Dawn Mowers (Surrey Hills) Pty Ltd was established back in 1964 by Mervan Ostwald a commercial airline pilot with Trans Australia Airlines TAA. Mervans’ entrepreneurial spirit saw opportunity in the lawnmowing market as motorised lawns mowers had just been invented. The great Australian dream of owning a house with a garden in the 6o’s was alive and well. Mervan along with his wife Gale set about establishing retail stores to service the rapidly growing domestic lawn care market, at one stage manufacturing their own “Dawn Dependable” mower.
Tragically in 1972 Mervan was killed in an automobile accident whilst in the USA. Gale with three children under the age of five admirably kept the business running, consolidating back to two stores East Malvern & Surrey Hills. Gale was a well-respected member of the Industry Group MSAA (Mower Specialists Association of Australia) for many years holding the role of Association Secretary.
Mervan Ostwald (left) on the sales floor
