom is like nothing else in the entire region. Customers, whether they are trade orientated, or the weekend handyman are well and truly catered. Even to the point that we will operate a half day opening on Saturdays.

“Our workshop capabilities will be welcomed by the larger industries in the region. Laths and mills are a must in this type of business, but the hose pressure testing machine has

already drawn plenty of inquiries from throughout the Latrobe region.

“We have also invested in a new Ford Ranger service vehicle, our third mobile service unit, so that we can continue to deliver the outstanding service that customers have become accustomed to. We have a massive region to cover from Pakenham to Bairnsdale, plus north and south. It’s not unusual for our service team to travel two hours to complete a job.

“The great thing with all of this is that we are not only meeting the demand of today, but also the future needs of customers in the region.”

The busy manufacturing region of Melbourne’s south-east bayside suburbs is benefitting from an improved sales showroom at Pirtek in Moorabbin.

Located at Unit 8/265 Wickham Road, Pirtek Moorabbin first opened its doors in 1995 and since 1998 has been under the management of George Vogdanos.

With business expanding, Pirtek Moorabbin moved across the street on Wickham Road in 2006, and has now opened a fresh new showroom to better service customer demand.

George Vogdanos of Pirtek Moorabbin


PirTeK MAlAGA - weSTerN AUSTrAliA

“With the ever expanding range of Pirtek products we decided to upgrade our retail area to better service our customers,” said George Vogdanos.

“Our location is so important for our business. People not only know where we are, but also a lot of our customer

Jason Hogan of Pirtek Malaga with another happy customer.

“Now that we have the new look, everyone is very proud and the showroom presentation has rubbed off on our mobile service vehicles as well.”

Pirtek Moorabbin boasts six full-time employees, including three mobile service units and one sales representative.

base is situated in the surrounding streets.

“The benefit for our customers is that they can quickly view our range, including new items and products that they otherwise would not have known that we stock.

Businesses and individuals in Perth’s northern suburbs are set to enjoy the benefits of a revamped Pirtek Malaga.

Located at 4/321 Victoria Road, Pirtek Malaga has been under the guidance of Jason Hogan since 2001. Pirtek Malaga has grown to 14 employees, including five mobile service units, three workshop-based technicians and two sales representatives.

To better deliver to clients in Perth’s northern corridor, Pirtek Malaga has undergone extensive renovations including an all-new sales and service area.

“Pirtek is a leader in everything from the products we offer to sales and service,” said Jason Hogan.

“As the business is constantly evolving, we made the decision to go for a major upgrade to better showcase the Pirtek product and provide clients with a greater means of viewing the entire range.

“The new showroom is in effect another salesperson. Acting as an information point it caters for our existing clients, plus the fresh new look attracts new customers. “First impressions can make a major difference and we now have a far

more user friendly store, none of our competitors offer anything like this.

“As well as the new look at our sales centre, we are promoting our external field service and sales capabilities. Manufacturing is a big part of our clientele, but certainly indirectly we are also benefiting from the ever-growing associated business from the mining boom throughout WA.”

As part of the layout at Pirtek Malaga customers can view and touch the entire range of products, plus get detailed information, including pricing, view samples and enjoy a fresh cup of coffee in the comfort of the display centre.


breaking news

After signing a three year deal to coach the Pirtek Parramatta Eels in July, Ricky Stuart has

wasted no time in getting settled into his new surrounds at Parramatta Stadium.

With the Eels sadly finishing the 2012 season at the bottom of the NRL ladder, Stuart has quickly identified several areas that need addressing. Having taken the Sydney Roosters to three consecutive NRL Grand Finals in the past, there is little doubt in the mind of the Pirtek Eels board he’s the man to turn the club’s fortunes around.

The former international has replaced incumbent, Stephen Kearney. In taking up the role as coach of the Blue and Golds, he has relinquished his position as New South Wales State of Origin coach.

After bringing the Blues to within a whisker of taking their first Origin title in seven attempts this season, he hands the coaching baton to his former Raiders halves partner, Laurie Daley.

The news broke in July just after it was announced that Kearney was stepping down. The Pirtek Parramatta Eels had numerous nibbles at enticing Stuart and eventually they got their man.

Stuart’s manager, John Fordham was instrumental in brokering the deal, which sees the former Champion halfback and his family remain in Sydney, which he was keen to do.

Born in Queanbeyan, Stuart became one of the greatest club players to

come out of neighbouring Canberra. The playmaker during the Raiders halcyon days, Stuart was involved with three premierships in 1989, 1990 and 1994, whilst also tasting success as New South Wales and Australian halfback.

Prior to signing with the Eels, the Raiders had been showing interest in having Stuart take the coaching reins.

Steve Edge, a three-time premiership winning captain at Parramatta, hailed the appointment of Stuart.

“Ricky is a winner,” said Edge, who led the Eels out for their trio of wins in 1981, 1982 and 1983. “He will bring in a new culture and has the necessary experience to turn the club around.

“Ricky brings passion. What he has done for NSW has been fabulous. We haven’t won, but we’re not far away. He is a great appointment for the Pirtek Parramatta Eels.”

riCKY STUArT DOwN TO wOrK wiTH PirTeK eelS


OF A

THe

reTireMeNTGreAT MAN

One of Pirtek’s favourite footballing sons, Nathan Hindmarsh has signed off on

his mighty Rugby League career.

