After 25 years of serving the East Gippsland community, Dahlsens Garden Centre will close its doors for the last time this Saturday, April 13, at 4pm.
The decision comes as part of a strategic realignment of Dahlsens’ business operations – as Dahlsens continues to specialise in the supply of building materials.
In a separate venture, the Dahlsens family remains committed to its investment in East Gippsland through the Quest Hotel now under construction opposite the New Leaf Cafe.
Since its inception, Dahlsens Garden Centre has been a valued establishment within the local community.
However, the Dahlsens business strategy no longer aligns with the operation of a standalone garden centre.
The Dahlsen family recognise the importance of the services offered by the garden centre to East Gippsland residents and have diligently worked to ensure continuity of service under alternative arrangements.
The Dahlsen family has collaborated closely with Jacqui Banson, owner of the beloved New Leaf Cafe located within Dahlsens Garden Centre, and Lachlan Bull from Lucknow-based Bulls Botanics, to ensure that key offerings from the garden centre remain accessible to the community through their businesses.
New Leaf Cafe will continue trading at its Dalmahoy Street site. Additionally, it will expand its offerings to include giftware and the House of Bloom florist, providing residents with access to gifts and fresh flowers, as well as the coffee and meals it is already well known for.
Lachlan Bull and the expert team at Bulls Botanics will expand their operations to provide a comprehensive garden centre from an upcoming date, ensuring continued access to a large nursery and essential gardening supplies and expertise.
Speaking about the transition, Lachlan Bull expressed his enthusiasm.
“Our centre, adjacent to the Lucknow Exchange House Food Store, will be a familiar and welcoming sight to the community.
We are dedicated to restoring the site to its former glory and establishing a new, family-owned garden centre,” Lachlan said.
Jacqui Banson shared her excitement about enhancing the offerings of New Leaf Cafe.
“I look forward to complementing the cafe experience with the continuation of the House of Bloom florist service and a giftware range for our community. This year marks 30 years of being in the hospitality industry and I am proud to continue to serve our customers,” she said.
Both Bulls Botanics and New Leaf Cafe are owner-operated by passionate East Gippslanders who are deeply committed to providing exceptional service and contributing to the community’s well-being.
Dahlsens managing director, Geoff Dahlsen, said he extends heartfelt gratitude to all past and present team members of Dahlsens Garden Centre for their hard work, dedication and commitment.
“We are actively working with our current team members to secure employment opportunities wherever possible moving forward,” he said.
“We are also closely working with New Leaf Cafe and Bulls Botanics to ensure a smooth transition of service for our customers.
For customers who have earnt Dahlsens Garden Centre rewards points, these can be redeemed at the garden centre before April 13, and at our Dahlsens Baimsdale or Lakes Entrance trade stores before expiry.”
As one of more than 65 Dahlsens trade centres across Australia, the Dahlsens building centre on Forge Creek Road will remain committed to supplying building materials to the community, welcoming everyone.
“Baimsdale is where our business first began in 1877, and it is with the support of the East Gippsland community that we have been able to grow.
“We are immensely thankful to everyone who has shopped with us over the years and look forward to proudly supporting this region for many years to come.” Geoff said.
