End of an era for Korumburra Radiators

AFTER almost 60 years in business, Korumburra Radiators will sadly be closing their doors later this month. 

The business has long been an iconic part of the town, and was originally opened by Ian and Betty Yann during 1963 at the former subway building.

At the time, Ian was the only radiator repairman in South Gippsland, and the business grew rapidly which led to Ian purchasing the current site at 23 Mine Road.

Since opening, the repair shop has always stayed in the family, with the current owners Brian and Sheryl Yann taking over in 1999.

Brian had began working in the shop long before however, when he started with his father in 1979.

While Sheryl worked cleaning the radiators when busy, as well as the book keeping when taking over.  

Speaking with the Sentinel-Times last week, Brian and Sheryl said unfortunately the business had been a ‘dying trade’ for some time.

“It’s happening all around (Gippsland), there used to be shops in Morwell, Traralgon and Moe,” Brian said.

“Well there’s only one in Morwell now serving the whole valley, and you’ve got Warragul and that’s it basically.

“Everything is designed to be recycled, so now you just put in new parts.

“You don’t ‘panel beat’ anymore, you just pull it off and put another part in, and it’s same with radiators.

“They’re made out of aluminium and plastic, they’re beautiful while they work but when they stop, you can’t do anything with them and just throw them away.

“So anybody can do that, you don’t need a radiator repair shop.”

The couple warmly reflected on their time in the business, describing it as a ‘family heirloom’.

And fortunately, the shop is connected to Brian and Sheryl’s home, and they plan to keep it as a hobby area for the foreseeable future. 
“There will always be work but it’s not enough to make a living out of it,” Brian said.

“That’s why for the last few years I’ve been working at the Middle Hotel, we made ends meet here but it’s more of a hobby that pays for itself nowadays.”

Their last day of business will be June 30, so there is still plenty of time to pop down and show your support for a much-loved part of Korumburra’s history. 

For more information visit their Facebook page at shorturl.at/dovKX