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

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.

Secretary

Sarah has been part of the Healesville wine community for over a decade, first in 2014 while working at the Giant Steps x Innocent Bystander cellar door, and later with the Yarra Valley Winegrowers Association (Wine Yarra Valley). She officially moved to Healesville in 2022, further deepening her connection to the region and its strong sense of community.

In 2024, Sarah launched Splash Communications, motivated by a desire to provide marketing support to local wine, food, hospitality & tourism businesses, and drawn by the region’s dynamic wine scene and supportive business network. She values the collaborative nature of the local industry and the opportunity to contribute to its ongoing success.

Sarah sees Healesville Traders Inc. as a valuable group for the local business community, providing a collective voice to advocate for operators, encourage collaboration and support growth, helping to keep the town a thriving place to do business.

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

Heather 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 Commitee Member

Charlie is the founder of Plucky Frank, which she has been operating since 2018. After moving to Healesville in 2022, she relocated the business base locally, valuing the opportunity to build a business within a close-knit regional community while remaining connected to Melbourne when needed.

In 2025, Charlie and her sister launched a second venture, Charlie & George, which delivers relationship retreats for couples and families focused on building strong, meaningful connections. The Yarra Valley offers an ideal environment for this work, with its natural setting and sense of place supporting immersive and considered retreat experiences.

Charlie values being part of the Healesville community and takes pride in contributing to the town and supporting fellow traders. She sees HTI as a vital platform for collaboration, advocacy and shared momentum, recognising that small, independent businesses are stronger together and play a key role in ensuring Healesville continues to thrive as a township.

Management Commitee Member

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 cafe 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.

Management Committee Member

Nicole is a winemaker and wine business consultant who has been involved in the Yarra Valley wine industry since 2009, operating her independent NE Wine Services business from her home in Healesville since 2014. Ten years experience as a retail pharmacist in Sydney before catching the ‘wine bug’ in the late 1990’s, and extensive experience running wine and hospitality businesses all over the country, has given her a uniquely commercial focus for a winemaker. An 18 month stint as Manager of Kitchen and Butcher in 2017, has lead to a particular appreciation of the Healesville trading scene.

An avid observer (busy body) and serial committee member, Nicole joined HTI after 11 years on the Board of Wine Yarra Valley, bringing strategic and governance experience and bigger/broader picture ideas and ambitions.