Therese and Jessika Wolfenden

287-295 King Street, Caboolture QLD

Owner:
Jessika is the proud owner of Kings Circle Newsagency.  Jessika embarked on her journey in the industry almost 10 years ago, driven by the challenges of finding employment after graduating, due to her uncontrolled epilepsy. Seeking more flexibility and freedom, she ventured into entrepreneurship and discovered the appeal of owning her own newsagency. The excitement and dreams that come with selling lottery tickets to customers motivated her to take on this venture.

Jessika also has a love for horses, which brings her immense joy, and spending time in the saddle is her ultimate passion. With a deep affection for her family and friends, Jessika values the moments shared with her loved ones.

Success:
What sets Kings Circle Newsagency apart is its strong focus on family values. Customers who walk into the shop become a part of the extended family, and Jessika places a high priority on providing exceptional customer service. The ‘Instant Scratch It’ gifting option is a major hit all year round, attracting customers from various locations. 

A remarkable achievement for Jessika’s store was winning the NLNA Golden Casket 2023 award, a recognition of the hard work and dedication of her team. To Jessika, a successful store means catering to the needs of both customers and staff, while collaborating effectively with suppliers to deliver the best products and services.

Community:
In the vibrant community of Caboolture, Jessika cherishes the stories and involvement of the older generation, including her own grandparents, who have been an integral part of the community for over 70 years. Supporting local charities and clubs holds a special place in Jessika’s heart, as she finds immense satisfaction in giving back to her community.

Advice:
One piece of advice Jessika holds dear, is to never stop asking questions and to embrace a continuous learning mindset. Armed with knowledge, she strives to better serve her customers and staff, always opting for honesty and transparency. For Jessika, a lottery ticket may get customers into the shop, but it’s her team’s commitment to providing an unforgettable experience that makes them keep coming back.

With her mum, Therese, as her partner, Jessika is excited about the upcoming opening of their new store, Bellmere Lotto and Gifts. They eagerly anticipate creating another successful business and becoming even more integrated into their local community. The grand opening is set for 9 August 2023, and they extend a warm welcome to all their supporters. 

MEMBER PROFILE BIRCHIP NEWSAGENCY

53 Cumming Ave, Birchip VIC 3483

Owner
Jim Varghese has been successfully operating Birchip Newsagency since May 2010. With a strong commitment to the local community, he has built a reputation for providing excellent support and sponsorship to numerous local community groups, sporting organisations, and town events.

Jim believes in creating a friendly atmosphere within the store, ensuring that every customer feels welcomed and valued. He is dedicated to delivering the best possible service to the community, consistently meeting customer expectations by providing responsive products and services that cater to market demands.

Team Effort
Rachel Colbert, a highly valued member of the team, plays an integral role in the success of Birchip Newsagency. With almost a decade of dedicated service, her commitment and friendly presence creates a welcoming atmosphere that resonates with every customer who walks through the doors. Rachel’s versatility shines as she takes on a multitude of responsibilities, including customer service, stock ordering, returns, and training new staff.

Recognised as a team player, Rachel not only works independently but goes above and beyond her assigned duties. Her creativity and innovative thinking consistently yields great ideas to attract customers, such as implementing effective merchandising techniques and regularly rearranging stock. Customers and representatives alike have taken notice of Rachel’s pleasant nature and willingness to lend a helping hand, often commending her for the exceptional service she provides.

Birchip Newsagency prides itself on its well-organised store layout, categorising products and collections for easy access. The front half of the store and the front windows are utilised to prominently display seasonal products, catching the attention of passersby. The staff members, who are well presented and professional, contribute to the welcoming environment within the store.

Recognising the importance of digital engagement, Birchip Newsagency maintains an active presence on social media platforms such as Facebook. This allows the store to connect with customers online, share updates, and engage in community discussions. Additionally, the newsagency has a comprehensive Google business listing, providing potential customers with accurate and detailed information about the store.

By leveraging Jim’s leadership, dedication, and community-oriented approach, Birchip Newsagency continues to be a trusted and valued establishment within the local area.

