VIC Management Seminar 2024 – A Night to Celebrate Leadership
Thursday night at the Frankston Arts Centre saw over 250 Ritchies team members gather for our annual VIC Management Seminar — a record-breaking turnout that brought together store leaders, regional team members, NATOG representatives, and Metcash executives for an inspiring and insightful evening.
A Night of Reflection and Motivation
Hosted at the first-class Frankston Arts Centre, the seminar was an opportunity to reflect on our performance, share updates, and most importantly, celebrate our people. Fred Harrison and NATOG members were in attendance, as well as many of our valued VIC team members from metro and regional locations.
Celebrating Excellence: VIC Department Awards 2024
One of the most anticipated moments of the evening was the announcement of the Victorian Management of the Year Awards. The following team members were recognised for their exceptional contributions:
Award Winners
Service Supervisor of the Year
Winner: Emma Marson – Rowville
Scanning Coordinator / Cash Controller of the Year
Winner: Danni Whalan – Towerhill
Dairy / Freezer Manager of the Year
Winner: Rodney Moreland – Paynesville
Chicken / Sushi Manager of the Year
Winner: Alicia Almeida – Pentridge (Sushi)
Deli Manager of the Year
Winner: Mel Dart – Balnarring
Bakery Manager of the Year
Winner: Rhiannon Simmons – Mildura
Meat Manager of the Year
Winner: Matthew Williamson – Irymple
Produce Manager of the Year
Winner: Debra Hodges – Mildura
Assistant / Duty Manager of the Year
Winner: Cori Vlahos – Pentridge
Liquor Manager of the Year
Winner: Paul Sheppard – Balnarring
Supermarket Store Manager of the Year
Winner: Dion Aloi – Rowville
Most Valuable Team Member (Store)
Winner: Hayley Eickhoff – Rowville
Most Valuable Team Member (Support)
Winner: Shannon Mumford – Service Supervisor
Ritchies Champion VIC 2024
The prestigious Ritchies Champion VIC award went to:
Chris Nanos – Head Office
Chris, our Grocery Buyer for Dairy and Directs, has made a remarkable impact through his leadership, creativity, and dedication. From navigating supply challenges to producing the highly successful Christmas Magazine and driving major promotional events, Chris consistently goes above and beyond. He’s also played a key role in the integration of six new stores this year — a true champion in every sense.
Congratulations also to our outstanding Champion nominees:
Alan Traynor – Rowville
Jessica Newman – Miners Rest/Produce Relief
Ashley Reece – Deniliquin Liquor Manager
Recognising the Future
A standout observation from the evening was the presence of many young, emerging leaders. It’s inspiring to see the next generation of Ritchies talent rising through the ranks with such enthusiasm and capability.
VIC Nominees for 2024:
Supermarket Store of the Year:
Tatura
Paynesville
Merbein
Balnarring
Liquor Store of the Year:
Balnarring
Tatura
Congratulations to all our nominees and winners!
Being nominated among such a high calibre of leaders is an honour in itself. The judges had an incredibly tough job, and your contributions continue to raise the standard of excellence across Ritchies.
Here’s to continued success and strong leadership in 2024!
