While Dahlsens has been part of the Australian building scene since 1877, trade stores and truss and frame haven’t always been the mainstay of the business, in fact, maritime transport was essential to our early success.
During the 1880s in Bairnsdale, East Gippsland, founder Johan Christian Dahlsen, saw the advantages of shipping to transport materials, goods and people, especially between Bairnsdale and the fast-growing township of Lakes Entrance. He took the leap and built a shipping fleet lead by the flagship JCD, a wooden schooner named after him and purpose built to navigate the shallow but challenging waters of the Gippsland Lakes.
Another member of the fleet was the steamship SS Gippsland. Capable of traversing both the Gippsland Lakes and the open coastline between Bairnsdale and Melbourne, the SS Gippsland became instrumental to supporting trade and regional growth.
These days, the ships are long gone and the company has grown to 40 locations in regional and metro Victoria, NSW and the ACT under the leadership of the 5th generation of Dahlsens.
Dahlsens has never forgotten its roots either. The company continues to maintain a deep connection to the Gippsland region which now hosts stores in Bairnsdale, Lakes Entrance, Sale, Warragul, Orbost and Traralgon, with each being a genuine choice for builders, trades and DIY’ers, backed by a team who understands the industry, and values relationships and community.
