2024 Mainstreet SA CONFERENCE SPEAKERS

People Places and Parking - Are parking issues distracting you from the real work of making your main street the best it can be?

Steven's presentation will walk us through the minefield of town centre parking. Bust some myths, arm you for some adventurous discussions with your stakeholders, and get you started on the essential journey of rightsizing parking in your village town or city.

Parking takes up a huge amount of space in our cities, and its impact on our urban form and travel choices is often overlooked. Efforts to make our cities more multi-modal, reduce GHG emissions, and create more vibrant and walkable neighbourhoods are undermined by a large supply of mispriced parking. Improved parking management can be a relatively easy and low-cost option to get outcomes we want for our urban places.

This presentation will explain the relationship between parking and other common strategic goals. We will discuss why we are in the situation we are in and how to fully understand and reform it. Specifically, we will discuss common issues such as the difficulty in removing parking for other kerbside uses, when parking should be free, or paid, appropriate levels of supply and developing an appetite for change.

BIOGRAPHY

Steven Burgess has spent his 30+ year career helping Cities, Towns and Villages all around the world reform their bad behaviour so their citizens can prosper. Diverse housing, more sustainable movement and quality urban land uses make for happy citizens, although it is rarely pursued and even less frequently delivered.

Steven is a change agent for quality urban life and guides governments and communities to understand land use, economic and movement policy reform to foster essential change. His superpower is encouraging communities and governments to choose a path towards positive change and more happy and healthy communities.

Steven had conducted projects, workshops and city shaping masterclasses throughout Australia and New Zealand as well as Canada, USA, Central America, Middle East and Europe.

James will be presenting 'Revitalisation of Victor Harbor main street"

Described as having 'good bones', the main street of Victor Harbor required an integrated planning and design approach to address key design issues. WAX and Oxigen worked collaboratively with their respective project teams, the Council and the community to deliver an urban design outcome that has transformed the heart of Victor Harbor into a public space that embeds principles of placemaking, shared and adaptive streets, urban heat island mitigation and WSUD, as well as the protection of heritage values.

Research and community engagement undertaken by both teams highlighted key issues that required urgent resolution. Above all else, movement and accessibility were key considerations, particularly in relation to pedestrian and vehicular conflicts. The existing stand-up kerbs, poorly designed gutters and a sea of bollards did little to address accessibility and movement, particularly important with an aging resident population and the attraction Victor Harbor has to crowds of schoolies over summer. Other issues included poor stormwater infrastructure and extensive areas of hard surfacing which increased temperatures in the street for pedestrians, particularly during summer.

Above all, the street did not encourage people to stay, and this rejection of the urban realm by the community was having an impact on the business viability – both to existing businesses and discouraging new business to start up. By working collaboratively with Council and the community, they have delivered an urban design that has transformed the heart of Victor Harbor into a public space that embeds principles of placemaking, shared and adaptive streets, urban heat island mitigation and WSUD as well as the protection of heritage values.

BIOGRAPHY 

James Hayter is the Founding Director at Oxigen - Landscape Architects and Urban Designers practicing within South Australia and nationally. He is regarded as one of Australia’s most respected design professionals in the fields of landscape architecture and urban design. His excellent strategic planning skills and an ability to conceptualise projects and requirements for implementation has driven his approach and effectiveness as a practitioner.

He brings comprehensive technical skills including a desire to try innovative ways of resolving the requirements of a project and design skills proven over approximately 300 projects with Oxigen and through his work in the UK and in the United States. James is focused on exploring contemporary design and new ways of achieving design solutions.

James is a Registered Architect and Registered Landscape Architect, and graduate of Adelaide, Sheffield and Harvard universities. 

James also contributes towards design review and is a member of design review panels nationally. James is a Past President of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects, current President of the International Federation of Landscape Architects and Chair of the Landscape Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation based in London supporting landscape architects globally.

James is also Professor within the School of Architecture and Civil Engineering at the University of Adelaide

Sunny will be speaking about Quality Public Spaces: Placemaking Indicators and Benchmarks

During her presentation she will outline the key findings of the project, 'Quality Public Spaces: Placemaking Indicators and Benchmarks. 

The project is supported by the Local Government Research & Development Scheme of the Local Government Association South Australia and 19 councils nationwide and seeks to explore key issues in the placemaking process and its implementation by local governments while providing practical resources to foster continuous improvement in placemaking practices. Through comprehensive research involving interviews with representatives from 19 councils and two rounds of surveys, the project has developed a set of tools aimed at facilitating effective planning and management practices.

