End of an era at Leongatha Newsagency

THE end of an era is fast approaching at Leongatha Newsagency, with the Watchorn family ready to move on after 48 years running the business.

However, Deb and Dean Watchorn will still be seen around the shop until the end of February, helping the business’ new owners settle in.

Dean’s brother, Peter Watchorn, continues to help when he can, while working in the building trade.

The newsagency’s new owners are husband and wife Dipti and Vipul Thumar, along with family friends Raj Joshi and wife Unnati.

Raj brings the experience of running a giftshop and lotto business in Drouin, which he still owns.

Dean Watchorn reflected on the significant role his family’s newsagency has held for the community over the Watchorn’s nearly half-century-involvement.

“Our biggest legacy for the town is we’ve employed a lot of staff over the years and when you think about how many staff we’ve employed over 48 years, it’s incredible,” he said.

Dean noted the business introduced many of those staff to the workforce.

Whenever you step into the Leongatha Newsagency, its vibrancy and popularity are apparent, with customers plentiful.

The new ownership team intend to follow in the Watchorn’s footsteps, Raj said.

That includes retaining the business’ staff, which numbers 25, being a mix of fulltime, part time and casual employees.

Although acknowledging there is still much to learn about running such a large and varied business, Raj and his co-owners like what they have seen since coming onboard early this month.

“We have noticed customers are very friendly around here and are all welcoming and supportive and the staff are very helpful and accommodating,” Raj said.

The country lifestyle appealed to him and Vipul, along with the newsagency’s association with Office Choice, making the business an attractive proposition.

Involvement with Office Choice created an online shopping presence for the business, but Dean said its bricks and mortar operation remains a big part of the newsagency’s turnover.

Leongatha Newsagency has proven essential during the pandemic, providing supplies needed for people to work from home and manage home schooling.

The Watchorn family’s connection with the newsagency started when Dean and Peter’s father Terry and mother Gwenda, along with Terry’s brother Leon and his wife Lois, came to town.

About 24 years later the younger generation took over.

Unsurprisingly, there have been many changes over the years such as the phasing out of paper boys and girls and the challenges newspapers have faced from the online environment.

However, the Watchorn’s have adapted by diversifying the business through measures such as providing a wide range of stationery.

Although now ready for a well-earned rest, Dean is grateful for the time he’s had in the business and the satisfaction it’s provided.

“It’s been a good ride and we’re thankful we’ve had great customers and terrific staff over the years,” he said.

The new owners are already enjoying the opportunity to help the local community.