This partnership will formally cease on Monday, June 19, when Worklocker Cobram officially takes the reins as the school’s uniform stockist.
The opportunity for Mentha’s to become the supplier came about when the late Trevor Noonan, who was the school council chairman, approached Mentha’s owner, Greg Mentha, to see if he would be interested in developing and supplying the uniform.
Mr Mentha recalled going to Melbourne in those early days and putting in the hard yards to ensure he could find the appropriate colours and materials for the uniform.
“There are a lot of items involved when you’re dealing with a school uniform, so I remember it being a daunting challenge at the time because it all had to tie together,” he said.
“We came up with what the uniform basically looks like today, which hasn’t aged as fashion has changed.”
From those initial discussions with his good friend Trevor Noonan about taking on supplying the school’s uniform, Mr Mentha said his store had enjoyed the opportunity to fit out the school’s students for more than two decades.
“If I’m driving to work or walking somewhere and I see one of the kids in the uniform, it always made me proud of the fact that we could be a consistent supplier to the school community,” he said.
“It’s pretty important that when people need the gear, they get the gear.”
With Mr Mentha transitioning towards semi-retirement, he felt now was the perfect time to hand the baton to Worklocker Cobram owners Sam and Julie Kennedy.
“I know Sam and Julie will do a great job with the uniform. It’s exciting for their business and the Cobram Anglican Grammar School community,” Mr Mentha said.
From June 19, families of Cobram Anglican Grammar School looking to purchase school uniform items must visit Worklocker at 8 Main St, Cobram. The store will have a display area where families can view the various uniform items that are available.