Kiosk 3/111 Cecil St, South Melbourne VIC 3205

Owner

Amelia Lay, is a prominent member of our community and owner of Seraglio Lotto. She brings a variety of experience that has significantly influenced her journey.  Amelia’s prior professional background involved serving as a Senior Customer Service Specialist at the Bank of Melbourne. This trajectory eventually guided her into the dynamic Tatts business, where she embarked on a journey of discovering fresh horizons and seizing new opportunities. Yet, amidst these diverse roles, her greatest source of pride remains her role as a dedicated mother to her beautiful daughters.

Driven by a legacy of success, woven by her grandfather’s entrepreneurial acumen, Amelia embarked on a path of business exploration. With a genuine passion for cultivating connections, she transitioned into the Tatts business domain, where she has actively contributed for nearly seven years.  Amelia has transformed her establishment into more than just a store – it’s a bustling hub of community engagement.

Success & Community

Amelia’s store exudes a distinctive charm, radiating an atmosphere of warmth, assistance, and humour that captivates customers. It’s her strong belief that a sincere smile can build bridges to hearts and minds. That sets her store apart. Her recipe for success hinges on attitude – an attitude that not only unlocks doors but also creates boundless opportunities.

Amelia’s influence extends beyond her store. Nestled within the heart of South Melbourne her community shines as a model of unity and mutual support. The bonds forged here echo the sentiment that together, we are stronger.

Amelia is thrilled to be an integral part of this community, ready to share her journey, the wisdom she’s gathered, and her unshakable belief in the transformative power of kindness and attitude. Her story is a beacon of inspiration, illuminating the path of success for all those who are part of this remarkable community.

Advice

Guided by the timeless adage, “The world is my oyster,” Amelia embraces a mindset that empowers her to explore uncharted territories, learn, and continuously evolve. This philosophy has propelled her through challenges, leading her to discover doors she never imagined existed.

4-6 Craigan Street, Strathpine QLD

Owners:

Rod Hall is co-owner/operator of Friendly Grocer Strathpine. With a significant background in the floorcoverings industry spanning most of his life, Rod embarked on a new venture over seven years ago when he joined forces with his son-in-law in the Convenience and Grocery Industry. His sense of pride stems from the emphasis placed on customer service within the business. Drawing inspiration from treating all individuals and customers as though they were his own family, Rod believes in the immeasurable value and rewards that such an approach brings.

Brad Bateman is the also the co-owner/operator of Friendly Grocer Strathpine, a cherished family enterprise.  Brad’s journey commenced at the age of 14, starting his retail career working for BI-LO Supermarkets. Over nine years journey, Brad ascended through the ranks, progressing into management roles. His professional path subsequently led him to Whites IGA Group, where he helmed the role of Store Manager for a span of two years. A relocation to Brisbane saw him assuming pivotal positions as Assistant Store Manager and later, Store Manager, at Drake Supermarkets, over a five-year period. Transitioning into a Retail Consultant Role at the Friendly Grocer head office marked a significant juncture, ultimately culminating in the purchase of a Convenience store in conjunction with his father-in-law, Rod.

By harnessing his extensive experience, as well as that of his father-in-law, Brad orchestrated the growth of their enterprise, centered around core principles, prominently featuring the delivery of outstanding customer service.

Distinctive Features:

Rod and Brad have been firmly committed over the last seven years to improving and diversifying their customer’s experience at their store. This commitment led them to looking at different ways to make each visit a source of joy. Introducing lines of New Zealand products, including their locally made renowned New Zealand Lolly Cake and ice creams variety, to offering popular American products such as Takis.

Strathpine Friendly Grocer’s enduring success is anchored in the loyalty and dedication of its longstanding staff, many of whom have been with the business since the first day.  The profound emphasis on family values resonates deeply, making it one of the most valuable assets for their customers.

Collaborating with his son-in-law Brad, whose wealth of experience and knowledge in the industry complements Rod’s extensive expertise in Sales and Marketing, they have seamlessly created a unique and rewarding work environment. The journey, while not without challenges, is one they wholeheartedly embrace and cherish. Moreover, Strathpine Friendly Grocer stands out as a comprehensive one-stop-shop, catering to diverse needs by providing services such as Blueshift, Ladbrokes, and Parcel Pick Up. This multifaceted approach has been instrumental in attracting and retaining a diverse customer range.

A recent crowning achievement that Rod and Brad proudly share is the distinction of Strathpine Friendly Grocer winning the prestigious title of “Queensland Convenience Store of the Year” a the 2023 NLNA Industry Awards, a testament to their unwavering dedication and excellence.

Community

Both Rod and Brad hold the Strathpine Community in high esteem, deeply appreciating the robust support extended to local businesses by the community. Witnessing the evolution of the younger generation into upstanding community members stands as a source of profound satisfaction.

