For ninety years, Hobbyco has occupied a rare and respected position in Australian retail. Not simply as a store, but as a custodian of hobby culture — a place where passion, expertise and community have been passed from one generation to the next.
Founded in 1935 by Robert Lowe as a small woodworking and model-making business in Chatswood, Hobbyco began with a simple but enduring belief: that hobbies matter. Operating initially as The Model Flying Company, the business produced balsa wood aircraft kits under the K-DEE name, serving a growing community of builders and aviation enthusiasts.
In an era long before experiential retail became a catchphrase, Hobbyco understood that model making, collecting, building and play were not just pastimes, but lifelong pursuits that foster creativity, skill and connection. That belief has carried the business through nine decades of extraordinary social, economic and retail change.
Across wars, recessions, booms, technological revolutions and shifting consumer behaviour, Hobbyco has remained a constant, evolving when required, yet never losing sight of its specialist roots. From early foundations in traditional hobbies through to the rise of collectables, licensed products and deeply engaged enthusiast communities, the business has grown in step with its customers, never ahead of them and never detached from them.
This evolution has been supported by a diversified yet deeply connected business model. Alongside its retail presence, Hobbyco Imports (HIMP) has played a vital role in bringing global brands and exclusive products to the Australian market, strengthening supply, expertise and long-term partnerships. Events and community activations, from in-store demonstrations to large-scale fan and hobby gatherings, have further reinforced Hobbyco’s role not just as a retailer, but as a meeting place for shared passion.
At the core of Hobbyco’s longevity is stewardship, a careful balance of heritage, knowledge and responsibility.
Generational leadership has ensured values are passed down with intent, allowing the business to modernise without abandoning its identity. Digital channels, destination retail and community-led engagement have been embraced while maintaining the trust earned over decades.
As Hobbyco enters its tenth decade, this milestone is not simply a moment to look back. It is a reminder that relevance is earned through listening, adapting and remaining deeply connected to the people who share your passion. Few businesses reach ninety years. Fewer still do so with their purpose intact.
Dave Wall (Director), Mike Wall (Owner) and Chris Anson (General Manager)
1935–1940s | A Humble Beginning
Hobbyco began in Chatswood in 1935 as a woodworking and model-making business founded by Robert Lowe. Operating as The Model Flying Company, the business produced K-DEE balsa wood aircraft kits and served early aeromodelling enthusiasts. In 1938, the business relocated to George Street, expanding into Hornby, Lionel and early hobby supplies. In 1946, the company officially became Hobbyco Pty Ltd, reflecting a growing range beyond aviation models as post-war hobby demand surged.
1950s–1980s | The Golden Years of Hobbies
As hobby culture flourished, Hobbyco expanded into model trains, slot cars, crafts, radio control cars, planes & boats and plastic model kits and scale modelling. The business launched Australia’s first hobby mail-order catalogue, extending its reach nationally. In 1986, the George Street flagship store opened, cementing Hobbyco’s reputation as a destination for collectors, builders and enthusiasts across the country.
1990s–2000s | A New Generation
The 1990s marked a new era of growth and category expansion. Hobbyco began importing Bandai GUNPLA in 1997 and was appointed the official Bandai distributor for Australia and New Zealand in 2001. New stores opened, including Rhodes and Macarthur Square, while the business deepened its commitment to supporting hobby communities both in-store and through the Hobbyco website, which launched in the year 2000.
2010s | Growing with the Community
Community engagement became central to Hobbyco’s identity. The business hosted Australia’s first GUNPLA Expo in 2018, expanded workshops and collector meetups, and won Hobby Retailer of the Year in 2012. In 2015, Hobbyco celebrated 80 years, marking eight decades of continuous evolution alongside its customers.
2020s–2025 | Legacy Meets the Future
Entering its ninth decade, Hobbyco strengthened its online presence, expanded national event participation with partners such as Bandai Namco, opened the Liverpool store and relocated its head office. In 2025, Hobbyco celebrates 90 Years of Serious Fun, hosting Australia’s first THE GUNDAM BASE Pop-Up World Tour and appearing at major events including Avalon Airshow, SMASH! and Supanova Brisbane — honouring nine decades of hobbyists, collectors and builders.
INTERVIEW: MIKE WALL
Stewardship, Values & Ninety Years of Trust
Few leaders are entrusted with the stewardship of a business that spans nearly a century. For Mike Wall, guiding Hobbyco through its later decades has been both a responsibility and a privilege — one shaped by family values, deep industry knowledge and respect for the specialist retail model.
As custodian of a 90-year-old business, Mike has overseen profound change in the hobby and toy landscape. From the rise of global brands and licensed categories to the transformation of retail environments and customer expectations, his leadership has focused on evolution without dilution, modernising the business while protecting the trust built over generations.
Central to Hobbyco’s longevity is the belief that expertise matters. Under Mike’s stewardship, the business has continued to invest in knowledge-led retail, staff capability and genuine customer engagement. In an era where convenience and speed often dominate, Hobbyco has remained committed to service, depth and community, qualities that have sustained it for nine decades.
Succession has never been about change for its own sake. Instead, it has been about resilience, relevance and continuity, ensuring the principles established in 1935 remain intact as the business moves forward. It is this balance of respect for the past and readiness for the future that continues to define Hobbyco today.
INTERVIEW: DAVE WALL
Carrying a 90-Year Legacy Forward
Stepping into a business with a ninety-year history carries a unique sense of responsibility. For Dave Wall, Director, the next chapter of Hobbyco is shaped by deep respect for heritage alongside a clear-eyed understanding of how specialist retail must evolve.
Working in close partnership with Chris Anson, General Manager, Dave and Chris represent a new phase of leadership at Hobbyco, one that blends family stewardship with experienced executive management. Together, they guide strategy and execution across digital growth, store performance and community engagement.
Dave recognises that today’s hobbyists discover brands differently, engage digitally and seek experiences as much as transactions. Innovation, in this context, is not about replacing what works, but about strengthening relevance while honouring the values that have defined Hobbyco since its earliest days.
Digital capability, omnichannel retail and community connection sit at the centre of this evolution. Physical stores remain vital destinations, places of expertise, inspiration and belonging, supported by technology that enhances access rather than diminishing experience.
Equally important is continuity. The lessons passed down through generations — patience, integrity, knowledge and respect for the customer — continue to inform decision-making as Hobbyco looks ahead. It is this balance of innovation and stewardship that positions the business strongly for its tenth decade.
As Hobbyco celebrates ninety years, the future is not viewed as a departure from the past, but as its natural extension, built on a foundation laid in 1935 and carried forward by leaders committed to ensuring the next generation of hobbyists feels just as connected as the last.
Visit Hobbyco at Toy Fair in Melbourne at stand I06 to congratulate them on their 90th Anniversary and see their range!
To learn more and view the Hobbyco range visit: www.hobbyco.com.au
This article also appeared in Edition 20 of The Toy Universe Magazine
