Camberwell Traders Association Update
The current economic outlook is daunting, and businesses across Victoria are adapting to a changing retail landscape. However, people are still seeking out great local experiences, quality products and destinations that offer something unique. Camberwell Junction continues to be well-positioned, with its diverse mix of retail, dining, services and community-focused experiences helping to attract visitors from across Melbourne.
The past quarter has seen strong activity across the precinct, with the Great Camberwell Easter Hunt engaging families throughout the school holiday period and Mother's Day promotions supporting local gifting and dining. Our annual CamberWELL-BEING event, showcasing the growing wellness offering within our precinct, was bigger than ever. These initiatives generate valuable exposure for participating businesses while helping reinforce Camberwell Junction as a vibrant destination to shop, dine and connect. Comm Bank iQ provides data reports on customers' in-store spending. The April 2026 figures show that spending in Camberwell Junction was up 11% from April 2025, to a total of $38.2 million. Our precinct captured over 20% of the total spend across Boroondara. We expect May figures to be as impressive.
However, as consumers become increasingly selective in their discretionary spending, it is more important than ever to engage them with promotions, attractive environments, and memorable customer experiences. With this in mind, we encourage all traders to make the most of the free promotional opportunities available through the association. Whether you're launching a new product, running a seasonal promotion, hosting an event, or celebrating a business milestone, our
Marketing snapshot
It’s been a busy and vibrant few months in Camberwell Junction, with a calendar of seasonal campaigns helping to drive visitation, engagement and local discovery across the precinct.
Easter kicked off with the Easter Bunny and fairy friend delighting families. Our annual ‘Great Camberwell Easter Hunt’ encouraged visitors to explore the precinct, creating a fun and interactive experience that connected participants with local traders. Supported by digital advertising, social media, editorial content and precinct-wide collateral, the campaign generated strong engagement and helped keep Camberwell Junction top of mind during the school holiday period.
Mother’s Day followed with a dedicated trader feature and gift guide, showcasing a diverse range of local businesses and inspiring shoppers to celebrate the important women in their lives by shopping local.
team can help you share your story through our website, social media channels, eDMs, and broader marketing campaigns.
Food and beverage businesses are also encouraged to participate in this year's Culinary Awards, one of our most successful precinct initiatives, designed to showcase the outstanding dining experiences available throughout Camberwell Junction and encourage visitors to discover new local favourites.
While the retail environment continues to evolve, the strength of our precinct has always come from the businesses working together, supporting one another and continuing to showcase everything that makes Camberwell Junction special. With the new term of the Marketing and Business Support Levy now committed, continued funding will enable us to implement our business and marketing plans for the next five years, ensuring the precinct remains a destination of choice for locals and visitors alike.
Our committee reluctantly said farewell to our President Henk Kelly-Kobes this month as he retires after 26 years at the helm. We thank him for his leadership and generous contribution to both the local business community and the broader local community. The Dymocks author events brought many famous names to Camberwell and have been a highlight of our promotional calendar over the years. We wish Henk and Roxanne the best in the future. Di Gillies will formally step into the role of President and continue to steer the course. If you are interested in playing a role in shaping the future of the precinct, we invite you to apply to join the traders’ association committee for 2026/27.
Regards, Camberwell Centre Association Committee
In May, we welcomed the return of CamberWELL-BEING for its ninth year. The Wellness Trail once again reinforced the precinct’s strength in this business category by highlighting the incredible mix of health, fitness and wellbeing businesses in Camberwell Junction. The event achieved its highest-ever number of pre-registrations, demonstrating that even long-running activations can continue to grow when supported by a strong marketing strategy and fresh approach to audience engagement.
Our online marketing activities continue to yield strong results. Here’s a snapshot of Camberwell Junction’s digital audience numbers:
• More than 8,000 email addresses in our subscriber database
• More than 187,000 visits to the websites over the past year
• More than 8,535 followers on social media.
Who
will take home Camberwell Junction’s culinary crown this year?
The Camberwell Culinary Awards returns for 2026, celebrating Camberwell Junction's best food and drink destinations.
WHY IT MATTERS
The Camberwell Culinary Awards encourage customers to explore Camberwell Junction’s dining scene throughout winter, helping drive visitation, awareness, and spending across local hospitality businesses.
HOW IT WORKS
Customers vote for their favourite restaurants in the following 8 categories:
• Best coffee
• Best brunch
• Best casual dining
• Best fine dining
• Best sweet treat
• Best drinking spot
• Best takeaway
• Best healthy option
To enter the draw for a $500 Camberwell Junction shopping voucher, customers simply upload a receipt from a participating business to vote in one of the eight categories.
