Dorsett Group

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Proudly West Australian.

Family owned and operated.

Our story

From the very start, the Dorsett Group has been a family business with family values. We believe that hard work should be rewarded and everyone should get a fair go.

We have a proud tradition of customer service that is at the core of our business philosophy.

This is our story

1903

Enter Norman Dorsett

Born Norman Arthur Dorsett on March 4th in Dulwich, South London as the youngest to two brothers Ted, and Ken. The family would later emigrate to Western Australia in 1914.

1920s

A Born Salesman

Norman started his life in business as a merchant of fresh produce and general wares in Collie, Western Australia where he later expanded to selling Goodyear tyres, Mobil fuel, and second-hand vehicles.

1930

Dorsett Motors

In 1930 Norman fulfilled a life-long fascination with Ford Motor Cars by becoming a dealer. Over the next 20 years he would open dealerships throughout the Great Southern and Southwest.

1956

Auto Investments

Founding the publicly traded company Auto Investments Ltd in 1956, Norman was quick to expand across all manner of automotive related industries including insurance, finance, and dealerships.

1960s

Motel Revolution

Having seen first-hand the success of drive-in motels throughout the United States, Norman over the next decade opened 26 motels and taverns throughout Western Australia under the Auto's umberella.

1984

Auto's Takeover

Having caught the attention of corporate raiders as a desirable acquisition, Auto Investments was the subject of a drawn-out takeover battle from 1981 to 1984.

1984-1992

Never Defeated

Still driven by his passion for business, Norman at aged 80 bought two Southwest funeral directors as well as traded in real estate, and shares.

1993

A New Beginning

Two new generations get a chance to make their mark as Dorsett Investments opens Margaret River Retravision. This marks the beginning of our Retravision journey and a return to our retail roots.

2000s

Retail Expansion

Over the next 25 years Dorsett Retail would build or aquire 9 Retravision stores all across Western Australia.

2002

May He Rest In Peace

A husband, father, grandfather, founder, and friend to so many; Norman Arthur Dorsett passes after 99 well-lived years.

His daughter Lorna takes the reigns and so begins a new generation of leadership.

2013

Online, Online, Online

Quick to join the online shopping revolution Retravision Online was launched in 2013 and has continued to grow since. Retravision Online was a 2023 Appliance Retailer award winner.

2023

Retravision

A milestone event as the Dorsett Family aquires the Retravision brand who it had joined as a franchisee only thirty years ago. We are excited about the future of Retravision all across Australia.

The future

Entering our fourth generation as a family business we are excited to see what the future holds for the Dorsett Group and hope to see you in-store soon.

The Dorsett Family

Our Values

Community

Despite having grown all across the state we remain very much embedded in the idea of investing in local relationships, taking care of each other, and working together to grow our communities.

Opportunity

We believe in our people and give every employee the opportunity for advancement, with most of our leadership team having started on the shop floor.

Sustainability

As a fourth generation family business we understand the need to look towards the future. We are taking every step available to reduce our impact on the environment across all aspects of our business.

Integrity

We have worked hard to earn a reputation for our customer service and try to serve every customer faithfully and with honour. Our customers ongoing support is our greatest indicator of success.

Compassion

For us it's more than just lending a hand to someone in need, it's about helping them get back on their feet with dignity. Every year we give back to local groups, clubs, and events.

Courage

We wouldn't be where we are today without having the courage to take a leap of faith and the resiliance to follow through when things get tough.

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