Our story thus far.

Originating from humble beginnings, three generations of the Moroney family have forged the pathway to what Kawana is today.

The beginning

Des Moroney opened his signwriting business ‘Des Moroney Signs’ in the 1940’s, located at Hamilton, New Zealand. Des looked after a number of retail based customers, including well known retail brands such as, Fisher & Paykel, Tip Top Ice Cream and Watties, with signage completed on trucks, vans and corner stores (all by hand!).

Some of Des Moroney’s handiwork – a steady hand was required.

From father to son and wife

Des’s son Ralph joined his father from 1963. After taking over the reigns, Ralph moved the family business to Australia in 1981. Moroney Signs was established on the Sunshine Coast, later becoming Kawana Signs (1988). Supported by his wife, Maria, the husband and wife team forged a loyal clientele around Australia. Many late nights were spent ensuring their valued customers received quality signs on time and on budget.

Ralph clocked up many kilometres delivering and installing signs around the country.

The third generation

The third generation was naturally drawn into the family business, starting at a young age. Shane’s assistance after school and on weekends may not have always been voluntary, but Ralph’s hard work, passion and commitment rubbed off on Shane, who took over the business many years later upon Ralph and Maria’s retirement.

Today

Kawana has grown significantly over the years, with the business bound by the same core values established back in the 1940’s:

• Quality
• Credibility
• Sustainability

Applying these key family and business principles into a modern signage consultancy business, serving Australian and global brands across the Asia Pacific, makes for exciting times ahead.