BIOGRAPHY

Dr Sunny Son is the Program Director of Tourism and Event, Sport and Recreation, and Arts and Cultural Management, as well as a Senior Lecturer at UniSA Business, University of South Australia, specialising in event management, visitor experiences and event impacts.

She generates knowledge that assists governments and industries in utilising events to achieve diverse objectives and develop strategies for successful and sustainable outcomes, including economic and community development, enhanced place identity, sense of place, community well-being and placemaking.

Shelley will be presenting; Building Sustainable Mainstreets through Empowerment.  

During her presentation, Shelley will explore how investing in the empowerment of small businesses can ensure the sustainability of your mainstreets. She will be sharing her journey and insights from operating two mainstreet regional businesses throughout Covid and founding The Regional Collective, offering practical resources for thriving small businesses in regional communities.

As part of this she will touch on the following key points;

• Invest in Effective Partnerships: Building strong partnerships with councils, developers, and local businesses is essential for creating sustainable mainstreet environments. 
• Invest in Unique Branding and Marketing: In a competitive market, distinctive branding and innovative marketing are vital. Mainstreets and the businesses within them must develop unique identities that reflect their core values, local culture and attract visitors.
• Sustainable Business Operations: Sustainability is at the heart of successful mainstreets, Shelley will be highlighting methodologies that can be implemented to ensure long-term viability and resilience.

BIOGRAPHY

Shelley Cox is the creative force behind The Regional Collective, a platform dedicated to supporting regional entrepreneurs.

As the founder of Workspace Barossa and Makers & Merchants Barossa, Shelley brings extensive experience in creating sustainable business operations and fostering community spirit. From 2019 to 2024, she successfully operated two mainstreet regional businesses, navigating challenges and driving growth - away from her career as a qualified winemaker.

She is passionate about empowering small and micro-businesses to thrive in regional areas.

Louise will be presenting Kangaroo Island Town Centres Project: Achieving More for Less. 

Kangaroo Island, known for its pristine environment and abundant wildlife, is also home to a number of tight-knit and diverse communities. The Town Centres Project aimed to improve the accessibility, liveability, and appeal of the four main townships of Kingscote, Penneshaw, Parndana and American River, which were outdated, unsafe and did not meet the needs of local businesses, residents or visitors. From agricultural service hubs to small fishing villages, each project required a unique approach to stakeholder engagement, design and delivery.

Facing high construction costs and resource constraints, landscape architect Louise developed value-for-money, practical and creative bang-for-buck solutions in the $2.5 million project. The upgrade of the four townships demonstrates that conservative budgets can still have big impact and make a difference to communities.

Navigating challenges such as high construction costs, logistical hurdles like ferry cancellations, and local labour shortages, Louise shares key insights and successes, emphasising the critical role that stakeholder engagement plays in achieving project objectives.

The Kangaroo Island Town Centres Project was an ambitious undertaking for a regional Council that typically focusses on the delivery of its core essential services with a small team. Through creative problem-solving, a community-driven approach and achievement of the project’s objectives, the island’s four main town centres now offer an improved experience for the residents and visitors to the internationally renowned Kangaroo Island.

BIOGRAPHY

Louise’s career as a landscape architect has taken her to some of the world’s most beautiful places, both at home in regional Australia and internationally. From tackling projects in different climates, scales, languages and time zones, Louise’s diverse professional experience over more than ten years ranges from high-end hospitality projects and nature-based experiences in the private sector in Central America and beyond, to delivering multiple public realm projects on Kangaroo Island.

With her humble small-town upbringing and global adventures having taken her on an unconventional journey into the design world, Louise recently established her own studio –LINEA – to continue her passion for regional communities, more responsible development and a
better world. Frequently described as a ‘doer’, Louise has three degrees, speaks two languages (while learning a third), and when she isn't working, will likely be found surfing, playing sport or exploring with her camera in hand.

Sara will be presenting 'Investing in Mainstreet Promotion - How Rundle Street East has built its platform'

In a competitive retail landscape, how can a Mainstreet promote itself to attract visitors and build its own brand? In 2013, commercial and retail property investment and development company Maras Group, created the Rundle Street East brand. Today the group continues to invest heavily in its Mainstreet marketing strategy, building a platform to promote its traders and define its competitive difference.

