Meet Your Branch: Middy's Melbourne

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Middy’s Melbourne is the origin point of the entire Middy’s network

Middy’s Melbourne is the origin point of the entire Middy’s network, tracing back to 1928 when Petrus Cornelis Nicolaas Middendorp first began operating from Melbourne, selling electrical goods directly to customers across the city and regional Victoria.

Before establishing the La Trobe Street branch, sales were conducted from a shopfront in Londsdale street, located in what is now the Myer precinct, before relocating to a basement store at 148 Queen Street, Melbourne. 

A significant milestone came in 1956 with the opening of 520 La Trobe Street, the first dedicated Middy's branch and the beginning of a head office operation upstairs, now known as Middy's Melbourne. The site has become an important part of the company’s history and identity.

Deliveries were made using the company’s first truck, a Ford model T truck or by bicycle and sometimes even tram. Originally a former church, the building underwent extensive modifications by the Middendorp family to support the growing wholesale business. The original church facade was removed and replaced with a new frontage, while a mezzanine level was created by culling and lifting the original church floor using a pulley system.

As the business continued to grow, the adjoining warehouse was later acquired in 2015 to provide additional storage and operational space. The La Trobe Street site is widely regarded as the foundation of the Middy's branch model, bringing together counter sales, phone sales, inventory and deliveries under one roof. It established the "Stocks & Service" philosophy that would become the cornerstone of Middy's branch network across Australia.

It marks the transition from a founder-led operation into a structured branch network and remains central to the company's identity, trade counter culture, customer relationships and service-first approach. Like all Middy's branches, Melbourne stocks a broad range of electrical, data, industrial, lighting and technology solutions. The branch js led by Branch Manager Steve Merry and his experienced team, who continue the tradition of service established more than 70 years ago. 


L-R: Darcy Street, Ben Koyama, James Charles, Michael Vo, Natalie Watkins, Steve Merry, Kelly Murphy, Jordan Ousalkas, Vanessa Duong, Trevor Knight, Alex Ffrost, Ty Wickliffe, George Ghazi & Khan Nafiz (Absent: Chris Fawcett, Kane McNay & Shane Ryan)

Steve Merry - Branch Manager 
With 16 years at Middy’s across a variety of roles, Steve Merry has built extensive experience and a strong understanding of the electrical wholesale industry. Starting with a background as an apprentice electrician before moving into wholesale and sales roles across electrical and electronics industries, Steve brought both practical knowledge and industry experience to Middy’s. Now as Branch Manager, Steve is passionate about continuing to grow the branch, supporting his team and creating opportunities for those around him to succeed. He credits some of the highlights of his career to building strong teams, stepping up to new challenges and the many relationships formed throughout his time with the business. Outside of work, Steve enjoys travelling and camping around Australia with his family, playing golf and supporting the Hawthorn Hawks in the AFL. 

Natalie Watkins - Project Coordinator 
With 28 years at Middy’s, Natalie has built her career within the business, progressing from Branch Support into the Middy’s Melbourne Branch team, where she works as a Project Coordinator. Natalie joined Middy’s straight out of high school after an opportunity arose in Branch Support, encouraged by her father, who was a Branch Manager at the time. What began as a chance opportunity has become a long standing career. Key highlights during her time include delivering her first project in the Projects team and seeing her nephew also start his career at Middy’s. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family, supporting her nephews at football and photographing their sport. Her proudest achievements are her career progression at Middy’s and 24 years of marriage, with her husband also part of the Middy’s family. 



Trevor Knight - Senior Counter Sales
Trevor is a Senior Counter Sales team member with deep product knowledge and strong industry relationships. Over his 20 years with Middy’s, he has built a broad understanding of operations, supported key clients through long term projects and played an important role in mentoring and developing new staff. Trevor was motivated to join Middy’s through an interest in electrical and technology, along with the opportunity for career progression in a local business. Prior to Middy’s, he worked as a site supervisor in the events industry and later in office fit outs and furniture sales and design. Outside of work, Trevor enjoys technology, gaming and gadgets, as well as spending time on family outings with his nephew. His greatest achievement is his 20 year career at Middy’s Melbourne and the contribution he has made to supporting customers and developing the next generation of staff. 

Michael Vo - Project Coordinator
Known for his hardworking approach and commitment to growth, Michael Vo has been a valued part of the Middy’s team for the past 15 years. As Project Coordinator, he has built strong relationships across the business and values the friendships and connections made throughout his career. Before joining Middy’s, Michael worked at Telstra and Civic Compliance and comes from a Computer Science background, bringing strong technical understanding to his role. In his leisure, he enjoys watching AFL, spending time with family, and previously played cricket. His proudest accomplishment is his seven year old daughter. 

James Charles - Counter Sales
Having joined Middy’s around 8 months ago, James works in Counter Sales and has quickly found his place within the team. He enjoys the variety of each day and being part of a diverse workplace with both new starters and long standing team members with decades of experience. James was motivated to join Middy’s to take advantage of strong networking and development opportunities within the electrical sector. His background includes experience in the plumbing industry in a similar role, as well as events work. Outside of work, James is focused on fitness and enjoys time with his dogs. Living with Type 1 Diabetes for 18 years, his greatest accomplishment is the impact he has made in raising awareness and supporting others in the community, including fundraising for Diabetes Australia and creating platforms to share lived experiences.



Branch Features:  

• Lighting Display
• Contractor Showroom
• Meeting Room
• Open Saturdays