MEMBER PROFILE ANGLESEA NEWS & LOTTO

Address
Anglesea Shopping Village, Shop 19/89 Great Ocean Rd, Anglesea VIC 

Owners
Paul and Corinne Nigro have been involved in the newsagency and lotto industry for a combined total of 18 years. Their journey began in 2000 when they became the youngest couple to purchase an authorised newsagency, Macedon Square Newsagency, located in Lower Templestowe. After five successful years, they made a sea-change and acquired Torquay Lotto & Gifts. However, their ultimate dream was realised when they purchased Anglesea News & Lotto, located in Paul’s childhood holiday destination on the Great Ocean Road. They have owned and operated Anglesea News & Lotto for almost eight years and have found immense joy and fulfillment in their business.

Local community
Paul and Corinne are passionate about immersing themselves in the local community. Paul serves as the Senior Coach and Director of Football for the Anglesea Kangaroos Football Club, while also holding a directorship position on the Bendigo Community Bank Surf Coast. Corinne contributes her time and efforts as Vice-President of Business Anglesea, a local trader group. Additionally, she organises fundraising events and luncheons at the Anglesea Football & Netball Club. Their involvement in the community not only brings them energy but also fills them with pride.

Paul and Corinne attribute their success to the strong relationships they have fostered with their staff, customers, and suppliers. Their active participation in the local community has played a crucial role in their achievements. Throughout the years, they have learned to adapt and overcome challenges, with the most significant being the impact of COVID-19. Despite the difficulties, they remained open as an essential service and collaborated with the local business community to offer collective services during lockdowns. Corinne’s initiative in creating the ‘Anglesea Shop Local’ Facebook page helped highlight local businesses and kept the community informed. The ability to adapt and work closely with the community has proven instrumental in their success.

One stop shop
Anglesea News & Lotto stands out due to its active involvement and connection with the local community. Paul and Corinne take pride in their store’s stock and displays, particularly the full range of magazines they offer. They also take delight in providing a varied selection of locally made gifts, cards, souvenirs, and destination candles, which are highly sought after. The store offers products that are not easily found in town, such as children’s toys, games, fishing gear, basic electronics, beach gear, and more. This makes Anglesea News & Lotto a convenient “one-stop-shop” for locals and visitors alike.

Anglesea is a remarkable community that Paul and Corinne hold dear. Despite its small population, the support and camaraderie within the community are unparalleled. As a holiday destination, Anglesea experiences a significant influx of visitors during summer and school holidays, and Paul and Corinne ensure they cater to both the permanent residents and the transient community. They take pride in making everyone feel welcome and at home in Anglesea.

Advice
The best piece of advice Paul and Corinne have received is to love what you do and do what you love. This philosophy has been the driving force behind their dedication, passion, and commitment to their newsagency business and the local community.

Paul and Corinne Nigro exemplify the spirit of community involvement, passion for their business, and dedication to providing exceptional products and services to Anglesea and its visitors. Their love for what they do shines through in their thriving news and lotto store, making Anglesea News & Lotto a true asset to the local community.

MEMBER PROFILE PINEWOOD NEWS & TATTS

Dennis Skantzos and Nick Diamantopoulos are dedicated entrepreneurs and co-owners of Pinewood News & Tatts, a successful business they have operated together for approximately 23 years. With backgrounds in sales and logistics, both Dennis and Nick bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the operation of the business, ensuring its continued success.

Pinewood News & Tatts operates from two locations, showcasing their diverse range of services. Their first location at 59 Centre way, Mt Waverley, is home to a Tatts outlet and retail store.

Their second location, a factory in Dandenong, serves as the hub for the distribution of newspapers and magazines. With an impressive reach covering a large part of the South East, Pinewood News & Tatts home delivers over 5,500 copies daily and services almost 250 subagents. They employ 32 drivers and are currently in discussions with News Corp, Nine, and NDS to expand their services and coverage to the rest of the Southeast zone. Their dedication to excellence has been recognised, as they were nominated as finalists for VANA’s Newsagent of the Year on multiple occasions, eventually winning the prestigious award in 2018.

To adapt to the changing landscape of the industry, Dennis and Nick have successfully grown and diversified their business. In addition to the traditional items sold in newsagencies, they have introduced a range of giftware, books, toys, and even selected furniture pieces. This commitment to providing a wide variety of products has attracted a loyal customer base and contributed to the success of Pinewood News & Tatts.

Outside of their business operations, Dennis and Nick actively support their local community by sponsoring various local business initiatives, schools, and charity organisations. Their friendly and experienced staff take great pride in building personal connections with customers, often greeting them by names. Together with neighbouring retailers, they have fostered an inclusive and family-friendly community atmosphere at Pinewood.