Community
8 November, 2024
Browny notches a milestone
ONE dedicated employee has marked a special milestone alongside his colleagues last week.
Dean ‘Browny’ Brown has been working at Camperdown’s Betta store for 45 years, having started in its original location on the corner of Pike and Manifold Street in 1979.
He said he has worked alongside a variety of people, including original owners Barry and Elaine Stephenson.
“In 1986, Stan and Mary Lee took it over, so I worked for them,” Mr Brown said.
“Jacinta Lee was my boss right up until 2023, where Chris Morris and Amy Magilton took it over which is great because I thought there was a possibility it might close – I’m glad they come along.”
Mr Brown has also worked alongside a number of repair services throughout his career, saying he would be “lost” without John and Helen Hickey’s whitegoods repair service.
One of the highlights of the job for Mr Brown has been making deliveries to customers all across the region, saying he has received many gifts over the years.
“They give you all sorts of things – beer, wine, whiskey, chocolate, fruit, and their homemade jams and chutneys,” he said.
“I even got a freshly-laid duck’s egg once.
“All jokes aside, the customers are very nice.”
Mr Brown has travelled a lot completing his deliveries, travelling to Port Campbell, Peterborough, Beaufort, Ballarat, Warrnambool, Portland and even Hamilton.
To celebrate Mr Brown’s dedication to the store, Betta held a sale across two days last week and handed out decorated cupcakes to customers.
“I didn’t want a lot of fanfare, but I had no choice in that matter – they just went ahead and did it anyway, but it was nice,”he said.
“People have been ringing up, congratulating me and thanking me, and I feel very humble about it.”
Looking to the future, Mr Brown said he is aiming for the next milestone – he aims to reach 50 years with the company as he still enjoys working for Betta.
He said he was glad the business was going well and is also positive about Camperdown going forward.
“I think the town is going well collectively, because there’s not many vacant shops,” Mr Brown said.
“You look at other little towns in the district, and there’s a lot of vacant shops and they’re struggling.
“I think Camperdown is holding its own. It’s got a lot of good businesses here, and a lot of good business people.
“Camperdown’s a vibrant little community, and everyone looks after one another.”