Michael Headberry
Michael is a foundation student of Monash University and heads up the alumni group The Monash Pioneers comprising students from the first five years 1961-65. His undergraduate years began in 1962 the second year of the University.
His professional life began as a secondary school teacher, followed by various management roles in retailing including National Stores Presentation and Promotions Manager at Target Australia during which time he completed the Graduate Diploma of Marketing at the Caulfield Institute of Technology.
In 1987 Michael joined the Marketing Department of the David Syme Business School as Fellow in Retail Management. In 1990 the Business School became part of Monash University.
In 1990 he co-founded of the Australian Centre for Retail Studies (ACRS) as its senior consultant The ACRS specialised in tertiary level executive development for the retail industry.
From 1996 – 2014 he founded and was Managing Director of Retail Synergy Group Pty Ltd a marketing consultancy focussed on international retailing strategy and benchmark retail environments with his Executive International Study tours, 40 in all, to North America, Europe and Asia eagerly patronised. Clients included national retail organisations, shopping centre developers, architects, store designers, advertising agencies and urban planners.
In 2011, the fiftieth anniversary of the first student intake he, with some other “uni mates” organised the first major reunion of the foundation students. The name Monash Pioneers was formalised. Regular reunions, often sponsored by the University have continued to maintain the spirit of those early years.
In 2013 he initiated the Sir John Monash Sculptural Project at Monash University and chaired the Project Board, the fundraiser for the project.
The statue by Peter Corlett OAM was unveiled by the then Governor of Victoria the Honourable Alex Chernov AC QC in April 2015. Sir John is depicted in civilian dress in recognition of his lifelong legacy and multi-disciplinary achievements. In 2021 The Monash Pioneers also sponsored the resiting of the statue to its current position.
From an early age, Michael developed an interest in the study of ‘Great People of History” - none more so than the Life and Legacy of Sir John Monash.
In 2016 Michael was approached by former Deputy Prime Minister the late Tim Fischer AC to join the newly formed Saluting Monash Council as the Victorian Director and is now the Chairman. Aim is to secure an Honorary Field Marshal rank for Sir John. The campaign is unfinished business until such time that an incoming Parliament decides to review the proposal.
Michael is a member of the Spirit of Australia Foundation, an Affiliate Member of Box Hill RSL Sub- Branch and a recognized authority and presenter on Sir John Monash.