LOCAL LIVING Evolving a family business
On 1st July 2016 long standing local business Refact Services became Baw Baw Refrigeration & Air Conditioning.
The business has undergone a few transformations over the years from when it was first established by Noel and Connie Whyte back in 1966 as Noel Whyte Refrigeration.
In 1994 when Noel died, it was then passed on to his son Stephen, who ran it in a partnership with Connie until the first name change in 2006 when it became Refact Services. With the name change, Steve partnered with Leesa Ryrie, and moved the business to a factory in Normanby Street where it still operates from today.
Kris Hughes (Leesa’s cousin), a long-time employee of Refact, took over the business in 2014 and has now decided the time is right for a rebranding that reflects this beautiful district, and so, Baw Baw Refrigeration & Air Conditioning (BBRAC) was born.
Kris has maintained the focus on family and loyalty that has been the backbone of the business since its inception 50 years ago.
In the office they continue to employ Jenny Whyte (Noel and Connie’s daughter), who has been in the business the past eight years, and now her son Jake Murphy, is an apprentice Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Mechanic. Kris’s wife Kelly also contributes to the administration operations and talks are developing with another extended relative to commence later in the year as a fully qualified tradesman.
The business continues to offer the same high quality technical and customer service skills required for your air conditioning and refrigeration needs. Looking after both domestic and commercial customers, BBRAC delivers a professional and competent service.
Some of the services BBRAC offer include: advice and quoting for supply and installation of air conditioning systems; set up and service of hospitality and commercial refrigeration units; repairs to domestic and portable refrigeration appliances; and service maintenance agreements. As service and warranty agents for Fujitsu, Mitsubishi, Electrolux, Fisher & Paykel, Engel and Dometic (Waeco), to name a few, BBRAC has your needs covered. However, they are not limited to these brands and have the capabilities and experience to repair or install other makes and systems.
BBRAC operates Monday to Friday out of Factory 4, 8 Normanby Street, Warragul. For more information log on to the website at www.bawbawrac.com. au email admin@ bawbawrac.com.au or phone 5623 1315.
Weir’s has had an ongoing involvement with the timber industry for 50 years. Company founder, the late Clarrie Weir, was a champion axeman and a dedicated timber man who believed in quality and perfection.
His son, Chris, carried on that same tradition. Current owners, Tony and Linda Suthers, have the same policy and are pleased to be involved.
Clarrie began as a Forests Commissioner in 1945, began contracting in 1946 and cut sleepers and beams with a broad axe. He thinned plantations at Childers and Noojee for the Forests Commission, and when touring New Zealand in 1965, noted the preparation and use of treated timber.
Clarrie later launched a treatment site on railway property at Darnum. Growth saw the business move to its current Darnum site.
The first Darnum timber was used for fence posts, and later for SEC poles.
Chris Weir started in the business in 1972 and took control in 1977.
The popularity of treated pine grew because of its adaptability and reliability as a product for fence posts, poles, decking, terracing, fencing, gazebos, car ports, sheds, patios, steps, yards etc.
All Weir’s treated pine is treated to the correct Australian standards level.
In 2013, the firm introduced Ecowood - a tan coloured, beautifying treated pine - into its product range which has proved to be very popular.
Chris retired in 2015, and sold the business to well known Drouin business couple, Tony and Linda Suthers.
Already, they have taken the Weir’s Treated Timber business to the ‘next level,’ opening a second branch in Queen Street, Warragul, earlier this year which is managed by Brendan Taylor.
Tony said he and Linda were pleased to be operating such a respected and historical business as Weirs, and look forward to servicing the district with the firm’s high quality products for many years.