Brand development and marketing is seen as the cherry on top of Mainstreet management, often a nice-to-have instead of a must-have. Investing in a solid marketing strategy helps to define and grow your audience, giving you better insights into what attracts visitors specifically to your Mainstreet, while the development of a strong brand creates cohesion, familiarity and connection.

Investing in regular promotion and communications can amplify your brand and underpin your event, placemaking and precinct curation efforts, while strategically investing in partnerships and initiatives can inspire organic collaborations and assist in attracting the right businesses that fit within your precinct curation and tenancy mix.

This presentation will showcase the ways in which Rundle Street East has navigated its Mainstreet marketing strategy to stimulate visitor attraction and engagement, while highlighting how important it is for Mainstreets to have committed stakeholders willing to invest in placemaking, marketing and events.

BIOGRAPHY 

As Brand Manager for Maras Group and Rundle Street East, Member of the East End Coordination Group and Prospect Road’s Village Heart Marketing Fund, for the last 7 years Sara has worked alongside councils, traders and major festivals to activate and promote Mainstreets with a focus on brand development and marketing that stems from her Graphic Design background.

Jason will be presenting Cultural insight into changing shoppers and how precincts about becoming irrelevant

Jason Dunstone of Square Holes explores cultural insights into evolving shoppers and the risk of precincts becoming irrelevant. His presentation examines shifting consumer behaviors, the importance of adapting to trends, and strategies for revitalising shopping areas to stay relevant in a changing market.

A key theme is the impact of leadership bias on decision-making within the retail sector. Leaders, often influenced by their own experiences and perspectives, may overlook subtle but significant changes in consumer behavior. This bias can lead to strategic missteps and a failure to address the actual needs and desires of the target market. An inclusive approach to leadership that actively seeks diverse viewpoints and challenges existing assumptions is essential.
 

Central to this approach is the concept of sense-making – the process through which organisations interpret and understand complex and dynamic environments. The importance of being ever curious is emphasized, encouraging retail leaders to constantly question and explore emerging trends and consumer preferences. Curiosity drives deeper insights and fosters a culture of continuous learning and adaptation, crucial for identifying early signals of change and developing proactive strategies to stay ahead of the curve.

Ongoing research with real people is also stressed. Traditional market research methods, while valuable, often fall short in capturing the nuanced and rapidly changing behaviors of today’s consumers. By engaging directly with shoppers through ethnographic studies, in-depth interviews, and immersive fieldwork, retailers can gain richer, more actionable insights. This human-centric approach ensures that strategies and innovations are grounded in the realities of consumers' lives, leading to more relevant and impactful solutions. Innovation is not a one-time effort but a continuous journey. Successful retail precincts have reinvented themselves by embracing new technologies, reimagining customer experiences, and fostering a sense of community. These precincts prioritize understanding their customers' evolving needs and preferences, allowing them to create environments that resonate and engage.

In conclusion, this presentation serves as a compelling call to action for retail leaders to embrace cultural insights, challenge their biases, and cultivate a sense of curiosity. By conducting ongoing research with real people and continuously innovating, retail precincts can avoid redundancy and thrive in an ever-changing landscape. This proactive and human-centric approach not only drives growth but also ensures long-term relevance and success in the dynamic world of retail.

BIOGRAPHY

As the founder and MD of Square Holes, Jason has led a passionate research team for over 19 years, providing insights to grow brands, businesses, and communities. With a background in econometrics, psychology, and strategy, and as a Fellow of the Australian Research Society, Jason specialises in cultural insights, brand growth, and public research. His clients over three decades have included Telstra, Ford, Lion Co, Haigh's, Fasta Pasta and Jonny’s Popcorn. Jason is also a publisher, writer, presenter, mentor, and innovator, driven by curiosity, creativity, and collaboration.

Robert will be presenting Where Main Street meets Sesame Street: Understanding the economic impact of children and young people on The Parade, Norwood

The Parade, Norwood presents as a unique case study in terms of the role that children and young people play in the prosperity of the precinct. The combination of activities and shops with safe and welcoming spaces, means the precinct is the place to be and been seen for teenagers. 

Main streets pride themselves of being places for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities where they can meet, mix and socialise. Increasingly, main streets are coming to understand the important role they play to attract children and young people not only in terms of adding vibrancy but putting dollars through cash registers.

