President

In 2017, Nina launched Verso Books, swiftly establishing it as a cornerstone of literary culture within the Healesville community. Nina revels in living and working among the dynamic fusion of local residents and visiting tourists that defines Healesville.

As the President of the Healesville Traders Association, Nina is acutely aware of the association's critical role in nurturing a supportive network for local businesses. She is a staunch advocate for cultivating a collective voice for Healesville's business owners, ensuring local authorities and policy-makers hear their needs and concerns.

Nina is committed to fostering the association's growth and bolstering the dynamism and resilience of Healesville's commercial landscape.

Vice President

Ben, a Yarra Valley native, has always felt a strong connection to Healesville. In the early 90s, he spent his childhood helping his mother run a florist shop in the area. In 2018, Ben opened My Little Kitchen alongside his wife, Danielle, and their two young children.

As a proud founding member and the inaugural vice-president of the Healesville Traders Association, Ben recognises the association's pivotal role in fostering a supportive community for local businesses. He believes in the association's power to amplify the voices of Healesville's entrepreneurs, advocating for their interests with local councils, law enforcement, and government bodies.

Ben is eager to contribute to the association's growth and impact, envisioning a vibrant future for Healesville's business community.

Secretary

After an 18-year tenure in floristry, Gail embraced a new beginning by acquiring a beloved store in Healesville. Drawn by the town's emerging vibrancy and sense of community, she opened Morris et al. on the main street and has enjoyed the unique charm of rural business ownership.

As Secretary, Gail's commitment to Healesville Traders Inc. stems from a strong belief in collective action. She sees the association as a catalyst for strengthening the local business network, encouraging collaboration, and providing a platform for mutual support.

Gail's vision for Healesville is one where the collective strength and cooperation of the business community elevates individual enterprises and cements the town's reputation as a vibrant hub.

Treasurer

Maria, a resident of Healesville for nearly a decade, brings a wealth of entrepreneurial experience to her role as Treasurer of the Healesville Traders Association. Having opened the Gewürzhaus Spice House on Healesville Main Street, the 11th store in her chain of spice businesses, Maria's dedication to fostering community engagement is evident. Her store serves as a retail destination with a specially designed counter for events and tastings, facilitating meaningful customer interactions.

Recognising the vital role of the Healesville Traders Association, Maria values the platform it provides for building strong relationships with fellow business owners and key stakeholders such as the local council and tourism organisations.

She sees the association as a conduit for collaboration, advocacy, and collective growth within the Healesville business community.

Management Committee Member

Mike, a long-time Healesville local, founded Redfish Bluefish Creative alongside his wife, Claire, in 1997. Specialising in packaging and label design for wine and spirits, tourism marketing, product photography, websites and general graphic design, Mike has been a cornerstone in local businesses for more than 25 years. In 2022, Mike and Claire bought and revamped Barrique Wine Store – showcasing local and international wine and turning the space into a local favourite for a Friday afternoon tipple.

Mike is a passionate supporter of Healesville Traders, seeing it as an integral pillar for growth and action for local traders. He recognises the association is vital for a united voice when it comes to advocating for needs and concerns of local businesses. The association is also an opportunity to provide networking and training experiences, uniquely tailored to local needs.

Management Committee Member

Michele McKenzie, a resident of the Yarra Valley for a decade and a proud member of the Healesville community for four years, has made her mark as the proprietor of Alba Paloma, Healesville. Since its inception on February 20th, 2019, Alba Paloma has charmed locals and tourists alike with its Spanish-inspired all-day breakfast and lunch menu.

Michele is a passionate advocate for the Healesville Traders Association, viewing it as a significant step forward and a show of unity and community spirit among local businesses. She recognises the association as a platform for collective action, where small business owners can come together to address common challenges, provide mutual support and advice, and advocate for the interests of the community at large.

Michele sees the association as a means to strengthen the business community and a vehicle for contributing positively to the broader community fabric.

Management Committee Member

Heather Alcock grew up in the Yarra Valley and travelled to various corners of Australia before returning to her roots in Healesville in 2013. With a diverse background that includes stints in Melbourne and Queensland, Heather has brought a wealth of experience to the local scene. Renowned for her entrepreneurial spirit, she first made her mark with the beloved Mocha and Lime cafe, which thrived from 2010 to 2022. Building on her success, Heather launched The Laneway in July 2022, a vibrant Mexican-themed cafe, bar and restaurant that quickly became a local hotspot.

Heather is a staunch advocate for the Healesville Traders Association, recognising its pivotal role in fostering community cohesion and providing a platform for business collaboration. She believes that through collective action, the association amplifies the voice of local entrepreneurs, enabling them to advocate effectively to the council and other organisations for the betterment of the community.

Management Committee Member

Country Smart has traded and been part of the Healesville community for 15 years. After trading at Knox City , Northland and Chadstone Shopping Centres for 20 years and being part of many centre redevelopments we decided some stability would be nice. After looking at several other locations, Healesville was always a stand out with a great local rural feel supported by a strong community and only a short drive for the established customers who had supported us for many years.

Healesville has been reinvigorated in the past 15 years with new exciting retailers and experiences offering local residents and the travelling public a high street with a comforting country feel. The Yarra Valley is a great place and we are privileged to be part of it and now Healesville Traders Inc gives us a voice and direction for business growth and development.