A letter from the president
Dear Camberwell Junction traders,
Christmas is around the corner and the weather is finally more inviting. Our planned events and promotion will also ensure the precinct is busy. It’s now up to you to capture the seasonal spending.
The annual Culinary Awards received hundreds of entries. Customers sent photos of their receipts to show they had visited the precinct’s cafes and restaurants and voted for their favourites in various categories. Congratulations to the businesses who received an award and to the winner of the competition Marilyn Nabor, who now has $500 to spend in Camberwell.
Our recent Camberwell Junction events showed that the community love to get out for free fun in the streets. The Kylie and Dannii Day was once again held in the Camberwell Sunday Market, and though it was a wild and windy day, the crowds enjoyed the show by the talented drag queens, and renowned Kylie impersonator Millie Minogue. The highlight was videos showing both Kylie and Dannii reminiscing on growing up in Camberwell. Thanks also to the shops that supported the Swinburne Fashion students displays of Minogue inspired fashion.
Returning for the second year, our Halloween event was an even bigger success. Hundreds of people attended with amazing costumes. The face painters couldn’t keep up and the shops participating in
the trick or treat went through boxes of lollies! The professional photo wall provided a scary backdrop and featured on our social media platforms, with people posting to their own accounts which organically raised awareness of the precinct.
We’re also getting ready for our popular annual Christmas Family Day on December 13. Families come for the traditional free fire truck rides, roving entertainers and Santa. Many visitors hunt across the entire precinct to find the window decals in our “Where’s Rudolf?’ promotion for a chance to win a $500 Camberwell gift card.
The precinct’s new Christmas decorations are up, what are you doing in your store to share the spirit of the season? We are funding the first 20 businesses that want the Little Picture artists to draw festive images on their windows. We also invite you and your staff to drop in to our Christmas Catch-up event after work on Tuesday Nov 25, at the newly renovated Palace Hotel. Come and say hello!
Remember to check the Trader Portal at camberwellshopping.com.au for business updates and support resources. Make sure you tag us in your social media content and email your offers so we can share them: info@camberwellca.com.au
Have a safe and happy Christmas, Henk Kelly-Kobes, President, Camberwell Centre Association
Halloween in Camberwell
Returning for the second time, Halloween in Camberwell was an even bigger success this year. The precinct was packed with happy families that enjoyed the range of spooky activities and got to see all that Camberwell Junction has to offer.
Our range of activations were strategically placed across the precinct to encourage exploring so that people could see all the different and wonderful traders we have. In particular it was the trick or treat trail that drew families in and helped them discover the size of Camberwell Junction.
Other popular activities included face painting, live music, arts and crafts stations, balloon modellers and roaming entertainers. All of this combined to create a fun day where many children (and some adults) dressed up in costume to celebrate the occasion.
We also saw success in our marketing campaign, with many people liking, commenting and sharing our posts. We’re very happy with how this event has grown since last year and look forward to expanding it even further next year.
IN CAMBERWELL
Get excited for another joyous Christmas celebration at Camberwell Junction. Our Christmas Family Day will run on Saturday, December 13 from 11am – 3pm across the shopping precinct.
The Christmas Family Day is a way for our traders to celebrate with our vibrant community, where hundreds of people come along to enjoy a day of free fun activities with their families. They are encouraged to explore Camberwell Junction, to see the wonderful and diverse traders that offer an extensive range of items perfect for Christmas gifts. You can make this easier by having gift ideas on display, perhaps pre-wrapped, or in categories to suit different demographics or price points.
Camberwell Junction will be filled with family-friendly activations. We are bringing back the classics that have ensured every Christmas Family Day is a huge success and create family traditions. Visitors will begin by collecting their activity checklist from our Christmas headquarters, adjacent to the Camberwell Fresh Food Market. Roving performers and our promoters will encourage them on the trail of activities. Whether it’s photos with Santa, rides on an antique fire truck, creating masterpieces at the arts and crafts station,
HOW YOU CAN MAKE THE MOST OF THE CHRISTMAS FAMILY DAY
There are plenty of ways you can leverage the promotions and make the most of increased foot traffic expected on the day. Here are some ideas on how you can participate:
• Create a festive shop window display
• Play festive music in your store
• Get your staff to dress in a Christmas theme
• Offer free gift wrapping to customers
• Facilitate charitable contributions from sales on the day
• Provide special offers or in-store activations
• Sell pre-wrapped gift packs or display a table of gifts for Mum/Dad/under $30 etc.
If you do place stock or a gift table outside your shop, it must be kerbside and adhere to council rules. Make sure you tell us about your offers or events so we can share them on our social media and via our promoters on the day. Email your details to: info@camberwellca.com.au
We’ll provide a digital marketing ‘trader pack’ for you to use – this will help promote the precinct’s events to
or snapping memories at our photo wall, everyone is guaranteed to have a festive time. Of course, we are bringing back our beloved Where’s Rudolph? Competition, where participants are tasked with searching for all the posters of Rudolph and his friends on shop windows across the precinct, to go in the running for a $500 Camberwell shopping voucher.
