Georgia Lozina from Brown and Gouge Dandenong is the Drycleaning Institute of Australia’s Third Year Apprentice of the Year. 21667 Picture: Stewart Chambers.
By Shaun Inguanzo
A DANDENONG mature age apprentice has won acclaim from the Australian dry cleaning industry.
Georgia Lozina, 52, migrated to Australia 29 years ago from Croatia as a dressmaker, but eight years ago found herself mending seams for Brown and Gouge Drycleaners in Dandenong.
Three years ago, new owners Graeme and Theresa Ross took it upon themselves to help Georgia achieve recognised industry qualifications by enrolling her in an apprenticeship for textiles and fashion at RMIT.
Ms Lozina has now finished her apprenticeship and has a clear understanding of the science behind drycleaning, such as which chemicals are best for what materials.
The Drycleaning Institute of Australia recently awarded Ms Lozina with its Third year Apprentice of the Year award for her outstanding work during the RMIT course, as well as her strong work ethic and willingness to learn at Brown and Gouge Dandenong.
“It was very exciting, very nice at my age,” a reserved Ms Lozina said.
Mrs Ross said Ms Lozina was a quiet achiever.
“There’s no fuss, she just comes in and does her job, and does it well,” she said.
Mr Ross said Ms Lozina was now a formidable knowledge base of drycleaning science, and customers could consult her on the dos and do nots of the business.
“There is definitely a science to it,” he said.
“If someone brings you their $2000 wedding dress, you have to know exactly what you’re doing.”
