The Border Watch, Allan Scott Tribute, Page 3

Allan Scott

e t u b i r T 1923-2008

A city champion LLAN Scott gave much to the town and then later when it became a city. He served it well as a leader on City Council and on various groups and committees. A charitable man, over past decades he donated millions of dollars each year to many organisations and charities and much of his work went on behind the scenes. In one instance he gave $400,000 to the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Much has been written about his support of many sporting clubs and organisations. The Mount Gambier Racing Club, where he was president and life member, has been a great benefactor of his generosity and the

A

Scott Group Of Companies has been the major sponsor of the June Cup Carnival for more than 40 years. Lions International’s sight program, Adelaide Women’s and Children’s Hospital research programs, Foodbank, St Vincent de Paul and a local Police Youth Club project were just some which benefited from Allan Scott’s generosity. The generous side of Allan Scott was often kept private and was known only to those organisations or individuals who benefited from his generosity. ❐ RIGHT: In August 2003 Allan Scott (left) presented Royal Flying Doctor Service Chairman David Hills with a cheque for $400,000. • Continued from previous page

❐ ABOVE: Boandik Lodge board chairman Eric Roughana (left) thanks Allan Scott for a major donation to the facility in October 2005. It is now known as the Allan Scott Centre. ❐ RIGHT: Allan Scott pictured after the official launch of the Allan Scott Park, Morphetville, in October 2005.

A shrewd business operator N business he was very determined, a shrewd businessman and quick to seize on any opportunity. He had a great knack of knowing when to act and quickly earned respect right across many business fields outside his original trucking operation. Among these were his media interests, including The Border Watch. In 1972 Allan Scott took the opportunity to buy a major shareholding in local television station SES Channel Eight and with his leadership turned around the fortunes of the station. This was based on increasing local content, including televising local sporting events. Allan Scott had always wanted to buy The Border Watch and in 1977 an opportunity arose when owner RJR Watson decided it was time to sell. Watson decided to sell for

I

❐ Life is always hectic at Scott’s headquarters. Allan Scott is constantly taking phone calls from throughout Australia. $500,000 and Allan Scott knew immediately it was a good deal. But financial times were difficult and credit was at a premium so Allan Scott decided to turn to deputy premier and close friend Des Corcoran. Together they jumped

in his car for the drive to Adelaide to see Premier Don Dunstan. Allan Scott approached the negotiation with Dunstan as though they were talking in the front bar of the local pub. He was straight to the point. “Don, I am going to buy The Border Watch in

Mount Gambier. I want to borrow some of the capital and it is better for you, the government and everyone if it remains in local hands and not sold to The Advertiser or someone from Melbourne.” Dunstan inquired how much Scott needed and was told $300,000 – Allan Scott had the remaining $200,000 – so the loan was not a risk for the government. Dunstan agreed and the loan came out of the state insurance company, SGIC. Dunstan wanted 8pc interest, but Allan Scott stood firm. “No, you’re too dear. I’ll give you 6.5pc interest over five years.” It was typical of his tough negotiating skills. Later Allan Scott added The Penola Pennant and South Eastern Times to his newspaper stable. In 2006 he stepped down as chairman of Ascot Media Investment Pty Ltd, parent company of his newspapers.

Another example of Allan Scott’s innovative approach to business was in 2004 when a deal was done with the South Australian and NT governments to use the Ghan rail service between Adelaide and Darwin. By 2007 the Scott Group had become the Ghan network’s biggest client. He was a strong supporter of the trucking industry being inducted into the National Road Transport Hall Of Fame and was a former chairman and life member of the Australian Trucking Association. On reaching 50 years in business, in 2002, the Australian Trucking Association said in a media release “that Mr Scott had been one of the most influential figures in Australian transport over the past five decades”. Allan Scott was a founding member of the Road Transport Forum and also a member of the Commercial Road Transport Advisory Board. Even at 85 years of age Allan Scott remained hands-on and continued to make company decisions right up until weeks before his death. Right to the end, while Allan Scott was a multi-millionaire and a successful businessman, he always maintained he was “a truckie at heart – I’m just an ordinary bloke”.

❐ ABOVE: Allan with his favourite dog Dice. ❐ LEFT: Allan Scott’s first wife, Margaret, pictured during World War II while serving with the Women’s Army Services.

The Border Watch, Friday, October 31, 2008 - 27