General News
1 July, 2023
Dellars closing after decades of service
Horsham identities Kevin and Greer Dellar will close the door on their Barbeques Galore store in a few weeks, ending decades of service to customers across the Wimmera and beyond. The couple started Delblock Masonry in 1964, then moved to selling...
Horsham identities Kevin and Greer Dellar will close the door on their Barbeques Galore store in a few weeks, ending decades of service to customers across the Wimmera and beyond.
The couple started Delblock Masonry in 1964, then moved to selling barbecues, outdoor settings, wood-fired heaters and a host of other outdoor items.
When Dellars opened Barbeques Galore in Horsham, it was only the second of that franchise in Australia, just three weeks after the first opened.
Both agreed their time in business had been a "long, happy career".
They are understandably emotional about the last few weeks in business and have been overwhelmed by the warm wishes bestowed by many friends and customers - and neither has slowed down over the years.
But it's not age that's putting an end to their business days. Kevin, 86, and Greer, 80, wanted to carry on, and even had daughter Prue Beltz poised to take over, but now feel they have no choice but to call it a day.
Disputes with a landlord, and a planning change to create a road to the south side of the Darlot Street building have taken their toll.
The road change will reduce available carparks to just five, while also wiping out a loading area. The couple also blame lack of support from Horsham Rural City Council.
Nor have they been able to find a replacement building for the business, which requires a huge area for displays and storage.
It also means the end for longtime staffers Ferdie Masiero and Deb Keyte, who have worked with the Dellars for 27 and 25 years respectively.
Kevin Dellar had worked for his dad, Wally Dellar, as a bricklayer and concreter before venturing out on his own.
A former three-time Horsham City Mayor, he spent 28 years in local government and then another two years working with commissioners during amalgamation of Victoria's councils.
His local government service included chairing council airport and saleyard committees and filling the role of state chair of the Municipal Airport Operators Association. It was during this time he helped fight to retain Essendon as an airport for small aircraft.
Mr Dellar was also a keen footballer, playing for Haven, then Horsham. He played six games for Essendon, but refusal by Horsham to let him go saw him return to Horsham.
His record includes three premierships. He won one as player-coach at Miga Lake, coached Noradjuha and then Horsham for two years, including taking that team to a premiership.
Greer Dellar has also been heavily involved in community life. She was on a WorkCo then Skillinvest committee for 27 years, was on Karkana board, in CWA drama productions, on football committees, entertained with speech and drama "in just about every hall around" and compered many fashion parades.
Silver lining to city's retail gloom: Page 4