Birchip’s long-running steel fabrication business, Mallee Steel, has entered a new chapter, with former apprentice Blair Hogan taking over the business from inaugural and long-serving owner Robert “Cozo” Cozens. 

Blair said, “Customers won’t notice any major changes to how Mallee Steel operates. It’s still Mallee Steel, running the same as always; same name, same quality work”.

“Cozo” will continue to work alongside Blair, lending his years of experience to the business, and he said, “I’m still going to be around, I’ll just have more time to go fishing and less time worrying about the administration side of the business.”

Blair’s brother Samuel, who began his full-time apprenticeship in 2023, will also be part of the team, along with Simone Donnellon in the office.

Expansion

Mallee Steel was established by “Cozo” and Bill Donnellon in 2004, after “Cozo” left the Water Commission and it operated from a shed at the back of “Cozo’s” house. In 2011, Robert built the new shed in Abbott Street and the business expanded significantly over the ensuing years.

The business has provided clients across the Mallee with a reliable repair service and innovative and excellent manufacturing, and in addition to this, “Cozo” has nurtured and developed a number of students from across the region, passing on his skills and expertise to the next generation.

Achievements

Blair’s short journey from school-based apprentice to business owner highlights the value of local apprenticeships and the opportunities available in regional trades. Over his training journey, Blair has been recognised for his outstanding achievements in the welding and fabrication industry, winning several major awards.

In 2023 Blair won the Young Trades Person of the Year awards at the Victorian and Tasmanian “Welding excellence awards” and while at SuniTAFE Blair won Outstanding Third Year student in Engineering – Fabrication Trade in 2022 and Third Year Apprentice of the Year in 2023.

The young trades person award recognised people under the age of 25 who were making a valuable contribution to the Australian welding and fabrication industry. The citation at the presentation ceremony noted that “Blair’s commitment to his craft, evidenced by his rigorous selfimposed standards and his enthusiasm for mentoring the next generation makes him a deserving winner”, and this sentiment is now coming to fruition in his transition to owner of Mallee Steel.

Blair says he doesn’t plan to make big changes, instead continuing to offer the same first-class services local customers have come to rely on.

“We’ll keep things going as they’ve always been, with the same quality service people expect,” he said.

Blair’s journey from school based apprentice to award-winning tradesman and business owner in just seven years is a testament to his hard work and dedication and “Cozo’s” mentorship.

Blair said, “I am grateful for the opportunities I have been afforded through my school, family, community and especially ‘Cozo’, and I am proud to keep Mallee Steel in local hands.” 

This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 18 July 2025.