Historical information

This business was the first Cleaning Service operating in Wodonga, later branching out into cleaning supplies. The business was owned by Charles De Guara who had migrated to Australia from Malta at the age of 16. After various jobs in Melbourne, marriage to Latvian migrant Maija and three children, he and his family moved to Wodonga in 1971.
He initially worked at the Wodonga Meat Works and soon became the union delegate, initiating strike action related to inaccurate practices in recording slaughtered animals which affected workers’ payments. This action successfully secured back pay for the workers.
Mr De Guara started his cleaning enterprise in 1981 while still at the meatworks and then became full-time with cleaning in 1983. He set up his showrooms in the former Wodonga Library building in Hugh Street, Wodonga. The business employed up to 25 full and part-time workers with a turn over close to a million dollars annually. In addition to cleaning, Mr De Guara sold carpet cleaning machines and vacuum cleaners to individuals as well as businesses, hospitals and clubs.
Due to changed family circumstances, the business closed in the late 1980s. Mr. De Guara moved to the Mornington Peninsula district, where he passed away on 30 June 2022

Significance

This item has a clear connection to a former Wodonga business.

Physical description

A square clock advertising the "Around 'D Clock Cleaning service. Battery powered with plastic frame and face.

Inscriptions & markings

In Circle around face: AROUND 'D CLOCK CLEANING SERVICE"
In Centre: CARPET CLEANING LOUNGE SUITES & GENERAL CLEANING
LICENSED OPERATOR SCOTCHGUARD FABRIC & CARPET Protector
PHONE 24 3344