General News
1 July, 2024
Stitching memories: Givoni reunion plans
DOZENS of women from across the Loddon worked sewing dressing gowns in the 25 years that Australian company Givoni had a factory in Wedderburn. Now, 35 years after the sewing machines fell silent and 21 jobs were lost, the call has gone out to...
DOZENS of women from across the Loddon worked sewing dressing gowns in the 25 years that Australian company Givoni had a factory in Wedderburn.
Now, 35 years after the sewing machines fell silent and 21 jobs were lost, the call has gone out to former workers to attend a reunion in November.
Robyn Vella is one of the former staff members planning to reconnect people and members at the reunion.
Her first full-time job was at the Givoni factory that opened in the town’s former Commercial Hotel in March 1964.
“A few of us were talking the other day and thought it would be great to get as many together as possible,”
“Givoni was a major employer for the town and the women came from Korong Vale, Bridgewater, Inglewood, Newbridge, Serpentine and Charlton to work there.”
Robyn said Rita Nasi had managed the factory until its closure in September 1989.
“Rita is still living in Bendigo and maintains contact with many in Wedderburn. We hope she will be able to attend,” said Robyn.
The building used by Givoni was originally built by Alfred Wilson to replace the original Commercial Hotel destroyed by fire in 1898.
The hotel was de-licensed in 1921 and was used as a hospital between 1924 and 1938. After World War Two, it was used by Rampling and Hall as a boot factory from 1945 to 1959.
The Givoni company was established in 1947, manufacturing dyed brush and printed the fabric in Sandringham.
The sewing of garments was done at Sandringham, Moe, Castlemaine, Wedderburn and Swan Hill. Pre-cut material was transported to Wedderburn daily for sewing by local staff.