David West

Chair

David West is a retail mainstreet consultant with over 30 years’ experience in analysing, managing and marketing mainstreets and shopping centres. David has travelled and worked in the UK, USA and NZ.  David is a founding Member of Mainstreet SA and he was made a Life Member of Mainstreet Australia in 2021. He is also a Member of Mainstreet America. David has worked with many mainstreets, cities and towns including Jetty Road, Renmark, Stirling, Alice Springs, Hutt Street, Christchurch, Mildura and Magill Village. David is the author of  ‘Mainstreet Management: Successful Retail Strategies’.

Emma Grivell

Deputy Chair

Emma Grivell is a proud Mainstreeter and is currently the Business Engagement Advisor at the City of Charles Sturt. She was previously involved with the creation of the Prospect Road main street marketing and trader committee, securing two People’s Choice Mainstreet SA Awards in 2019 and 2020 and the Mainstreet Marketing Award in 2018.

Jesse Papargiris
Treasurer

Jesse is Director at Sims Richmond Chartered Accountants.  Born and raised in Stirling,  Jesse moved to Port Lincoln and Mildura before returning to Adelaide to study at Uni SA University where he gained his Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Business Commercial Law.   After completing university Jesse decided to stay and pursue his career in Adelaide as he and his wife enjoyed the lifestyle and opportunities it offered.  With over 12 years experience in the accounting profession, Jesse enjoys using his specialist skills and knowledge to assist small to large businesses in their day to day management and providing a dynamic external force for growth and change.   Jesse is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants.  

Akarra Klingberg
Committee Member

Akarra is passionate about mainstreets and their contribution to the economic prosperity of local areas.  Having worked across four mainstreets in the City of Unley, she is now the Jetty Road Development Coordinator at the City of Holdfast Bay.  With a background in the tourism industry before making the move to Local Government, Akarra is dedicated to working with businesses to help them set up and flourish, making the most of the opportunities available.   Working closely with the business community on economic development initiatives, she is also passionate about partnering with mainstreet committees and seeing their ideas come to life and precincts prosper. 

Michael McKeown

Committee Member

Michael is the director of planning, landscape architecture and urban design consultancy Jensen PLUS.  He regularly leads teams to prepare master plans and designs for town centres and main streets across Australia.   Michael is an experienced designer, planner and facilitator, and enjoys applying these skills to assist communities to plan for the future of their main streets.

Jane Silbereisen

Committee Member

Jane is President of the Blackwood Business Network (BBN) and has been in the role  since 2010. The BBN offers business networking events, promotes the business community and lobbies local and State Government on issues impacting traders and our local commercial precinct. As a Mediator, Jane provides mediation for civil matters in the Magistrates Court. She also works on a contract basis for the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission assisting in the resolution of complaints.

Robert Bria

Committee Member

Robert joined the Norwood Payneham & St Peters Council in 1997 as a Councillor and has served as Mayor since October 2005. Robert is passionate about supporting local traders and local jobs, and has initiated several economic development projects initiatives. In 2015, he was nationally recognised for his work by Economic Development Australia (EDA) in the Elected Member category. This year Robert obtained accreditation from EDA as an Australian Certified Economic Developer. Robert holds a Graduate Certificate in Public Sector Management and Bachelor of Arts (1st Class Honours) Degree from Flinders University, and a Diploma of Government.

Donna Griffiths

Committee Member

Donna Griffiths is the Manager of Economic Development and Strategic Projects at the City of Unley. Donna is responsible for driving the Economic Development Growth Strategy and she oversees four mainstreets including King William Road and Goodwood Road. Donna has a proven track record of revitalizing communities, fostering strategic partnerships and driving sustainable growth.

Donna's previous roles include Manager of Economic and Cultural Development at the City of Marion and Board positions on the Future of Place Board and Assistant Director of Engagement T2D project.

Rachel Sanderson

Committee Member

Rachel Sanderson has been interested in the success of Main Streets since she leased her first office space on O’Connell Street in 1995.  Rachel later moved her business to North Terrace and then Melbourne Street where she was a member of NAPA. With 12 years experience in State Parliament as the Member for Adelaide, Rachel continued her interest, support, and advocacy for all of the Main Street groups in Adelaide, North Adelaide and Prospect. Rachel has travelled to cities including New York and Copenhagen, to research city infrastructure, bikeways, shopping hours and city vibrancy.  Rachel was a Minister and Member of the Capital City Committee 2018-2022.

Mainstreet COordinator

Alex Hammett is CEO of Lemon and Lime Digital, and comes to Mainstreet SA with significant experience with Mainstreets and Town Improvement Committees, having previously been the Marketing Coordinator for the Unley Road Association and having spent 10 years at KESAB environmental solutions as the Sustainable Communities - Tidy Towns Manager.   Alex brings strong experience in marketing, communications and events, gained through working with not-for-profits, associations and small to medium businesses around the globe.  Alex is an Independent Member of the City of Unley Business & Economic Development Committee and a Board Member of the Fleurieu Regional Waste Authority.