History

Our business was started in the late 1970s as a part time business while Rick and Julie were still teaching. Trading under the name “Gem-Min Products”, products initially made were specimen cards of gems and minerals of Australia.

The business became full time in 1980 and added gemstone jewellery [cut and tumbled stones] and polished specimens. Additionally, we were offered other souvenir product ranges to sell either as wholesalers or agents and it was decided to change our name to “Australian Gift and Souvenir Supplies” to better reflect our changing role.

For the first year we operated from a shed at home, but in 1981 we moved to rented premises at Redcliffe. [We are still at this address but have added additional area to increase our floor space.]

Gradually our stone polishing equipment was replaced by shelving and we became principally a wholesaler.

We purchased equipment from two firms [Wallace Bishop factory and Sun Souvenirs], and set up a factory principally to manufacture teaspoons [badged and model top]. We additionally made other cast metal items including keyrings, charms and pins.

This factory was closed in 1999 and equipment sold to a Sydney firm who manufacture for us today [metal fittings, pins, keyrings etc].

Our next change in direction was to add general gift lines and children’s novelties to our Australiana/ Souvenir range.

We are now able to offer a much wider range of products and have become a “One Stop Shop” for many of our customers.

In March 2010, we shortened our name to “Australian Gifts and Souvenirs” and launched our website.