Celebrating 30 Years: Our Woodpecker Journey
For the last 30 years, Woodpecker has been the Peninsula's one stop shop for all your heating and cooling needs. Read about our journey!
The Woodpecker Story: From Firewood Yard to Heating & Cooling Specialists
Proudly Australian-owned and operated, Woodpecker has remained a local family business serving the Mornington Peninsula and beyond for over 70 years.
Humble Beginnings in Seaford
Woodpecker began in 1954 as a small firewood yard in Seaford, founded by Osie Cox. Known for supplying the highest quality firewood in the region, the business quickly became a staple in the local community. Eventually, ownership passed to Mr Carl Seals, who relocated the operation to a larger premises in Moorooduc, running it alongside his family.
In 1994, at just 24 years old, local couple Steve and Collette Frankland purchased the business. With determination and a clear vision, they began building Woodpecker into something far greater.
Building the ‘Great Wall of Wood’ in Mornington
Soon after taking over, Steve and Collette moved the business to Mornington. Their vision was to create the largest firewood yard in Australia—resulting in what locals dubbed the “Great Wall of Wood.” At its peak, the yard held over 1300 tonnes of premium firewood and became a landmark on the Mornington Peninsula.
Word-of-mouth referrals drove steady growth, thanks to Woodpecker’s reputation for providing clean, dry firewood year-round—even through the wettest Victorian winters.
Expanding into Heating, Cooling & Outdoor Living
As customer needs evolved, so did Woodpecker. The business expanded its product range from wood heaters and open fireplaces to include gas log fires, ducted heating, electric heating, and air conditioning systems. This expansion led to Woodpecker becoming a Daikin Specialist Dealer, a major milestone in their journey.
Additionally, in 2005, the team built a purpose-designed showroom with over 50 working displays, showcasing the very best in fireplaces, air conditioning, and outdoor BBQs and fire pits. Products were carefully selected from leading manufacturers in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and the US—ensuring high performance, quality, and reliability.
A Complete Service Experience
Heating and cooling systems are major purchases—so Steve and Collette knew customers needed expert guidance and after-sales support. That’s why they created the Woodpecker Installation and Service Department, employing fully licensed tradespeople to install and service products with care and precision.
This customer-first approach helped Woodpecker become known as one of Australia’s leading home environment specialists.
From Mornington to Melbourne and Online
In 2010, Woodpecker opened a second, larger showroom in Oakleigh East to better serve its growing Melbourne customer base. While the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way people shop, Woodpecker adapted, thus, shifting focus to a streamlined designer showroom on Nepean Highway, Mornington, and investing in their online store to meet growing digital demand.
A Trusted Name for Generations
For decades, families have returned to Woodpecker for heating, cooling, and outdoor living solutions. We often hear: “My parents used to buy wood from you!” or “It’s been amazing watching your business grow.” These long-standing relationships are what make Woodpecker more than just a store—they make us part of the community.
Why Choose Woodpecker?
Family-Owned Since 1954
Huge Range of Premium Fireplaces, Air Conditioning & BBQs
On-Site Experts & Licensed Installers
Trusted by Generations of Families
Daikin Specialist Dealer on the Mornington Peninsula
Whether you’re looking for a wood heater, gas log fire, split system, or outdoor kitchen solution, you’ll find it all under one roof at Woodpecker.