Every receipt equals one entry. The more receipts they upload, the more chances they have to win, the more reasons to dine with you!
HOW YOUR BUSINESS BENEFITS
• Increased exposure through a precinct-wide marketing campaign
• More customer visits during the winter period
• Greater community engagement and word-of-mouth
• Opportunity to attract new customers
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
• Display an official campaign poster
• Share your specials or seasonal offers
• Encourage regulars to vote for your business
• Help spread the word on your channels –trader packs will be provided to help
More details will be shared in the coming weeks. Until then, start warming up your regulars and get ready for another season of friendly competition, local pride and culinary bragging rights.
For more information, contact camberwell@assemblo.com
Easter bunny event draws strong crowds
Easter brought a fantastic buzz to Camberwell Junction, with families flocking to the precinct to enjoy a day of festive fun. The Easter Bunny and a fairy friend offered photo opportunities and meet-and-greets, while our roving entertainers handed out chocolate Easter eggs and encouraged visitors to take part in the Great Camberwell Easter Hunt. The popular competition invites participants to explore the precinct while searching for golden egg posters to win a $500 Camberwell Junction shopping voucher. Supported by digital advertising, precinct-wide posters and an enhanced social media content strategy, the campaign generated strong engagement and encouraged shoppers to discover more of our local businesses. A huge thank you to all the traders who participated and helped make this year's Easter celebrations such a success.
Professional service businesses
We know it can be tricky to stay across all the new businesses opening in the precinct – especially those located on upper levels – so if you’re aware of any, we’d love to hear from you.
A reminder that the camberwellbusiness.com.au website isn’t just for retailers. If your business serves the public or collaborates with other small businesses, you’re welcome to be featured as well. We can create a web page for you at no cost.
All traders are reminded to visit camberwellbusiness.com.au for local business events happening in the precinct. If you’re planning a seminar
CamberWELL-BEING highlights local wellness
On May 16, Camberwell Junction proudly hosted the 9th annual CamberWELL-BEING event, celebrating the diverse range of health, fitness and wellness businesses within the precinct. The Wellness Trail encouraged participants to explore local businesses, connect directly with traders and experience everything from fitness challenges and nutritious food samples to health services and wellbeing classes. Thanks to the generosity of our traders, over $7,500 in prizes were up for grabs, ensuring community enthusiasm from the outset. Attendees lined up before opening to secure one of 200 goodie bags filled with samples, which were also provided by traders. The event saw recordbreaking pre-registrations and strong engagement throughout the day, reinforcing Camberwell Junction's growing appeal as a wellness destination. We were also delighted to receive overwhelmingly positive feedback from the 18 participating businesses, with several already committing to next year's event. As we look ahead to the 10th anniversary of CamberWELL-BEING in 2027, we're excited to continue supporting and showcasing the precinct's thriving wellness community.
or business event, we can help spread the word. Simply send your details to info@camberwellca.com.au
We have also set up a WhatsApp group chat for Camberwell Junction traders to share relevant business alerts and keep you updated on the go. It’s as simple as downloading the WhatsApp app on your mobile phone and scanning this QR code to keep up with our initiatives or simply to keep in touch.
Marketing calendar
JUNE
✓ End of financial year sales
✓ School holidays (June 27 - July 12)
JULY
✓ School holidays (June 27 - July 12)
✓ Winter promotion
✓ Christmas in July (July 25)
AUGUST
✓ Camberwell Culinary Awards
✓ Father’s Day promotions begin
✓ Afterpay Day (mid-August)
Trader Portal
Did you know that our website includes a dedicated Trader Portal?
Stay connected with the latest opportunities for your business. The Trader Portal brings together useful resources, business tips, local government initiatives, networking opportunities, funding information and other updates designed to support traders and help businesses thrive. We also post previous newsletters and Camberwell Citizen editions on the portal. camberwellshopping.com.au/cca-association-news
Networking events
Meet other traders, professionals and community members to share ideas and issues
Visit camberwellbusinessclub.com.au for details and subscribe to be kept abreast of local business events.
TRADER AND BUSINESS NETWORKING
We've recently relaunched the Camberwell Business Forum with a new approach, to Camberwell Business Social Sessions — a space where you can come and connect with local businesses over drinks and nibbles after work.
The first Camberwell Business Social Sessions took place on Thursday, March 26, from 5.00pm to 7.00pm at East End Wine Bar. Local retail and service-based businesses mingled over drinks and loaded cheese boards.
