Alexandra Newsagency changing hands after 16 years

AFTER 16 years, the Alexandra Newsagency and Lotto is changing hands, with owners Graeme and Jenny stepping back and handing the reigns to the capable ownership of Sam and Shiva.

“It certainly is [a big change], after 16 years,” Graeme said, when asked about selling the business.

“I won’t interfere with the guys, they’re both clever people so they’ll do really well I think.

They’re very keen to be part of the community. This is an exciting time for Shiva and Sam and I wish them all the best. And Shiva barracks for Collingwood, so I’m sure he’s going to fit into the community really well.” Sam barracks for Richmond.

Asked about what their plans are moving forward, now that they don’t have to worry about clocking into the newsagency every morning, Graeme and Jenny were focussed on their grandchildren.

“Not quite sure, no real future plans at this stage. We’ve got five grandchildren and two more on the way, so we’ve got plenty of options,” Graeme said.

“We’re definitely not leaving the area, we love Alexandra. We might be able to put a bit back into the community, one way or another.”

Jenny added, “We’ve got two new grandbabies arriving, one in Bairnsdale, one out here. Giving my house a little bit of TLC.

And not having to be somewhere on the dot. But we’ll still be around town, and we’ll never leave these guys in the lurch.

“We will miss our customers, we’ve been here for 16 and a half years. We’ve employed so many. We’ve got Blake working for us, and I remember serving his mum when he was in her belly, and now he’s working for us. Generations.”
Graeme and Jenny said that they will miss chatting with their customers the most.

“I think, look, everyone says it’s long hours and all that, but we don’t actually work that long..