Amended proposal taken to tribunal

A photograph of Rob Dickson outside the oldest family business in Warragul in 1930.

Dicksons Mensland is still in the same family after 90 years.

On September 19, 1930, Rob Dickson paid a deposit to purchase the men’s wear business that had been conducted by Stan Milner at 5 Smith St, Warragul – now Bank Bar near the taxi rank.

Mr Milner had died suddenly and his wife Vera, with a young family, had no experience in the business and was forced to sell.

Rob Dickson was working for D. McNeil Central Emporium in Queen St at the time and was looking to branch out on his own. It was at the start of the Great Depression and he was married with two young children, but he accepted the challenge.

On September 26, 1930 he took over the business with the help of a young casual employee named Bon Hardie.

In 1939, the men’s wear shop moved to 30 Smith St where is still operates today trading as Dicksons Mensland.

Rob died in 1963 and his son Malcolm carried on in the business until his retirement in 2005 after 50 years working in the shop.

It is now owned by the third generation in Phillip Dickson and staffed by the fourth generation in Liam and Callum Dickson.

Photograph and information courtesy of the Warragul and District Historical Society.

The society’s museum at the Old Shire Hall in Warragul has a range of historical photographs. However, it is currently closed.

If you have any additional information about this photograph, please contact The Gazette on 5623 5666 or editorial@warragulgazette.com.au.

The developers who failed to get planning permission for a freeway service centre at Yarragon have put together an amended proposal.

But, Baw Baw Shire will continue to stand its ground and oppose the application when it is considered by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

The Yarragon and District Community Association also signalled its opposition, stating simply in a submission to council – “Not appropriate. Not wanted. Not needed.”

The application, from Jasbe Petroleum for a service centre was refused by council after significant community opposition in 2018.

In July last year VCAT upheld council’s decision.

The applicants this year submitted an amended application for a service station without the restaurant and service centre features.

Jaspe Petroleum has taken the matter to VCAT after council failed to determine the application within the prescribed time frame.

Council last week agreed to fight the matter at VCAT where it will oppose the application. It is expected to cost council $30,000 to defend its position.

Seven submissions calling on council to oppose the application were presented at last week’s council meeting.

YDCA reminded council of its “ongoing impassioned and justified resistance to this development.”

“The development in the various disguises presented to council so far will profoundly degrade the physical and community environment currently enjoyed by residents and tourists alike,” the YDCA submission said.

The amended application seeks to use the Princes Hwy site, west of Hazeldean Rd for a service station with floodlit signage.

Planners said the application failed to meet planning provisions and was an “inappropriate outcome for the site.”

There were 46 objections to the application including loss of business for small businesses; contrary to the village feel of Yarragon; excessive development for a farm zone; traffic safety; and freeway access.

Councillors raised concerns the service station would lead to a further expansion into a freeway service centre with restaurant.

Councillors and objectors said the site layout of the site and carparking indicated the design of the development would later cater for a fast food restaurant and car park.

Councillors unanimously opposed development.

Cr Peter Kostos said he was very concerned about the safety of east bound motorists accessing the site.

He said the application featured 35 car parks and questioned if the intent of developers was to get a serve station approved and then come back later to upgrade to a service centre.

Cr Darren Wallace said although it was hypothetical, it was clear what the developers were trying to achieve.

“The footprint is there, the carparks are there. They will just argue whatever and it will ultimately be a service centre.

“This is an ostentatious development that is out of character in the beautiful village of Yarragon and should be thrown out again,” he said.

Cr Michael Leaney said the size of the kitchen included in the plans did not support a service station development.

“The design of the building shows that even though they have removed the tables, it is essentially a restaurant and that is what it will morph into.

“This is really the same application, just toned down a bit and tweaked at the edges,” he said.

Cr Mikaela Power said the community had spoken once and this and had done so again.

“This still does not suit the site. We should not be approving any service station in the wrong place,” she said.

A compulsory conference will be held at VCAT next Tuesday. the