Meet Our Team
Catherine Cluning, CEO
What’s your favourite part about helping dry cleaners across Australia?
I love meeting different people with unique stories and backgrounds. Some of my best moments are the conversations I have with members—sometimes they just need to chat or bounce an idea around, and we’re always happy to help or point them in the right direction
What’s one thing most people don’t realise about dry cleaning?
Dry cleaning is a highly technical skill. Experienced drycleaners have incredible knowledge about fabrics and fibres—far more than most people realise.
If you had to describe your role at the DIA in three words, what would they be?
Support, advocate and mediate.
What’s the most interesting fabric challenge/fact you’ve come across?
The price of a garment is not necessarily an indicator of good craftmanship.
What makes the DIA community special to you?
Our members are some of the best people I’ve ever met—down-to-earth individuals working hard to support their families. The DIA community reflects Australia’s multicultural society, with members from all walks of life. I’m also seeing more women running drycleaning and laundry businesses and They are achieving incredible success and driving innovation in their businesses.
If you could give every DIA member one piece of advice, what would it be?
Call the office at any time for anything. Kimberley and I are always happy to lend an ear and listen if you just want to have a vent!
Fun fact about yourself that might surprise people?
I once performed in the Moomba Parade with the Lila Wells School of Dance. There is photographic evidence which shall never see the light of day!
A hobby or passion outside of work?
I love sewing and a visit to Spotlight with time to browse and money to spend is my idea of heaven.
Kimberley McGrath, Administration Officer
What’s your favourite part about helping dry cleaners across Australia?
Being able to alleviate stress, pressure, and provide assistance in any way in running their business.
What’s one thing most people don’t realise about dry cleaning?
That it’s a more detailed process than people think, every garment has different needs depending on how its presented.
If you had to describe your role at the DIA in three words, what would they be?
Detailed, versatile, evolving.
What’s the most interesting fabric challenge/fact you’ve come across?
That all garments have a life span.
What makes the DIA community special to you?
The community spirit that is evident, generally anyone is open to helping others.
If you could give every DIA member one piece of advice, what would it be?
Have set procedures & policies in place on how your business is run, ensure all staff are aware of them for example complaint handling, inspection of garments.
Fun fact about yourself that might surprise people?
I love anything that sparkles, clothes, jewelry, shoes, paint, you name it.
A hobby or passion outside of work?
I’m an artist and I love painting beachscapes and abstracts (and yes they do include glitter and sparkles).