This is a great opportunity to network with other traders and businesses in Camberwell Junction. Exchange ideas, share tips, and even find ways to collaborate.
Our next Camberwell Business Social Sessions will be held on September 10, with venue details to follow as the date approaches.
The Camberwell Business Social Sessions are FREE for Camberwell traders and Camberwell Business Club members, or $25 for businesses outside of the precinct, unless otherwise stated.
CAMBERWELL BUSINESS CLUB
The Camberwell Business Club meets on the first Thursday of each month (from February to December). Meetings are held upstairs at Deco (211 Camberwell Rd) from 1pm – 2pm sharp, and feature a guest speaker. Membership packages are available. It’s a great chance to meet fellow business operators over a light lunch.
Details: camberwellbusinessclub.com.au
Shop news
Catch up with new businesses, store moves and other news
10³ BAKEHOUSE
727 Burke Road
10³ BakeHouse is a new Japanese-inspired bakery in Camberwell Junction. They specialise in artisanal bread, including their popular taro mochi shokupan, durian shokupan, and creamy Portuguese egg tarts, as well as cute custom cakes for all occasions.
ANDA THAI MASSAGE & REMEDIAL MASSAGE CLINIC CAMBERWELL
746 Burke Road
Anda Thai Massage in Camberwell offers professional Thai and remedial massage treatments tailored to your needs. Their qualified therapists help relieve muscle tension, improve mobility and support relaxation, recovery and overall well-being.
FIRST POINT GROUP PTY LTD
Suite 5, Tenancy 111 Camberwell Place, Level 1/793 Burke Road
Relocating to Camberwell Junction, First Point Group continues to simplify the finance process by connecting clients with suitable residential, commercial and business solutions.
THE MEATING POINT
722 Burke Rd
The Meating Point is a go-to spot in Camberwell Junction for indulgent smash burgers, loaded kebabs and crowd favourite HSPs. Known for its juicy, flavour-packed patties and generous portions, we guarantee you won’t leave disappointed.
MERLIN 1981 HOME DECOR
799 Burke Rd
At Merlin 1981 Home Decor, design meets everyday living. Located on Burke Road, the store offers a thoughtfully curated collection of furniture and home décor designed to elevate modern interiors.
MINORI CAFE
267 Camberwell Road
Minori Cafe brings authentic Japanese home-style cooking to Camberwell Junction. Enjoy handmade dishes, balanced meals and quality Toby’s Estate coffee in a welcoming, family-friendly space with a dedicated kids' play area.
DAYALI ROAST DUCK CHINESE RESTAURANT
169 Camberwell Road
Say hello to Dayali Roast Duck, one of the newest dining destinations near Camberwell Junction. Renowned for its traditional Chinese roast duck and authentic flavours, Dayali brings a rich culinary heritage to the local community.
HECHO EN MEXICO
Shop 3, 5 Evans Place, Hawthorn East Hola, Hecho en Mexico! The much-loved Mexican eatery has opened in Hawthorn East, serving up fresh flavours, bright dishes, and a vibrant dining experience for visitors to Camberwell Junction.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
PRESIDENT Di Gillies
Former Boroondara Councillor 0438 002 749
SECRETARY
Bev Wooffindin Camberwell Secretariat 9813 2707
MEMBERS
Ray Orr Mail Boxes Etc 9813 2200
Wayne Chen The Gift Bargain Store 0433 159 949
Neil Earle Earle & Company 9882 0233
VICE PRESIDENT (Position to be filled)
TREASURER
Brittany Unwin SC Accounting 8840 9188
George Keskerides
Terry White Chemist 9882 6655
Chris Risteski itsagame 0401 916 082
If you would like to become a member of the association or take a role on the committee, please contact the president to discuss.
SUPPORT FOR TRADERS
All traders are welcome to contact precinct manager Kerry Daly to discuss any marketing or relevant issues. Call (03) 9813 4190 or email kdaly@camberwellca.com.au
STAY INFORMED
The trader’s association sends out monthly email newsletters with current business, news and marketing updates to ensure you stay informed about what’s going on in the precinct. If you are not receiving these emails then we either do not have your current email address or you need to check your spam filters. Please contact us if you are having any issues with receiving the email newsletter.
CONTACT US
For further information regarding topics in this newsletter, please contact
Kerry Daly Camberwell Centre Association Manager
Lvl 1, Camberwell Place, 793 Burke Rd Camberwell VIC 3124
Phone / Fax: (03) 9813 4190 info@camberwellca.com.au