There will also be plenty of entertainment on the day, including live jazz music, roving circus entertainers, face painting, balloon modellers, and more. Be sure to mark the date in your calendars and get your stores ready for all the festive shoppers.
Our marketing for the event and Christmas generally will include social media posts that highlight the benefits of shopping in person, to encourage local Christmas shopping. We will remind customers of the value in being able to take their purchases with them, rather than shopping online, to make sure they can fill their lists. Advertising will include a digital campaign and radio stations 3AW and Magic 1278, with Magic also running a competition to give away 10 x $100 Camberwell gift cards to their listeners to shop for Christmas in Camberwell Junction.
your customers. If you are not receiving these or our monthly email updates, you may need to re-subscribe to our database or update your details as it is in your interest to be informed about the precinct activities and marketing opportunities to help your business.
DIGITAL MARKETING
With a strong digital presence, we’re in a good position to promote Camberwell Junction as a leading shopping destination for Christmas.
We’ll have a comprehensive campaign to publicise our Christmas shopping and activities, including articles, direct email campaigns, animated advertisements, and branded updates on our website.
Leading up to the event and Christmas day we will be posting on our social media platforms a variety of content to keep our followers engaged and extend our reach to new audiences. Already we have started reposting Christmas offers and present ideas from our traders to Instagram and Facebook stories. Soon, you will start to see enticing reels and statics posts that positions Camberwell Junction as the shopping destination for Christmas presents.
CAPITALISE ON CHRISTMAS TRADE
Christmas decorations are now up across the precinct to make it look festive and inviting – Christmas tree boxes, decal stickers, a decorated laneway, and other attractive features across the precinct.
With Christmas trade in full swing, we encourage you to consider late night trading close to Christmas, or extended trading hours throughout December to ensure you can make the most of this increased sales period.
We will provide your stores with special ‘holiday trading hours’ posters that you can display in your windows, while flyers will be distributed to 28,000 local homes to keep nearby residents informed about our Christmas offerings.
Additionally, local artists 'Little Pictures' will be offering limited spots for free hand-painted window images for Christmas again this year. The association will
Marketing snapshot
Camberwell Culinary Awards 2025
The annual Camberwell Culinary Awards was a massive success, proving just how much the community loves our local restaurants and cafes. Our renewed focus on social media made the voting fun and easy, which led to a dramatic 800% jump in public voting this year! This huge wave of community interest directly influenced the results, with locals voting in some exciting new winners across key categories including Trang Bakery (Best Takeaway) and Mongkok Tea House (Best Fine Dining) while also celebrating returning favourites like Glenferrie Crepe Cafe Camberwell (Best Sweet Treat), Con Noi Italian Trattoria (Best Casual Dining), La Cabra (Best Drinking Spot) and Provence Artisan Bakers taking two categories home (Best Coffee and Best Brunch). This huge increase in engagement confirms that the awards are a powerful way to get people talking about, visiting and spending money at our fantastic food spots in Camberwell Junction.
cover the cost of an initial simple design, with the option of paying Little Pictures directly if you want more elaborate designs. The window paintings will commence between mid-November to mid-December.
Please contact Kerry Daly if you have any questions regarding the hand-painted Christmas windows and/or Christmas marketing activities.
Email: info@camberwellca.com.au
Kylie and Dannii Day
Building on a legacy of success, the fourth annual Kylie and Dannii Day at the Rotary Camberwell Sunday Market on Sunday, October 5, once again proved its power as a significant commercial and cultural drawcard for the precinct. Celebrating the music and local ties of home-grown pop icons Kylie Minogue and Dannii Minogue, the day featured dynamic entertainment from Della Katessen, HollyPop, Brenda Bressed, Millie Minogue, and DJ Argonaut, all while fostering a wonderful community atmosphere. Critically, the event generated exceptional, costfree publicity for Camberwell Junction, securing high-visibility coverage on platforms like Joy Media and Triple R and significant social media mentions, including separate pre-recorded videos from Kylie and Dannii Minogue, demonstrating the powerful return on investment for the area's traders.
Our online marketing activities continue to yield strong results. Here’s a snapshot of Camberwell Junction’s digital audience numbers:
• More than 8100 email addresses in our subscriber database
• More than 168,000 visits to the websites over the past year
• More than 8200 followers on social media
Marketing calendar
NOVEMBER
✓ The Camberwell Citizen issue #24 available
✓ Melbourne Cup Day (November 4)
DECEMBER
✓ Camberwell Christmas Family Day (December 13)
✓ Christmas Day (December 25)
✓ Boxing Day (December 26)
✓ Summer school holidays (December 20 – January 27)
JANUARY
✓ New Year’s promotions
✓ Australia Day (public holiday January 27)
✓ Summer school holidays (December 23 – January 28)
✓ Back to school sales
FEBRUARY
✓ Valentine’s Day (February 14)
✓ Chinese New Year
Trader Portal
Check the Trader Portal tab on the website for helpful advice and resources. Examples of current articles that can help your business include tips and links for improving your digital security, government grants for small restaurants, and a business recycling and waste toolkit.
