Deakin University Australian Retail Graduate of the Year 

State finalists announced

Joint winner Amy Chalmers (Wimmera Foot Clinic, Shoe Co, Urban Nine 4 and www.myshoeco.com.au)

Amy has completed the ARA Diploma of Retail in Horsham. Amy has implemented learnings from her training into the operations of the business, and has also come up with initiatives to ensure staff are motivated and happy.

Joint winner Sherryl Munday (HSN Management Pty Ltd)

Sherryl commenced employment with HSN Management Pty Ltd in November 2008. Sherryl is the Retail Operations Manager- Retail Pharmacy within the business, which specialises in retail pharmaceutical services.

2011 QLD Deakin University Retail Graduate of the Year

Chloe Lockhart (Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC))

Chloe Lockhart is the Retailer Coordination Manager for the Terminal Retail and Commercial Team at BAC. As part of her role, Chloe coordinates and engages with 21 retail tenants as well as develops new and innovative programs for those retailers including communication and training programs.

2011 Tasmanian Deakin University Retail Graduate of the Year

Teresa Wvetschner (Baker’s Delight )

Teresa has been working for Baker’s Delight as a sales assistant since February 2010, and as a key member of the team focuses on product quality and good merchandising. As an individual, Teresa has juggled full time work, family responsibilities and study in order to graduate and is looking forward to her upcoming position as sales manager.

2011 WA Deakin University Retail Graduate of the Year

Anne Thompson (Boyup Brook IGA)

Anne has been the owner and manager of the Boyup Brook IGA since September 2009, and her core business is developed around being a central part of the community and being a “Local Hero”, while forming part of the national IGA brand and its Family/ Village/ Tribe structure.

ARA Executive Director Russell Zimmerman and Steve Ogden- Barnes from Deakin University would like to congratulate all of the state winners of the 2011 Deakin University Retail Graduate of the Year, who are now in the running to win the national award which will be announced at the ARA Australian Retail Awards breakfast on Tuesday 15 November 2011.

2011 SA Deakin University Retail Graduate of the Year

Nathan Walker (Radio Rentals)

Nathan is the advertising manager at Radio Rentals in Prospect, SA, and is across many aspects of the business including customer service and product knowledge, as well as having personal sales KPI’s. Nathan has embraced the training and development opportunities Radio Rentals offers to its employees and as such succeeded in graduating with the Diploma of Retail Management.

About the 2011 Deakin University Retail Graduate of the Year award

The 2011 Retail Graduate of the Year award recognises and rewards graduates of the Diploma of Retail Management who demonstrate outstanding talent and leadership potential. As Australia’s peak industry body, the ARA – through the ARA Retail Institute – plays a key role in promoting career pathways within the retail sector and is highly active in providing education at all levels.

The winner of this category will be recognised for their academic achievement, their initiative and drive to succeed within Australia’s $240 billion industry.