By Melissa Meehan
THE Dandenong Retail Trade Association (DRTA) awards are often said to be worth their weight in gold.
This was true for Austgold Manufacturing Jewellers declared last week the 2008 Central Dandenong Retailer of the Year.
Co-owner Peter Mastroianni said he and his brother Joe were very pleased to win the award after 20 years of service in the Dandenong District.
“It is a great honour for us to be awarded Retailer of the Year, especially since we have seen others win it,” Mr Mastroianni said.
“It was a bit of a surprise.
“And hopefully, it will create more interest and get more people coming in.”
He said the business focused on manufacturing one-off pieces, but also covered all facets of jewellery.
“Thirteen years ago our shop was on the other side of Walker Street, but we had to move to a bigger shop,” Mr Mastroianni said.
“So I guess, you could say we have been in Walker Street for 20 years.”
Chairperson of the DRTA Roy Aspinall said Austgold was a worthy winner.
“They have proven themselves to be one of Central Dandenong’s leading retailers and their shop is well designed and a pleasure to shop in,” Mr Aspinall said.
“This award is a credit to Joe and Peter.”
