BUILT BY BUSINESS
FOR BUSINESS
YOUR LOCAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SINCE 1999
Member-owned, member-led, locally run.
MAKING BUSINESS
HAPPEN
BVH has been backing local business since 1999 and today represents 150+ members across hospitality, trades, retail, professional services, primary production, and more. We exist to make sure business has a strong, organised voice - especially when government changes the rules or council decisions impact our region.
We advocate clearly and consistently so local businesses are heard and considered. BVH operates under SA Associations law, with a member-approved constitution and a strategic plan refreshed every three years, both of which are available below.
MEET OUR TEAM
Kirsten Pitman
PRESIDENT
president@businessvictorharbor.com.au
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Kirsten Pitman is the Volunteer President of the BVH Board, bringing a deep commitment to building a vibrant and flourishing Victor Harbor community.
A long-time local of over 20 years, Kirsten is a passionate business owner in the region’s hospitality and food scene. She owns and operates several well-known local venues, including Ninos of Victor Harbor, Loco Mexican, 4ORE at the Victor Harbor Golf Club, and Coote Rd Wines. Through these businesses, she has played a key role in shaping the local dining and visitor experience.
Kirsten is deeply invested in the success of the region, both professionally and personally. She lives locally with her husband and children and is a strong advocate for supporting local businesses, creating opportunities, and strengthening the local economy.
Michael Schubert
VICE PRESIDENT
vice.president@businessvictorharbor.com.au
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Michael Schubert is the Vice President of the BVH Board and a long-standing contributor to the Victor Harbor business community.
As the owner of ShedEx Fleurieu, Michael brings practical business experience and a strong understanding of the needs of local operators. He is highly engaged in the community, with a genuine passion for connecting people, supporting local businesses, and getting involved in initiatives that make a difference.
Michael has a long history with BVH, including several years serving as Chair, and continues to play a key role in driving the organisation forward. His willingness to contribute his time, energy, and expertise reflects his commitment to a strong and connected local business network.
Stuart Riddell
TREASURER
treasurer@businessvictorharbor.com.au
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Stuart Riddell is the Treasurer of the BVH Board and a long-standing member who has contributed to the organisation for many years.
As General Manager of McCracken Resort, Stuart brings extensive experience in hospitality and tourism, along with a strong understanding of the region’s visitor economy. He has a keen interest in tourism development and is actively involved with a number of industry organisations, including Fleurieu Peninsula Tourism.
Living locally with his wife and children, Stuart is deeply connected to the community and committed to supporting the continued growth of Victor Harbor. His long-term involvement with BVH reflects both his dedication to the region and his focus on strengthening the local business landscape.
Babara Vermeulen
SECRETARY
secretary@businessvictorharbor.com.au
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Babara Vermeulen is the Secretary of the BVH Board and a highly accomplished local business leader.
Originally from South Africa with Dutch heritage, Babara has built an impressive career in optometry and business. After completing her Bachelor of Health Science and Optometry (Hons) in New Zealand, she gained extensive industry experience with OPSM before pursuing her ambition to own a business.
Through Specsavers, Babara established and grew Specsavers Victor Harbor from a new store into one of the top-performing practices in South Australia, recognised for both clinical excellence and sustained growth. Under her leadership, the business has received multiple awards, including national recognition for clinical performance.
Babara has also contributed to a number of advisory and clinical groups within the optometry field and continues to develop her leadership through ongoing training and professional development.
Now living locally with her husband Craig and their two children, Babara is passionate about building strong businesses and contributing to a thriving regional community. Her role with BVH reflects her commitment to supporting local business success and sharing her experience with others.
Leanne Farr
BOARD MEMBER
leanne@bcselectrical.com.au
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Leanne Farr is a Board Member of BVH and a long-standing local business owner with deep roots in the Victor Harbor community.
Together with her husband Glenn, Leanne owns and operates BCS Electrical, a family-run business that has been serving the Fleurieu Peninsula for over 30 years. Built on a legacy of local ownership and trusted service, BCS Electrical is known for delivering high-quality electrical work across residential and commercial projects, with a strong focus on reliability, safety, and practical advice.
Leanne is passionate about supporting the local community and has played an active role in continuing the business’s tradition of backing local clubs, events, and initiatives. Through both her business and her involvement with BVH, she is committed to strengthening the region and supporting other local businesses to succeed.
Living locally with her family, Leanne brings a grounded, practical perspective to the BVH Board, shaped by decades of hands-on experience in a family business.
Richard Foggo
BOARD MEMBER
treasurer@businessvictorharbor.com.au
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Richard Foggo is a Board Member of BVH and a highly experienced finance professional with over 45 years in the industry, based in Victor Harbor.
As the owner of Richard Foggo For Finance, Richard provides tailored lending solutions across personal, business, and agricultural finance, drawing on an extensive network of lenders to deliver the right outcomes for his clients. His career also includes senior leadership roles in banking, where he oversaw large regional operations and developed deep strategic insight into the financial landscape.
Richard is a long-standing and dedicated contributor to the local community, having served in a range of board and leadership roles. Through his involvement with BVH, he continues to support local businesses and contribute to the growth and strength of the Victor Harbor region
Michael May
BOARD MEMBER
michael.may@originenergy.com.au
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Michael May is a Board Member of BVH and the New Business Manager at Origin Energy.
With a strong background in business development and energy, Michael brings commercial insight and a strategic approach to supporting growth and opportunity within the region. His role focuses on identifying and developing new business opportunities, giving him a broad perspective across industries and market dynamics.
Michael is also actively involved in the local community through his work with Rotary International, reflecting his commitment to service, connection, and positive impact.
Through his role on the BVH Board, Michael is focused on supporting local businesses, strengthening networks, and contributing to a thriving Victor Harbor business community.
Reese Adams
GENERAL MANAGER
members@businessvictorharbor.com.au
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Reese Adams is the General Manager of BVH, bringing a hands-on background in business ownership, franchising, and entrepreneurship.
Having built and successfully sold multiple businesses, most recently exiting his company in December 2025, Reese has a practical understanding of what it takes to grow, scale, and operate a business day to day. He now invests in early-stage ventures and is passionate about helping other businesses unlock growth and improve performance.
Reese is driven by a genuine interest in business and enjoys working closely with operators to solve problems, identify opportunities, and build stronger, more efficient organisations.
A long-time local of over 25 years, Reese lives in Victor Harbor with his wife and three children and is deeply committed to supporting the success of the local business community.
Ben Witkowski
MARKETING SUPPORT
marketing@businessvictorharbor.com.au
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Ben Witkowski provides Marketing Support for BVH and is the owner of Dreamer Studios.
Ben specialises in videography, photography, websites, and digital marketing, helping businesses create high-quality content that connects with their audience and tells their story effectively. As a business owner himself, he is passionate about supporting other local businesses to improve their visibility and grow through strong, professional media.
After spending the past decade living across Australia, Ben has recently made the Fleurieu Peninsula home and is excited to be part of the local business community.
Through his work with BVH, Ben brings a creative and practical approach to marketing, helping members present their businesses at a high standard and stand out in a competitive market.
BECOME A BVH
PARTNER
Partnering with BVH isn’t about logos and exposure, it’s about impact.
Our partners work alongside us to support local business, access real opportunities, and play a role in shaping the region’s economic future. With direct connections into the business community, structured programs, and a strong advocacy platform, BVH offers more than visibility, it offers influence, engagement, and outcomes.
Your partnership helps strengthen an independent voice for business and contributes to a stronger, more connected regional economy.