Mascot newsagents celebrates 70 years

A Mascot newsagents set up by a serviceman after the Second World War has celebrated its 70th birthday.

From left: Mike Cleary, Helen Millett and Chris Cleary. Picture: Chris Pavlich

• Multi-storey block plan for Hillsdale
• Residents in show of strength over Astrolabe Park

WHEN Fredrick Cleary returned from World War II he wanted to make a fresh start.

He spent some time considering his options before deciding to open a newsagency in Mascot.

Fast forward to 2018 and his family has just celebrated Cleary’s Newsagency’s 70th anniversary. His children Michael, Chris and Helen, took over the business in Botany Rd when Fredrick entered his later years and it is as successful as ever.

Tom Cleary, who set up the newsagents, delivering papers in 1965.

“He knew he needed to secure something for the future and he didn’t want others or his family to suffer and go through what he went through,” Helen said of her father’s decision.

“He wanted to build a bright and secure future for us, and that is what he did.”

In those early years, along with his wife Frances, Frederick Cleary helped employee local people struggling to find work. Helen said the newsagents had helped build a strong community in the area.

From left the Cleary family: Helen Millett, Mike Cleary and Chris Cleary, who now own Cleary's. Picture: Chris Pavlich

“It sometimes feels like we have this huge family with all our staff and our regular customers. Seventy years has flown by, and who knows what the future will look like. Hopefully the store will be around for another 70 years.”