In fact, the long-established office supplies business is on multiple missions – the first is to complete a major upgrade of its furniture and office fit-out division and, secondly, to raise $50,000 for the Port Stephens Koala Hospital.

 

The latter project is one of the company’s gift to the community in recognition of its 50th anniversary, a milestone that marks the success of a family-owned business that has reinvented itself in an ever-changing market.

 

Managing director Daniel Kelly (pictured left with brother Benn) said the Koala Hospital campaign via GoFundMe has a target of $50,000 and is being supported by a series of fund-raising events, including a charity golf day in September.

 

Click here to donate to the GoFundMe campaign https://gofund.me/2dd4adcf

The 50th anniversary will also be the focus of community-based birthday party.

 

Kelly said “Turning 50 is a huge achievement, and although we have been the caretakers of this amazing brand for only 16 of the 50 years, we feel a great sense of pride in honouring the legacy of the families before us that owned the brand and the community that has and continues to support us.“

 

The fifty theme will be extended to other marketing promotions, along the lines of ’50 specials over 50 days’ as well as community projects such as competitions involving the local schools where the winners will see 50 trees planted at their school.

 

The celebrations coincide with the company’s transformation of its office furniture business, which has a seen an investment of over $100,000 in a new showroom and expansion of an office design and fit-out division, managed by Kelly’s brother’s Benn.

 

Whilst office and education supplies continue to be important segments for Stuart and Dunn Office Choice, Benn has the furniture business accounting for a sizeable and growing slice of the company’s turnover, which is now split 50:50 between çore and non-core.

 

The Stuart and Dunn story goes back to 1972, when two locals John Stuart and Jim Dunn set up an office supplies business, which was subsequently bought in 1992 by the late John Moscovis and his family.

 

In 2006, the business was bought by Allan Kelly, then the owner of Moving Stationery in Cessnock and father of Dan and Benn.

 

Originally located near the Newcastle CBD. Stuart and Dunn Office Choice is now based in Beresfield, about 20 kilometres north of the city and conveniently close to the Sydney-Newcastle freeway.

In 2019, the Kelly brothers bought out their father and have engineered the current revamp of the business. 

 

At the same time, Dan Kelly has been closely involved with the Office Choice dealer group, having been a director of 11 years and Chairman for the past five years.

 

Stuart and Dunn 1972-2022 and beyond

A 50th anniversary is a remarkable achievement for an independent stationery and office supplies business, given the competitive challenges and ever-changing market conditions.