Visit: camberwellshopping.com.au/cca-association-news
Networking events
Meet other traders, professionals and community members to share ideas and issues
AGM AND CHRISTMAS DRINKS
As we wrap up a wonderful year at Camberwell Junction, we invite you to join us on 25 November to celebrate. Catch up on what's been happening over the past 12 months and plans for the future, plus a chance to mingle with other traders. All are welcome, so bring your team and get merry for our joyous Christmas celebrations. The AGM will run from 5pm6pm, with the Christmas party starting right after from 6pm - 9pm. This event is free but please RSVP for catering - camberwellshopping.com.au/party or email Kerry Daly at info@camberwellca.com.au
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 features 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
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 camberwellshopping.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 too. We can create a web page for you which is completely free of charge. Don’t forget to visit camberwellbusiness.com.au for local business events happening around the precinct. If you’re planning a seminar or event, we’re more than happy to help spread the word. Simply send your details to info@camberwellca.com.au
Crucially, we have set up a WhatsApp group chat just for traders, so you can stay updated while on the go. It’s as simple as downloading the WhatsApp app on your mobile phone and scan this QR code to keep up with our initiatives or simply to keep in touch.
Shop news
Catch up with new businesses, store moves and other news.
LITTLE DRAGON
Ground Floor, Camberwell Place, 793 Burke Rd
Little Dragon is a Chinese and Asian restaurant that serves up delicious fresh food made with care at affordable prices.
STANLEY & STONE
636 Burke Rd
Step into a world of refined, expressive style with Stanley & Stone, Melbourne’s destination for women’s fashion and lifestyle.
NORI TECHNOLOGY
793 Burke Rd
Backed by over 10 years of experience, they provide digital solutions including software development, web design, mobile apps, AI integration, and cybersecurity services.
DYSON SERVICE CENTRE
T2, 765 Burke Rd
This is a drop-off centre for major servicing, but they can do minor repairs on the spot for Dyson products. They also offer product sales, expert demonstrations, and advice on Dyson appliances.
ALEXANDER SPENCER
Suite 1, Level 3 , 250 Camberwell Rd
This long-established accounting and advisory firm provides end-toend financial services, from tax and accounting, SMSFs, and business advisory to grant assistance, R&D incentives, international expansion, plus bookkeeping, insurance, mortgage and financing as well as wealth planning.
MY LITTLE PHOTOGRAPHY
199A Camberwell Rd
The perfect way to welcome the newest family member, mark a milestone, or capture significant moments in this lightfilled studio. My Little Photography professionals can help you create a unique experience to celebrate and preserve life’s most meaningful moments.
BAKERS DELIGHT
Shop G08, Camberwell Place, 793 Burke Rd
Bakers Delight Camberwell Place is a new concept store and the first of its kind in Australia. It is a smaller footprint bakery with a refined product range.
JOHNNY’S ICE CREAM
891 Burke Rd
Offer a delightful array of classic and unique ice cream flavours in this retro vintage 1950's diner setting.
INSPIRATIONS PAINT
95 Camberwell Rd
Inspirations Paint Camberwell offers a full range of paints, coatings, and accessories, along with expert colour matching and project advice.
TASTY KEBAB & BURGER HUT
722 Burke Rd
Tasty Kebab & Burger Hut offers a range of kebab combos, halal snack packs, kebab plates, burgers and more.
THE PALACE HOTEL
893 Burke Rd
Opened in 1881 this icon has recently undergone a massive renovation and they are planning a major re-launch soon. The downstairs dining area looks more inviting for families, and the upstairs rooms will be popular for function space, celebrations and business events.
BAR NONE & EAST OF EVERYWHERE
Upstairs and downstairs, 72 Auburn Parade
After a fire and lengthy repairs, Bar None has reopened with its signature cosy charm and creative cocktails in a prohibition-style speakeasy. While upstairs delivers on a rotating range of craft brews.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
PRESIDENT Henk Kelly-Kobes 9882 0032
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
George Keskerides
Terry White Chemist 9882 6655
VICE PRESIDENT Di Gillies Former Boroondara Councillor 0438 002 749
TREASURER
Brittany Unwin SC Accounting 8840 9188
Chris Risteski itsagame 0401 916 082
Kathryn Campbell Hats Off Handmade Headwear 0455 046 467
If you would like to become a member of the association or take a role on the committee 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