Meet our employers
Wheeling and dealing
We spoke with Mary Ann Alvaro who owns Yamaha of Canberra Motorcycles and Cars of Canberra with husband Domenic. Mary Ann and Domenic also recently sold a large Hyundai dealership in Phillip, ACT.
Tell us about your role as an employer
“Our businesses employ 52 people. Domenic and are very proud to provide this level of employment to our community.
“We’re a family-orientated business and we have staff members who have been with us for 12-15 years. That is something we also take pride in.
“We like to offer opportunities for our staff to learn and develop, including traineeships in all facets of our business. These are varied and include Administration, Sales, Parts Interpreters and Mechanical Technicians.”
What are do you enjoy most about being an employer?
“We enjoy mentoring our young staff and furthering their education.
“Some young staff members have used us as a stepping stone to go into nursing, one has gone to study law and various other industries.
“We take joy in their accomplishments and like to keep in touch after they’ve left us.”
What attributes have helped you achieve success over the years?
“Domenic and I have a good partnership and a passion to succeed in our industry.
“I think that’s what makes you strive to do well, working towards excellence, with real passion and motivation in business.”
How important is super in your role as employer?
“Super is something I’m very aware of as an employer. I’m always mindful to point out when we are offering a position, that they also receive 9.5% of their wage into their super. It’s a very important part of their package.
“As an employer I am obliged to let our staff know their entitlements.”
How long have you been a MTAA Super employer?
“We’ve been with MTAA Super since the inception of our businesses over 23 years ago.
“MTAA Super are our industry superannuation fund, and we’re proud to say we’re with the largest automotive fund for our employees.”
How has super changed over the years you have been in business?
“The way of calculating superannuation has changed enormously over the years. I used to sit down with a calculator to work out what to pay into each individual staff members’ account.
“Now, I use MTAA Super’s Clearing House. I go to the MTAA Super website to make the monthly contributions – it’s very efficient.”