The four-generation family business recognised the milestone with a community celebration at its Dwyers Toyota dealership, where loyal staff, extended family and long-term customers enjoyed an afternoon party.
VACC President Chris Hummer acted as master of ceremonies and VACC Industry Policy Advisor Michael Mckenna stepped in to compere a Q&A with third and fourth generation custodians, Kevin and Anthony Dwyer.
In the evening, the Dwyer family hosted an intimate dinner at which VACC CEO Geoff Gwilym led an interview with Kevin and Anthony that teased out some intricacies of what it takes to succeed in business for 125 unbroken years.
Dwyers Motor Group served its East Gippsland customers before the first automobile arrived in Australia and is now regarded as one of the country’s most successful regional automotive businesses with a flagship Toyota dealership and retail outlets for other brands, including Mazda, Hyundai, Chrysler Jeep, Dodge and RAM.
In 1898, Jeremiah Dwyer opened his business in Nicholson Street Bairnsdale, offering blacksmith and farrier services. By 1908, Jeremiah’s business grew to building buggies, wagons and carts.
It later incorporated motor vehicle sales to its list of services.
By 1927, Dwyers added Hillman and Rover franchises and, within two years, became the first dealership in the region to introduce spray-painting services. These days, Dwyers continues this tradition by running its own body repair shop, Riviera Panels.
Along the way, Dwyers added American marques Rugby and Graham Paige, along with BMC makes (Austin, Morris), then Datsun, Mitsubishi, Volkswagen, Daihatsu and many others.
Today, Anthony Dwyer – whose father Kevin handed him the reins in 2009 after 55 years at the helm – manages the business.
Member #35, Dwyers joined VACC in 1943 and this year celebrates 80 years as a Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce member.