Tuesday, 20 February 2024

Colliers Shoes

Gaelle BROAD (Northern Victoria) (13:40): Today I would like to acknowledge small businesses across Victoria and make special mention of Colliers Shoes in Bendigo. After 94 years in business at the same site on the corner of Hargreaves Mall and Mitchell Street, the business will soon be closing its doors. I especially want to thank Kristian Wenckowski, who has owned the shop for 24 years with his wife, for their commitment to Bendigo and service to the local community. The store has been on the corner since 1930, making it one of the longest running retailers in Bendigo. I cannot remember back to 1930, but I can remember taking my kids to sit up on the platform inside the store to have their shoes properly fitted. I would like to acknowledge Marita, who has managed the store, offering professional and friendly service for 35 years.

Small businesses make up 98 per cent of all businesses in Victoria. Twenty-six per cent of these are located in regional Victoria and provide the majority of jobs in our regional cities. Across Victoria small businesses are the engine room of our economy. They provide goods and services and offer jobs for people of all ages, backgrounds, skills and abilities. To all those in small business who get up every day to supply goods and services, who work hard to provide local jobs and fill the gaps when there are staff shortages, who take a deep breath when they open their bills and search for ways to save money so they can pay their taxes and still make ends meet, thank you. We wish you every success and hope that your business will leave a lasting legacy like Colliers in Bendigo.