My name is Damien Bussey, born in 1972 in Manly, NSW. I currently reside in Lake Macquarie with my wife, Amy, and our four daughters—Lara, Milla, Ava, and Georgia—ranging in age from twenty four to thirteen years old. My interests encompass water sports, walking, golf, quality time with my family, and actively supporting their diverse range of interests and activities. I have deep-seated passion for fostering the development of small businesses.
My career journey began at sixteen, when I started working in my parents' supermarkets, igniting a lifelong ambition to own and operate my own. In2001, I achieved this goal with the acquisition of Nelson Bay IGA Plus Liquor, where I earned recognition as the NSW IGA Retailer of the Year in 2003. In 2005, I sold Nelson Bay IGA and purchased 5 Star Urunga, spearheading comprehensive refurbishment before selling it in 2007 after completing the refurbishment. Subsequently, I assumed an operational role across sixteen supermarkets within an MSO group.
Transitioning to a strategic leadership role in 2010, I served as General Manager for the Co-operative Food Group for four years. In 2014, I ventured back into ownership with Barraba IGA Plus Liquor, followed by the acquisition of Baradine IGA Plus Liquor in 2021. Currently, I continue to own Barraba IGA and Baradine IGA while also offering consultancy services to numerous independent supermarkets, aiding them in achieving their growth objectives.
I am deeply committed to advancing the prosperity and longevity of independent supermarkets, driven by my unwavering dedication to their ongoing success.