Executive Profiles
Board Members

About Us

What is the NRA?

As the pre-eminent voice of the retail industry, we are proud to provide individual business solutions to over 3700 retail businesses across Australia.

Our members range from sole operator enterprises to specialty, chain and franchise stores of all types and sizes.

We assist our members by providing a comprehensive approach to business with our range of solutions including:

  • Employment Law Solutions
  • Training and Development Solutions
  • Events Management and Networking Solutions
  • Retailer Connect
  • Public Affairs and Lobbying.

Our Aim

It is our goal to ensure businesses of all sizes have access to specialised knowledge and industry specific expertise in order to grow and prosper.

 Member Testimonials

Contact Details

Freecall: 1800 738 245

Head Office
Telephone: (07) 3251 3000
Fax:  (07) 3251 3030

Postal Address
PO Box 91, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006

 

Executive Profiles & Board Members

Executive Profiles 


Gary Black
Executive Director

As Executive Director of the NRA, Gary leads a national organisation that provides a range of professional services to industry and represents the interests of the retail sector (Australia's largest employer) to governments, the media and the wider community.

Gary has previously held the role of Director of the NRA's Employment Law Division and has been responsible for providing specialist strategic plans to meet the needs of retail corporations. Gary has extensive experience in employee relations, having held industrial relations, advocacy and management positions with a number of Australia's leading  employer organisations.

From 1982 to 1990, Gary was the Deputy General Manager of the Queensland Confederation of Industry. He was responsible developing strategies and recommendations for the organisation's governing bodies, acting as Principal Employers' Advocate and providing representation and advice for many of Queensland's major companies and associations on industrial relations and workplace strategies.

In 1990, he joined ITT Sheraton where he was responsible for negotiating and implementing an enterprise agreement, implementing quality management practices, restructuring the organisation and addressing a range of other workplace reforms.



Paul Willis
General Manager, Training and Development

Paul joined the NRA in 2001 after holding various training and retail positions in the private sector over the last fifteen years. His experience in the retail sector includes a wealth of retail management experience gained through diverse roles held with major national grocery chains. Paul also has previous experience in most levels of the hospitality industry.

Paul holds a Diploma of Human Resource Management, a Diploma of Management and a Certificate IV in Assessment and Workplace Training. He is currently completing a Bachelor of Business (Human Resources).

During his time with the NRA, Paul has coordinated, implemented and delivered a range of projects within the retail industry, ranging from working with the homeless and long-term unemployed, to the development and delivery of change management programs at senior executive level. Paul approaches training with a positive and creative outlook to assist clients and participants to achieve and maintain their life and business goals.

Paul has extensive experience in the set up and management of a national RTO including successful tendering of funding contracts, set up and compliance of AQTF standards and experience in leading a team to achieve required outcomes to meet and exceed industry and client requirements.


Donna Caley
Director, Events and Marketing

As Director of Events and Marketing, Donna is responsible for the overall direction of the NRA's events, which play a critical part in the Association's overall marketing plan.

These include the Australian Fashion Design Awards, Fashion Forum, Rewards for Excellence, Young Retailer of the Year, Business Congress and Business Series.

Donna is responsible for the overall management and organisation of events, sponsorship and sponsor relations, and strategic and business development.

Her extensive experience in event management plays a vital part in the ongoing growth and development of the NRA's events which has ultimately seen events become a critical part of the NRA's business and image.


Christine Gilbert
Director Finance and Administration

Christine is responsible for providing administration and accounting services to all divisions of the Association and the financial reporting to the Auditors and the Board.

Christine joined the Association in June 2006 and brings with her 30 years accounting and administration experience including 14 years in Senior Management roles.

With degree qualifications in Business Management and Administration and her previous Board Directorships she is dedicated to providing efficient solutions to enable positive outcomes whilst remaining altruistic to the goals of the Association.


Malcolm Macrae
Property and Project Services

Malcolm has worked in retail tenancy negotiations, business valuations and compensations, retail development issues, research into the economics and value of retail businesses.

Malcolm is a member of the State Government's Retail Shop Leases Tribunal and has been extensively involved in the development and amendment of Queensland's Retail Shop Leases legislation.

Malcolm is a Fellow of the Australian Property Institute and is a member of the Institute's Committee for developing Valuation Standards and Guidelines for Market Rental Valuations; a registered valuer; a specialist retail valuer; and an Associate member of CPA Australia.

Malcolm has been involved in the property industry in various aspects of valuation, finance, development and management for over 40 years.


Board Members 

 

Chairman

Mr Mark Brodie
Brodies Mealmakers

 

 

Director

Mr Lionel von Dorssen
Van Dorssen's

 

Director

Mr Ewan Gardam
Ewan Gardam Fabrics

 

Director

Mr Ken Richardson
Lifeline

 

Director

Mr Ian Thomas
IR Thomas Pty Ltd

 

Director

Mr Michael Potts
MacDonnells Solicitors
 

Director

Mr Ian Winterburn
Wallace Bishop Pty Ltd