Business
21 October, 2026
Springetts say ‘thank you’ with centenary family day
The Springett name is synonymous with Bowral and the Southern Highlands. The family has been an integral part of the region for the past 100 years through its contribution to business and community life.
The Springett name is synonymous with Bowral and the Southern Highlands.
The family has been an integral part of the region for the past 100 years through its contribution to business and community life.
This year local residents are celebrating 100 years of the Springett family in the Southern Highlands – and the family would like to give something back.
A special community day will be held at Springett’s Arcade in Bong Bong Street this Sunday (October 25) between 10am and 2pm.
It is the family’s way of saying ‘thank you’ for the community’s support over the past century.
The Springett family’s story in Bowral began on October 2, 1926 when Harry Springett moved his family and business to 302 Bong Bong Street.
What began as a relatively small family business grew steadily over the following decades and became a significant part of Bowral’s commercial and community life.
Springett’s Ltd was incorporated in 1934 and the site expanded to include a restaurant, ballroom, bakery, cordial works, ice manufacturing and grocery operations.
Following Harry’s death in 1940, his son Ted obtained a discharge from the RAAF and took on management of the business and continued to adapt it as retail and the town itself changed.
Over the years, the property evolved considerably.
A new bakery was built at the rear in 1952, the business expanded towards Wingecarribee Street in 1956, warehouse space followed in 1964 and by the 1970s the site was also home to the well-remembered Hot Canary.
In 1984, the various parts of the site were brought together and redeveloped into the Springett’s Arcade that people know today.
While the businesses operating within it have changed many times, the Springett family has remained closely connected with the property and with Bowral for the full century.
Over that time the family has made a significant contribution to the Southern Highlands beyond the Arcade itself - through local business and community organisations, civic involvement, charitable projects, Tulip Time and a range of community initiatives over several generations.
All the entertainment and activities at Sunday’s community day will be free of charge and will include face painting and balloon twisting by Sunshine Parties, a roaming Bluey mascot for the kids and live piano by Louise Bell.
There will also be two live magician stage shows (one at 11am and the other at 1pm) by Glenn Keeley through Fly by Fun and a colouring competition by Gallery Pop Up.
Renowned local broadcaster Graeme Day has had a long association with the Springett Family and will MC the event.
Mr Day told The Southern Wire that he is looking forward to hosting the event “My Father who is 91 used to work with Bobby Springett at Davis and Penny. Davis and Penny ultimately became Hot Canary.
Residents will also be able to view the new interactive projection on the Springett’s Arcade floor featuring koi fish – a nod to the original fish tank.
A formal centenary celebration will be held in the Arcade this Saturday, October 24.
The event will bring together members of the Springett family, current and former business people and people who have been part of the Arcade’s history.
The evening will include the launch of a commemorative Springett’s centenary book which documents the family history, the development of the site, the businesses and personalities associated with the Arcade and the Springett family’s wider association with Bowral over the past 100 years.
The Arcade has also been celebrating family birthdays throughout the year with giveaways of 100 Gumnut Patisserie-made cupcakes, 100 Centenary tote bags and a $100 Welby Garden Centre voucher on each occasion.
The last cupcake day will be held on December 22 to celebrate the birthdays of twins Harry and Tony Springett who were born on December 22, 1916.
The Arcade has also been sharing historic photographs, stories and commemorative material looking back on the past 100 years.
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