After a tremendously successful association with the Pirtek Parramatta Eels, Hindmarsh has hung up the boots after more than 300 games for the Eels, where he has given 15 years of loyal service to the club.

Renowned as a modern day player in the mold of players past, it was fitting that the final play of Hindmarsh’s career channeled the players of the 70’s he was so often compared with. With Parramatta no chance of taking the victory against old foe, St George Illawarra, a late match penalty was awarded close to the posts.

The ball was tossed to Hindmarsh who threw away the kicking tee in favour of an ‘old school’ bucket of sand and as the siren sounded, kicked the ball right over the black dot.

At Pirtek, we are fiercely proud of what Hindmarsh has achieved during his fabulous career and he has carried his club and his sponsors extremely well through the good times and the tough times.

Pirtek is honoured and very lucky that he is winding up his career with our brand as the major sponsor of the Eels.

Being born on September 7, 1979 in the New South Wales Southern Highlands town of Bowral, Hindmarsh typifies excellence, honesty and integrity and has become known as one of the most prolific defenders the game has ever seen.

“Fifteen years at this legendary club. It’s hard to believe,” said Hindmarsh. “I made the decision to retire late last year and informed the coach and the people close to me that 2012 was going to be my last season.

“I will retire as a one club player which I am very proud of. I have finished my career the same way I started - utterly and deeply exhausted, knowing I have tried my best and left it all on the field.”

Whilst the Pirtek Eels weren’t able to give the retiring Hindmarsh - and his fellow Parramatta stalwart, Luke Burt - a Grand Final send-off, the stage at ANZ Stadium could not have been any bigger.

With the Eels being forced to move the game from Parramatta Stadium, the blue and gold took on the Red V in front of an NRL record regular season crowd of 45,863.

Pirtek could not have been happier to have a player of the fortitude of Nathan Hindmarsh to represent our brand name.

All the best in the future mate. Cheers from everyone at Pirtek.


media watch

Through our community partnerships, sponsorships and business activity, Pirtek is regularly highlighted in all forms of media. Media Watch is designed to provide everyone a snapshot of what is happening in print, electronically or on-line. This quarter we have focused on a front page story in the Brisbane Courier Mail on Dani Samuels on the eve of the Olympics and her relationship with rugby league coaching legend Wayne Bennett.

media watch



It is hard to believe it will be 10 years next year, since Marcos Ambrose took his Pirtek Falcon to victory in the V8 Supercar Championship.

As part of the celebrations of this milestone, Pirtek has joined with its media partners the BAM Group to create an exclusive, once-in a lifetime experience.

Offered only to Pirtek Franchisees, staff and customers, a tour has been organised to watch Marcos compete in a NASCAR Sprint Cup event in Las Vegas in March.

As an exclusive guest you will spend

Bellagio Hotel in the world’s great holiday playground.Guests will leave Australia on Thursday, March 7 and return on Monday, March 11, 2013. (arriving Australia Wednesday, March 13).

The tour will be hosted by BAM Tours owner and Australian Motorsport identity Brett “Crusher” Murray, who many of you might remember as Pirtek motorsport’s public relations manager back in those championship years.

The tour will be non-stop and will be highlighted by an exclusive dinner with Ambrose on the Las Vegas strip.

“Peter and Glenn (Duncan), Steve Dutton, and everyone at Pirtek have been very good to me and hold a special place in my racing career,” said Ambrose.

“It is hard to believe that it will be 10

championship.

“I am delighted that Pirtek has teamed with BAM Tours to create this event and I look forward to seeing everyone in March.”

As part of the tour, guests will also enjoy two days of racing action from a premium grandstand seats and have access to pre-event pit passes.

“We are going to Vegas and we are doing it in style,” said Crusher.

“The Bellagio, great seats, quality time with Marcos, a couple of days of NASCAR action, a ride in a 180mph NASCAR and, as always, we will have a few surprises along the way.

“This will be our eighth NASCAR

event for Pirtek. This is going to be tremendous experience.

“As they say – what happens in Vegas – stays in Vegas!”

BAM Tours is part of the BAM Group of companies, which is the communication and PR company of choice by Pirtek.

10th ANNIVERSARYPIRTEK NASCAR TOUR TO VEGAS

Return economy airfares to Las Vegas

Bellagio Hotel

Breakfast each day

Premium grandstand tickets for two days of NASCAR action

A ride in an 180mph NASCAR

Ticket in a $1000 winner-take all Sprint Cup sweep

All transfers within the US

A private group function hosted by Marcos Ambrose

Welcome cocktail function

A tour-exclusive welcome gift pack

Farewell lunch

Experienced and well-connected hosts

Plenty to talk about for a long time and much more….

* Price $A5,800 (Inc GST, excluding credit card fees); Single share $A6,400

WHAT YOU GET

This price is from Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne. Interstate or regional travellers should add the price of internal

available upon request.

JUST$A5,800

inc GST*

Contact Helen at BAM Toursfor bookings 07 5563 1155 or

[email protected] here to register

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