Reflection of the LFRA Annual Gala Awards

This year for the first time, the LFRA hosted its third Annual Gala Awards Dinner at The Star Sydney to celebrate the immense achievements of the industry over the past year.

More than 350 attendees reflected and celebrated the resilience of the sector, new innovative technology to emerge throughout Large Format Retail and most importantly, the adaptability of the sector to take on new initiatives in sustainability as we evolve.

“After the impressive bounce back from the industry throughout and post covid years, Large Format Retail continues to demonstrate its resilience as another year comes to an end that has presented a number of challenges” said LFRA Chief Executive Officer Philippa Kelly.

“The industry has faced and conquered the pressures of inflation, shipping delays and stock and labour challenges, and despite this we’ve seen the industry decrease occupancy rates to 3.5% and the sector growing to account for around one-third of all retail floor space in Australia.

This year’s awards judging panel included LFRA CEO and Director, Philippa Kelly, Former LFRA Vice-President & Director, Steve Adamson, CSR Limited and Warwick Shedden Award Recipient, John Gillam and lastly, Kate Warwick, Senior Managing Director from FTI Consulting.

A big congratulations to our award winners for their tremendous achievements:

• Lifetime Achievement Award – Morry Fraid, Spotlight Group
• Emerging Leader of the Year – Alex Capra, Harvey Norman
• Warwick Shedden Memorial Trophy – Bruce Sinclair
• Large Format Retailer of the Year – JB Hi-Fi
• Service Provider of the Year – Buchan
• Developer of the Year – Port Stephens, Harvey Norman
• Agent of the Year – David Mark, Marked Property
• Centre Manager of the Year – Anita Broers, CBRE/Harvey Norman
• Best Sustainability Initiative – HMC Capital
• Best Application of an Innovation – Beacon Trade (Beacon Lighting)
• Marketing Campaign of the Year (Retailer) – Beacon Lighting (Beacon Trade)
• Marketing Campaign of the Year (Associate Member) – Browns Plains – Harvey Norman

“We held the online the Online Auction for the second time this year, to raise money for Lifeline, Vinnies, and the GoFundMe page for Cameron Wales. Guests with the winning bid were able to select the charity that they wished to support.

“We raised just over $40,000 on the night and I was very humbled and moved by the generosity of our guests and members” added Ms Kelly.

Auction contributors included:

• Arise Racing by Arise Developments
• Adairs
• Amphis
• Anaconda
• Autobarn
• Baby Bunting
• Barbeques Galore
• Beacon Lighting
• BCF
• Bedshed
• Costco
• Crown Towers Perth
• CV Media & Signage
• Early Settlers
• Grosvenor Engineering Group
• Harris Scarfe
• Harvey Norman
• House
• JB Hi-Fi
• Meat and Wine Co.
• National Golf Club
• OZ Design
• Petstock
• Planet Fitness
• Planning Solutions
• Provincial Home Living
• REVO Fitness
• The Star Grand Hotel, Sydney
• The Good Guys
• Total Tools
• FTI Consulting
• W Hotel Melbourne
• 6HEAD Steak Restaurant

The night would not be possible without the generosity of our Award Night sponsors, so a big thank you to:

Diamond

HomeCo.
ADCO Constructions
Major Media

Sapphire
Spotlight Group
REVO Fitness

Emerald
CBRE
Centuria
Beacon Lighting
Mainbrace Constructions
Bunnings Group
Harvey Norman
Bentleigh Group
Buchan
Titanium Investment Properties