MGA Insurance Brokers and Garrards

Gareth’s assurance of good insurance

MGA Insurance Brokers embodies what Docklands is all about – it is relatively new to the area, it is growing and it appeals to hi-rise apartment living and local businesses.

MGA’s Docklands manager, Gareth Morgan, says they specialise in general insurance over a broad spectrum.

“We are one of Australia’s largest brokers of strata-related insurances,” Mr Morgan said.

“Obviously, with Docklands having so many hi-rise apartment towers, we deal with many strata, body corporate and owners’ corporations. We started in Docklands only 12 months ago and we are going strong.

“But it is important to know that MGA also looks after the insurance needs of cafes, restaurants, hotels and small businesses. After all, this is what Docklands is all about.”

MGA owns Whittles and Mr Morgan is based in their shared offices at Level 2, 58 Lorimer St, in the beautiful Yarra’s Edge precinct of Docklands.

“MGA is one of the bigger independent insurance brokers in Australia, with 51,000 clients and $161 million in gross written premiums,” Mr Morgan said.

“New apartment towers are being built all the time here in Docklands, so we have plenty of business! But we do want local small businesses to be aware of our services and expertise.”

Mr Morgan is a single father, and shares his time between Docklands and Warrnambool, where his 11-year-old son lives and where his father manages the MGA office.

“MGA insurance is definitely a family business,” he said.

“The three original owners who started MGA in 1975 and are now looking to retire, and their sons are taking over the business.”

Mr Morgan believes businesses and apartment purchasers have a great future in Docklands.

“So much is happening in Docklands, and in the next five to 10 years, it will develop into a good business hub,” he said.

“It is nicely set up to grow and will attract many tourists.”

MGA Insurance Brokers are at Level 2, 58 Lorimer St, Docklands. Call 8632 3355 or email [email protected]

One-stop shop for homewares and gifts

Stuck for a Christmas gift idea? Fret no further, simply head up one of the escalators to the first floor at Docklands’ Harbour Town where you will find Garrards.

With about 30,000 different lines of homewares, kitchenwares, gifts and fashion items, Garrards is a shopper’s paradise. Owned and operated by Steven Kakoliris and Vesna  Dolevski, Garrards has played a major role at Harbour Town Shopping Centre for four years.

Admitting to a healthy dose of bias, a smiling Vesna says about 80 per cent of customers praise Garrards as the best store at Harbour Town.

“We get a good combination of locals and visitors coming into the store,” Vesna said.

“But it seems that many people, even locals, do not seem to know that we are here, up on the first level.

“When they do find us, they tell us they definitely will be back.

“I served a lady the other day who had come from Townsville to stay in Docklands for three years in a row but this was the first time she had come up to Level One. She was so excited about the kitchenwares and crystal items she bought, that she said she would be back for sure.”

Garrards has a gift registry, which takes the hard work out of selecting a wedding, birthday or anniversary gift. It is also a good idea as a corporate incentive scheme.   

“Our extensive range of products include leading world brands, such as Wedgwood, Christofle, Waterford, Versace, Royal Doulton, Noritake, Circulon and Anolon.”

Vesna and the staff at Garrards are hoping a generous Santa will bring them a special gift – an early return of the Southern Star Observation Wheel at Harbour Town.

 “We were really, really busy when the wheel was working, and we can’t wait for it to get going again,” Vesna said.

 “The holiday season is a busy time for us, and we will have late-night trading in December.

“Docklands is a growing area and we are looking forward to a mammoth 2013.”

The free Garrards Club Card has bonus discounts and promotional gifts. Join online or see Vesna, Steven and the crew in their Harbour Town store.

Why not graze while you browse? Garrards’ café is open from 8am for breakfast and lunch, every day of the week. It is fully licensed and has indoor and outdoor seating.

Garrards is on Level One, Harbour Town Shopping Centre, 432 Docklands Drive, Docklands. Call 9616 7700 or go to http://www.garrardsonline.com.au