Meet the Mainstreet Australia Hero: Kerry Daly – Manager, Camberwell Centre Traders Association
When I first joined the traders’ association in Camberwell Junction, I was sure that my years managing major shopping centres would set me up to tackle this new role with ease. However, retail strips offer unique challenges. I found myself working with a wide range of independent shop owners who struggled to work collaboratively, reporting to a volunteer committee with limited time, and navigating local council departments. The role involved dealing with big personalities and figuring things out as I went, which was both daunting and eye-opening.
Thankfully, I found Mainstreet Australia and, through that, a supportive group of people who understood what I was trying to achieve. From the first Mainstreet Australia conference, I felt part of an industry, with other passionate people all working towards thriving local shopping precincts and supporting small business owners. These conferences brought together a diverse mix of stakeholders – council staff, retailers, marketers, government reps, and industry experts. They shared best practices from both here and overseas, and the lunch breaks were just as valuable, meeting other managers to discuss what was and wasn’t working for us.
A network of shopping centre managers was formed, and we agreed to meet regularly to share our wins and challenges, our ideas and contacts, resources, and empathy. I was invited to join the Mainstreet Australia Committee to help revive this group after a lull, and I am particularly proud of how we communicated with each other during the challenges of the pandemic. I am pleased to see the Managers Network continues stronger than ever under the new team, ensuring support to others who step into a role that can be so unique, and yet so similar for each precinct.
Mainstreet Australia, through its networking and learning opportunities, continues to provide the resources, advocacy, and support for our industry to help the many people who collectively keep our shopping strips not just viable but successful.
