DEB LARWOOD – THE KIMBA BRANDING STORY
Deb has proudly called Kimba home for over 36 years and brings a wealth of knowledge, leadership, and community insight to her role as Chief Executive Officer to the District Council of Kimba—a position she has held since 2016.
Throughout her career, Deb has worked to position Kimba as a benchmark for innovation in regional governance. Under her guidance, the Council has achieved recognition at both state and national levels, with multiple awards celebrating its accomplishments in community development, infrastructure, and service delivery. These achievements reflect her dedication to practical outcomes that directly benefit the people who live, work, and invest in the region.
A firm believer in the power of strategic place branding and marketing, Deb leads and supports initiatives that elevate Kimba’s profile, attracting new opportunities, and supporting long-term sustainability for the town and its surrounds.
STAVROS ZIKOU – MARKETA MELBOURNE
Stavros Zikou is a marketing and precinct management consultant and co-founder of Marketa Marketing & Management Consulting which has been operating for 23 years. He works with business associations, traders groups and councils across Melbourne to deliver marketing campaigns, events and strategic planning for main streets and shopping centres. Stavros is passionate about building vibrant local economies and strong business communities. He currently assists several traders association committees and is on the board of the Mainstreet Australia Committee.
In this practical and engaging session, Stavros Zikou will explore how small main streets and regional town centres can successfully market themselves with limited budgets and resources. Drawing on real-world examples from his experience, Stavros will share simple, proven strategies to increase visitation, support local businesses, and build stronger community connections. Attendees will walk away with practical ideas for events, promotions, partnerships, and collective marketing that help transform local main streets into vibrant destinations.
