The Association is led by a Committee which consists of 12 members who are elected for a three year period. The GHA Committee consists of the Executive Committee (President, two Vice Presidents and a Treasurer) and eight Directors.
Members are invited to stand for the Committee, which is the policy making body of the Association. The responsibilities of the Committee are the same as those of Directors under the corporations law. Members who feel that they can dedicate time to this role are encouraged to stand for the Committee so that they may help shape the policy and direction of the Association. The Committee is elected at our Annual General Meeting usually held in September each year for a term of three years.
As a Committee member there is a necessary time commitment, which involves:
- Attendance at six Committee meetings per year
- Additional days for the Office Bearers for Executive meetings
- Attendance at General Meetings (in your own state) and other association activities and functions
- Service on standing committees
Committee Members
David Pursley, President
David Pursley is the Director of Waterlyn Pty Ltd, an importer of quality greeting cards and stationery. Waterlyn has been a member of the Association since 1996 and regularly exhibits at GHA trade fairs. “It has been my honour to serve on the Committee since 2002 and to act as President since 2009. The challenges for our Association are ever changing and demanding but highly rewarding”. David has 20 years experience in sales and marketing.
Noel Thurlow, Vice President
Noel Thurlow, Managing Director of Jasnor (Australia) Pty Ltd joined GHA's Committee in 2005. Noel’s business experience includes 10 years managing the Australian subsidiary of a multinational company prior to his current role with Jasnor. Since 1988 Noel has actively participated in trade organizations including 12 years as a Board member of the Australian Toy Association, including a 4 year term as President, during which he represented the association both within Australia and Internationally.
Joel Farberman, Vice President
Joel Farberman is a Director of TLC Importing Pty Ltd (Swish Collection), a family owned company. After 15 years in the hospitality industry as a chef/restaurant owner, Joel decided to enter the family business. Joel has never looked back and been involved in the gift industry for 15 years now. His parents, Saul and Marcia and brother Jason are all directors of the company also. He has great experience in importing and wholesaling of unique products and has been a GHA member since 1995 with previous experience as a Committee Member from 2004 - 2005. Joel is married with 2 daughters, plays competition snooker and enjoys boating.
Barry Marks, Treasurer
Barry Marks is the Managing Director of StyleSetter International, a company founded 40 years ago. StyleSetter specialises in the supply of gift items to the gift industry, department stores and other retail outlets. Barry has wide experience in retail, manufacturing and wholesale distribution businesses. His retail experience was gained as a pharmacist with 2 pharmacies located in the Sydney CBD. In 1980 Barry sold his pharmacies to concentrate on manufacturing and wholesale distribution. Barry has been on GHA's Committee since 2002. He also serves as a Councillor with the University of Sydney Pharmacy Foundation and is a Committee Member of the University’s Alumni.
Lawrence Boyle, Director
Lawrence Boyle has been self employed for 25 years and is currently the joint Franchisor for WILD Retail Group Pty Ltd. WRG operates the WILD Cards & Gifts & WILD Express brands of which there are now 43 locations around Australia. Lawrence has extensive committee experience, having been involved in the Franchise Council of Australia for many years. He has attended industry trade fairs continuously since 1984 and has an extensive understanding of the Card & Gift Industry.
Patricia Guest, Director
Patricia Guest is the Sales Director of Madras Link, an importer and wholesaler of fashionable homewares and accessories to Department stores and retail outlets throughout Australia. Madras Link is a family owned business which was established in 1987. Pat arrived in Australia from India in 1974 and worked for several State Government Departments, including the Department of Industry, until she set up Madras Link with her sisters Joan Pereira and Sue Silva. She is married with two adult children and enjoys reading, gardening, travel and meeting interesting people. She was a Committee member with the Australia India Chamber of Commerce and is interested in issues relating to trade, women’s affairs and education. Pat hopes she can bring a new perspective to the Board and make a valuable contribution on behalf of the Association’s members.
John Kalleske, Director
John Kalleske is the General Manager for the SE Asia Office of The Somerset Toiletry Company UK and Castelbel Portugal, Head Office for both in the UK. John has over 30 years experience in importing, distribution, retailing and more recently in exporting. A GHA member since 2002 and exhibitor at all 3 GHA's Home & Giving Fairs annually. John was elected to the GHA committee at the September 2009 election and looks forward to contributing to the GHA organisation for the next three years.
Nigel Kirby, Director
Nigel is the owner and operator of Science and Nature Pty Ltd, a small business manufacturing and distributing children's toys and souvenir products. Science and Nature started in 1994 and now sells throughout Australia and New Zealand as well as in the UK. His retail experience includes a 12 year period as a proprietor of Play Plus, a well known toy store in Hawthorn, which he ran with his wife Tricia. He has always been interested in his local community, having served on Hawthorn council for 10 years, including one term as Mayor and has acted in a voluntary capacity as a consultant to various committees for Boroondara Council. Nigel is a past resident of the Independent Toy Specialists of Australia and the community action group, Save Our Suburbs. He has three children and enjoys travelling and the odd game of golf. Nigel is looking forward to making a very positive contribution to the Committee and Membership of the GHA.
Dean Osmond, Director
Dean Osmond is the Managing Director of Baden P. Morris Pty Ltd (BPM). BPM is a family company which Dean joined in 1980, 29 long years ago! With a focus on Sales and Marketing and a passion for understanding whatever is happening next and what to do about it, BPM has continued to expand and now operates in New Zealand and the UK with customers globally. ‘We sell everything from Briar Smoking Pipes to Babies Bibs, everywhere from Argentina to Kazakhstan!’ ‘Personally, as long as there is at least 2-3 weeks family Ski Holiday somewhere every year I can manage.’
Christophe Rymer, Director
Christophe Rymer is the Director of the family owned business, Francalia Pty Ltd which was established 12 years ago upon his arrival from France. Previously, Christophe worked in a merchant bank in Paris in the commercial property loan division. His business has benefited from being a member of Gift & Homewares Australia as it has been a great tool in establishing and developing Francalia Pty Ltd. As a Committee Member Christophe is willing to bring his knowledge and experience to GHA in order to assist other members of the Association.
David Schwartz, Director
David Schwartz is the owner and Managing Director of Shanghaied Pty Ltd, an importer and wholesaler of asian art, furniture, homewares and antiques. Prior to Shanghaied, David spent 15 years as an Account Director in the advertising agency business with Young & Rubicam and JWT, working in Melbourne, Hong Kong and Shanghai where he serviced international clients such as Nike, Kodak, Kraft, Xerox and Colgate. As a result of his 5 year tenure in China, David’s “passion” for Chinese antiques became his “profession” and he returned to Melbourne in 1996 to establish Shanghaied. David has been a Committee Member since 2001.