about / history
1960
Coming to Australia
Antonio Guglielmin and Gabriella Colbertaldo, along with their siblings set sail for Australia in the late 1960’s. The voyage from their home town San Zenone degli Ezzelini, situated in Northern Italy was in hope for an improved quality of life and greater opportunities in relation to work.
1960 - 1963
Job Opportunity
Soon after migrating, Antonio Guglielmin commenced work in the Sugarcane Industry. This was short-lived due to the advancement of mechanical harvesting, which resulted in significant job cuts.
1963-1976
Brick Layer
With savings from the long and hard hours worked as a cutter, Antonio re-established himself as a bricklayer.
With savings from the long and hard hours working as a cane cutter, Antonio re-established himself as a bricklayer. With training and skills gained in Switzerland and also his bricklaying apprenticeship undertaken in Bassano, Italy, Tony was able to obtain his builders licence. Forming a partnership with brothers and brother-in-law’s the Grappa Construction and Monaro Bricklaying business models evolved.
1976
Rivoland Granular Marble
In pursuit of a career change, Antonio identified an opportunity in the Canberra market to distribute and fix Italian granular marble. This was a texture coating for walls that had a strong European influence. Collaborating with relatives in Melbourne that were existing stockists, he commenced operations under the business name Rivoland.
1977-1981
Rivoland Tiles
During 1981, Rivoland diversified products and began to offer ceramic tiles.
Operating out of a warehouse situated on Paterson Parade, Queanbeyan, Gabriella fulfilled the role of a sales assistant and Antonio that of a labourer. During 1981, Rivoland diversified products and began to offer ceramic tiles. This was a decision spurred by the shortage of manufactured materials in the construction industry.
1981
Relocation and Expansion
To increase foot traffic and business awareness, Antonio made the decision to relocate to 174 Crawford Street. This provided scope for Gabriella to expand the existing 1M2 display that consisted of 10 tiles in different colours.
1982
Second Generation
... at just 18 years old Dennis Guglielmin began to take a full-time active role in Rivoland Tiles
Following in the footsteps of his father, at just 18 years old Dennis Guglielmin began to take a full-time active role in Rivoland Tiles. Prior to completing his schooling, Dennis travelled by bus every afternoon to assist in the operations of Rivoland’s showroom.
1983
First Import
Unprecedented growth allowed the Guglielmin family to travel back to Italy. During Antonio’s travels, he negotiated his first import deal with Ceramiche Supergres. Rivoland has since collaborated with a range of companies in Italy, Spain, China and Brazil to name a few.
1993
Business Grows
Ronny Guglielmin along with sister Jeanette joined the Rivoland team. Today both fulfil the role of managers for the Mitchell and Queanbeyan trade division, respectively.
1994
Award Recognition
Supplier of the Year 2005, 2009, 2017
Rivoland Tiles obtained the title: Canberra’s largest tile stockist. The company’s unique, high quality product offerings first recognised by Master Builders House of the Year 1994 Award. More recently, Rivoland was awarded Supplier of the Year.
2004
Second Generation
Daniela Guglielmin daughter of Antonio and Gabriella took on an accounting role within Rivoland Tiles. Prior to Daniela commencing her family in 1987 and again in the 1990’s she played an active role in the showroom.
Rivoland Today
Canberra's Largest Tile Stockist
Family Owned and Operated
The Rivoland Tiles family owned and operated business continues to operate with multiple showrooms and warehouses across the Canberra region. Now employing 30+ staff members, some of which, working with the business for over 10 years. Rivoland Tiles is very proud of its achievements, reputation and the opportunity to grow and be part of a great community.
Rivoland Locations
Queanbeyan Showroom
For design consultations, selections, order placements and deliveries.
Sat: 9:00-1:30
Sun: Closed
Queanbeyan Trade Centre
For all trade needs, invoicing, pick-ups and payment of accounts.
Sat: 7:30-1:00
Sun: Closed
Mitchell Showroom
For design consultations, selections, order placements and deliveries.
Sat: 9:00-1:30
Sun: Closed
Mitchell Trade Centre
For all trade needs, invoicing, pick-ups and payment of accounts.
Sat: 7:30-1:30
Sun: Closed