The Parade, Norwood is a unique case study of the role children and young people play in supporting the local economy. Home to 360 business, there are also ten schools located within a 1km radius of the precinct. This means almost 9,000 students pose as potential customers after-school on weekdays, with some visiting on weekends. With a well-earned reputation as safe and family-friendly precinct, for teenagers The Parade is the place to be and to be seen; a place they can gather to meet friends, watch movies, attend football games and dine in cafes and other food establishments. Importantly, it is a place where youth culture can flourish free of adult expectations of how they should behave in public places.

Combined, these elements generate a sense of community among children and young people where can enjoy this public space and all it offers. The net effect is that children and young people are important players in the cultural vitality and economic prosperity of South Australia’s premier main street.

BIOGRAPHY 

Robert Bria has served as Mayor of the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters since 2005. A former small business owner, Robert’s passion is to support local traders. He is the Chair of the Council’s Business and Economic Development Advisory Committee and the Norwood Parade Precinct Committee.

Robert is a Australian Certified Economic Developer. In 2015, he received a Commendation from Economic Development Australia for Excellence in Economic Development Leadership (Elected Member category). He joined the Mainstreet SA Committee in 2024.

Warwick will be presenting Country Streetscapes. 

Using projects from Willunga to Port Lincoln and several places in between, Warwick Keates of WAX Design will explore the essential elements necessary to create, regenerate and renew country streetscapes. For nearly two decades, Warwick has worked with numerous communities using co-design processes that encourage conversations about public space, how they function and what impacts change will have on these streetscapes.

Warwick and the team at WAX Design have focused on enabling communities to shape their towns. For nearly two decades Warwick has worked with numerous communities using co-design processes that encourage conversations about streets, public space, how they function and how change will impact these streetscapes. Starting the design conversation can be simple. What do we need to keep, what needs to change, and what needs to be replaced? However, realising new design outcomes for these streetscapes can be complex and challenging for everyone involved.

Using Community, Character, Capacity and Country, Warwick will explain his experience of working with communities and collaboratively designing country streetscapes.

BIOGRAPHY 

Warwick decided to become a landscape architect when he was 13 years old. He loves landscape architecture and sees it as an honour and a privilege to work in the profession.

Warwick works at WAX Design. He has practised for over thirty years in the United Kingdom, the Middle East and Australia. He believes authentic collaboration and co-design are fundamental to creating places that support nature and people.

Warwick believes that landscape architects have a responsibility to the past, present and future. He also believes that we all need to give back in any way we can to ensure that ideas of regeneration and legacy exist well beyond our lifespan.

Victoria will be taking part in the Governance and Funding Masterclass 

A lifelong passion for design, architecture and the environment, love for delicious SA wines and a fondness for problem-solving has driven Victoria’s dedication to her specialist fields of practice.

Victoria is one of Australia’s leading planning and environmental lawyers with consistent recognition from her peers and clients for many years in the prestigious Best Lawyers Australia list and Doyle’s Guide. Victoria is known for her depth of experience, personable nature and ability to provide clear answers to difficult and technical legal questions.

In addition to her demonstrated expertise in planning, building safety, and environmental law, Victoria is known as a trusted advisor and advocate in governance and administrative law, natural resources, rates sales and summary criminal matters. Her reputation as a trusted advisor means that she is often asked to deliver workshops, briefings and seminars to council officers, assessment panels, Elected Members and professional bodies, and speak at state and national conferences for development professionals throughout Australia.

Victoria has taught a variety of undergraduate and post-graduate University and professional courses to law, planning, surveying, development and architecture students. She is widely published in a variety of State and national legal and business publications.

Rania will be taking part in the Governance and Sustainable Funding Masterclass

Rania is the Co-Founder of the award-winning startup Yellow Round Table and a strategic advisor dedicated to empowering organisations that aspire to stand out and champion impactful causes. Passionate about transforming trader’s associations, she helps them unlock the joy of building, growing, and scaling volunteer talent.

With extensive experience as a community volunteer, business owner, association manager, marketer, and Council Officer, Rania’s Governance Unleashed workshops blend traditional and modern governance approaches. These workshops focus on destination stewardship, leadership, sustainability, volunteer wellbeing, and brand reputation, empowering community volunteers, business owners, and Council officers to lead with purpose and resilience.