Reflecting their commitment to community welfare, Rod and Brad have been devoted supporters of the Daniel Morcombe Foundation for many years. A fortuitous visit from Denise and Bruce Morcombe to their shop underscored their dedication to child safety education.

Inspirational  Wisdom

A guiding principle that resonates deeply with them is treat all people like you want to be treated, a philosophy that transcends both professional and personal realms. Likewise, Brad draws inspiration from the wisdom that embarking on a new journey need not entail starting from scratch; rather, one embarks armed with the invaluable asset of experience.

“Don’t be afraid to start over again. This time you’re not starting from scratch you’re starting with experience.” 

7 Bellevue Avenue, Highton VIC 3216

Owners

John Adams has a deep connection to the Highton area, having grown up there. His journey in the news industry began at a young age, starting his first job at 11 years old as a newspaper delivery boy for Highton Newsagency. Over the years, he took on various responsibilities within the newsagency, including wrapping newspapers and managing the early morning newspaper distribution. In 2017, John expanded his professional horizons and became a Mortgage Broker while still maintaining his involvement with the newsagency. In 2022, an exciting opportunity presented itself when John and his wife Tracey took over the ownership of Highton Newsagency.

Tracey Adams is an integral part of Highton Newsagency. Initially joining the newsagency to assist the previous owners, Tracey’s dedication, extensive customer service experience, management skills, and strong work ethic played a significant role in improving the business. With four children of her own, Tracey has a keen understanding of what customers, especially children, desire. Her focus on creating a fresh and inviting store environment, along with carefully curated new stock, has garnered praise from customers. 

Community
Highton Newsagency stands out as a pillar of the Highton Village community, thanks to John’s long-standing presence in the area and the loyalty of many customers. While embracing modern changes, the newsagency retains its traditional charm, offering a diverse range of products. The store features a great selection of greeting cards, stationery, magazines, kids’ toys, books, collectibles, adult giftware, and quality chocolates. The store’s commitment to quality products and exceptional customer service has earned them a strong reputation in the community.

Highton Newsagency actively supports the local community through various sponsorships and donations. As proud sponsors of the Highton Bowls Club, the newsagency strengthens its ties with the club’s members, many of whom are also loyal customers. Additionally, Highton Newsagency contributes to local kindergartens, schools, and clubs by donating items for fundraising activities, showcasing their dedication to the community’s growth and well-being.

Advice

The best piece of advice that John and Tracey received and follow diligently is to treat everyone with respect and be as helpful as possible. This approach not only creates a positive environment within the newsagency but also fosters strong relationships with customers, ultimately contributing to the store’s success.

With John and Tracey’s combined experience, dedication, and focus on exceptional customer service, Highton Newsagency continues to thrive as a beloved community establishment, meeting the diverse needs of its loyal customers while contributing to the growth and vibrancy of the Highton community.

46 Railway Rd, Elmore VIC 3558

Owners:
Meet Greg and Diane Chandler, a dynamic duo with a passion for sports and community service. They have spent over 30 years as beloved members of the Elmore community, where they own and operate the local Newsagency.

Greg and Diane Chandler grew up in North East Victoria and have been inseparable partners in both life and sports. They share a love for activities like tennis, golf, and lawn bowls, which have brought them closer together over the years.

Their extensive expertise has allowed them to serve their local community effectively, making them a reliable source for news and daily essentials.

Elmore Journey:
In 1995, Greg and Diane moved to Elmore along with their daughter. They took the bold step of building their own newsagency, driven by their commitment to providing exceptional service to the growing community. The strategic location of their shop on the main thoroughfare between Bendigo and Echuca has attracted a diverse customer base, ranging from locals to passing travellers.

Diane and Greg Chandler at their daughter’s wedding.

Contributions to the Community:
Having lived in Elmore for nearly three decades, Greg and Diane have become integral members of the community. Their personal touch goes beyond the realm of their newsagency. They are known for their kindness and willingness to help, whether it’s assisting an elderly customer with phone issues or offering directions to those in need.

Diane actively volunteers her time and skills in accounts and auditing with local sporting clubs, demonstrating her commitment to giving back to the community that has supported them throughout the years.

Elmore’s strong sense of community was evident during the October 2022 floods when locals rallied together to support each other. The community joining hands with their fellow residents to organise and distribute sandbags to protect the area during the crisis.

Words of Wisdom:
One of the valuable pieces of advice that have shaped their success is to avoid judging people and to genuinely listen to what they have to say. By implementing this philosophy, Greg and Diane have managed to grow their business and retain loyal customers, making everyone feel welcome and valued. Their dedication to providing excellent service and personal attention to every individual who walks through their doors has fostered a sense of trust and loyalty among the community.

Greg and Diane Chandler’s story exemplifies the power of community support, kindness, and dedication to fostering strong relationships. As active and caring members of Elmore, they continue to play a vital role in shaping the town’s spirit and character. Whether you need the latest news or a friendly chat, you can count on the Chandlers to be there for you, just as they have been for the past 30 years.