Retail First’s Toowong Village was crowned the Retail Property of the Year at the 2023 Queensland Retail Property Awards last Friday night.
The Toowong Village team also took home two excellence in marketing awards for their campaign, The Heart Gallery.
It was a special night for long-time member of the Property Council of Australia’s Queensland Retail Committee, David Hedemann, who was presented with the President’s Award by the Property Council’s Queensland Executive Director, Jen Williams.
The President’s Award is not presented annually, instead it is conferred when appropriate, recognising and honouring an outstanding contribution to the Queensland retail property sector.
Mr Hedemann said the awards are incredibly important to the sector.
“It’s a chance to showcase the hard work that the hundreds of dedicated and clever people involved put in every year, and to receive industry recognition for their outstanding work,” Mr Hedemann said.
“I joined the retail committee in about 1997 when a colleague, who was on the committee, asked me for help.
“I had just finished a term as chair of the committee when the team at the PCA, Nicole Bisson in particular, asked if I would assist in overhauling the awards process with a view of rejuvenating the event.
“I feel honoured to have had the opportunity to help carry on the tradition and perhaps provide fond memories for the next generation in the retail industry,” he said.
David Hedemann, along with Murray Scanlan, were among the first judges of the Retail Property Awards in 2009, and have both remained in the role since, dedicating their time and effort not just to selecting deserving winners, but to setting up the judging process.
Marketing Manager at CBRE, Berta Collins, was announced as the Emerging Retail Property Professional of the Year, recognised for her energy, drive, and willingness to have a go in a diverse range of areas.
A cornerstone of Brisbane’s iconic Queen Street Mall, QueensPlaza, was named the winner of the Retail Innovation Award for their Banksy display, marking the first time an international art display has taken place outside of a gallery.
Thanks to the generosity of Principal Sponsor, Hames Sharley, and Bronze Sponsors, Mainbrace Constructions and Property Network of Australia, and the hard work of the Queensland Retail Committee, the night was a huge success with more than 300 attendees.
The full list of winners and finalists of the 2023 Queensland Retail Property Awards can be found here.