Celebrating 140 Years of community and continuity

The Dalyston Recreation Reserve was filled with nostalgia and community spirit on Sunday, March 22, as over 500 people gathered to celebrate the remarkable 140th anniversary of Alex Scott & Staff.

The "Back to" event, from 1pm to 5.30pm, marked nearly a century and a half of continuous business across the Gippsland region - a milestone rarely seen in the Australian corporate landscape.

The afternoon kicked off with the stirring sounds of the Wonthaggi Citizens Band, setting a festive tone for a crowd made up of past and present staff alongside multiple generations of local farming and residential clients.

The air was thick with the sharing of stories and memories, as old colleagues and long-standing families reconnected over their shared history with the firm.

Musical entertainment continued throughout the day with performances by Imogen Price and the Laing Brothers.

A central highlight of the celebrations was a live panel discussion that brought the company's rich heritage to life.

Managed by Greg Price, the panel featured interviews with several titans of the industry which included Graeme Kershaw past CEO, whose career with the firm spanned more than 50 years and Peter Dwyer.

Now in his 90s, Peter shared insights from a lifetime dedicated to the livestock and property industries across Gippsland.

The discussions provided a rare glimpse into the evolution of Gippsland's agency work, from the early days of 1886 to the modern multi-office network the company operates today.

No country celebration is complete without legendary catering, and the Country Women's Association (CWA) nearly stole the show.

Attendees were treated to what many described as an "epic" afternoon tea, featuring a traditional spread of scones with jam and cream, jelly cakes and classic passionfruit sponges.

For those seeking something heartier, the Dalyston Football Netball Club manned a popular BBQ, serving up premium Gippsland Scotch Fillet steak sandwiches, while their bar staff ensured the crowd remained refreshed throughout the sunny afternoon.

The day was a resounding success, serving not just as a corporate anniversary, but as a heartfelt tribute to the staff and clients who have sustained Alex Scott & Staff as a Gippsland institution since the 19th century.