Chhaya leads by example. She continues to research emerging trends, while mentoring and motivating the entire team. Chhaya remembers names and loves speaking with everyone. Behind the scenes, Chhaya sets strategic objectives that facilitate growth.
About Us
Everything we offer is driven by quality, innovation, environmental responsibility and future-focused learning environments.
We’re proud to lead the way in supporting the well-being of library and learning communities through functional, inclusive and sustainable design.
Take a look at what we can do for you, your library and the environment!
BEHIND THE SCENES
Our focus includes thoughtfully designed library and learning space layouts that inspire browsing, borrowing, and learning.
With over 60 years of experience and thousands of successful library and learning space projects across Australia and worldwide, we bring unmatched expertise to the table.
Headquartered in Melbourne with a national and international team, we provide complete support, from product selection and space design to delivery and installation. Whether in person or online, Raeco consultants work with you to co-create effective, enduring library and learning space solutions.
ROLLS SOLD
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INTERIORS PROJECTS
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COMMITED TO QUALITY
Our work reflects a strong commitment to circular economy principles and reducing landfill waste.
GECA – Good Environmental Choice Australia
They put us through the ringer to obtain this distinction – and we came out with flying colours! All Raeco shelving is GECA certified.
ISO 9001 – Quality Management Systems:
Used by stellar organisations around the world to assert our drive to provide quality, consistent products and services.
ISO 14001 – Quality Environment Systems:
We’ve established many environmentally friendly policies for delivery, packaging and our products themselves. Find out more here
WHO WE WORK WITH
We collaborate with a wide range of clients across library and education sectors, providing tailored solutions that elevate every space we touch.
Schools & Public Libraries
We partner with librarians and educators to plan functional, inspiring library and learning environments. From layout and colour planning to collection management and furniture placement, we make it easy to create spaces that engage learners and support curriculum goals.
Architects
We work closely with architects to deliver designer shelving systems and furniture that align with the creative vision of every space. Our team assists with:
- Calculating shelving requirements based on collection size while optimising for face-out merchandising and browsing
- Guiding signage choices and zoning which supports gentrification of the collection where needed
Our expertise ensures your design delivers both form, function and the right furniture to suit each zone, on time and on budget.
Builders & Project Managers
We simplify the procurement process with fast quotation turnaround. Our local manufacture results in shorter lead times plus shelving and library furniture at project pricing. Whether matching specified items or recommending fit-for-purpose alternatives, we ensure every product meets the demands of the space, project lead times and budget.
LEADING THE FIGHT AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
REDEFINING SUSTAINABILITY IN SHELVING & FURNTIURE
We’re not just reducing our impact — we’re actively designing for a better planet.
Imported, short-lifecycle furniture is costing the earth. It often ends up in landfill within a few years, produced under questionable conditions, and shipped halfway across the world with a heavy carbon footprint.
Raeco is different. Our sustainability practices are baked into every decision we make:
- Locally sourced materials means dramatically reduced transport emissions.
- Durable, long-life products are designed to be repurposed, or recycled — not discarded.
- World-first innovations like our 100% biodegradable book covering, have already removed more than 20 tonnes of plastic from landfills and waterways.
WE DON’T JUST BUILD FURNITURE. WE BUILD A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE.
Partner with Raeco — where every shelf, every table, and every design choice is a step toward a healthier planet.
WE'RE GOOD NEIGHBOURS
Raeco invests heavily in a number of local and global library and learning associations, because we believe access to knowledge should be supported at every level.
We proudly sponsor conferences, industry functions, and grassroots networking events. These partnerships help grow the library and education communities we’re deeply connected to.
Our philanthropic efforts also extend to supporting those in need, both close to home and overseas:
Cambodia – We supplied enough shelving, seating, and tables to establish a complete library setup across local schools. [Image left: Raeco’s Trevor McCann entertains the locals before the furniture arrives.]
Creative Technology Hub (Hobsons Bay, VIC) – Supporting Australian innovation is equally important. We donated design expertise and furniture to help bring this visionary hub to life, encouraging digital learning and creativity for young minds.
Through these contributions, Raeco reaffirms its commitment to empowering communities, enriching education, and sharing the joy of libraries wherever we can.
THE RAECO WAY
TEAM PLAYERS
Leadership Team
Trevor McCann
Director of Sales
Trevor thrives on great conversations and staying ahead of library trends. He’s knowledgeable, motivating and has a talent for making every discussion memorable. Within Raeco, he plays a key role in shaping our customer engagement approach and driving the company’s continued success.
Atesh Singh
Commercial Manager
Very little gets past Atesh. He knows the intricacies of project processes and the importance of following process. With experience right across Raeco, Atesh is at the forefront of our ongoing process innovations and improvements.
Dean Parker
Marketing Manager
Dean is allergic to chaos and overly excited by sustainability and tidy branding. He spends his days smoothing out processes and messages, so you never see the messy parts. He believes every Raeco interaction should feel effortless, helpful and maybe even a little brighter than expected.
Rochelle Taleyratne
Customer Service Manager
With an extensive background in business analytics, Rochelle’s attention to detail and skill at streamlining is crucial to the Raeco team. Her methodical and clear-cut approach to systems and processes is instrumental in maintaining and improving the Raeco customer experience.
AREA MANAGERS
Lisa Sharp
Area Manager – VIC & TAS
After 20+ years at Raeco, Lisa has earned her reputation as an industry icon. She knows exactly how to make a library layout sing, and yes, she’s a great singer! Her calm, knowledgeable approach brings clarity and confidence to every project she touches.
Amanda Ognibene
Area Manager – VIC
Amanda brings every project to life with intuition, creativity and an eye for detail. She has a natural talent for creating spaces that feel balanced and inviting, choosing fabrics with precision and solving problems with ease. Efficiency is her superpower; transformation is the result.
SERVICES TEAM
Christine Lawler
Internal Sales Partner
We love having Christine on our team. She ensures every single transaction and customer encounter is completed perfectly and on time. Christine is always quick to help out other team members and loves a good laugh!
RAECO HISTORY
1961
23 year old Ray Elliot, an employee of the S & M (Shire & Municipal) Supply Co Pty Ltd with a passion for working with libraries and librarians, registers a "Library Supply Service Company" during his lunch hour with his business partner Roger Boswarva.
1967
Company name is changed to Raeco.
R.A.E being Ray Elliot’s initials.
1969
One of our first office and warehouse buildings in Sydney. Located at 711 Canterbury Rd, Belmore.
1972
Boasting our own fleet of modern devliery vans!
1976
Groovy times in the park!
1985
1985
Raeco steel shelving is launched and quickly becomes a favourite in libraries across Australia.
1988-1989
Raeco is acquired by Westmex and is now a “one stop” shop for libraries with over 4,000 products ranging from general stationery supplies to more specialist library supplies.
1992
Raeco moves to our current location at 75 Rushdale Street Knoxfield, Victoria.
Raeco’s product range consists of almost every stationery need in a library environment including book pockets, date due slips, stamps, book covering, computer accessories, library shelving, furniture, storage and more!
2000
Raeco steel shelving and furniture is exported to South East Asia for the first time!
2010
Expressions shelving is launched! Timber laminate housing combines with the strength of metal or timber shelves. Manufactured in Australia!
2012
With around 2,000 catalogued lines, Raeco celebrates its 50th birthday.
2015
In October, Raeco is successfully purchased by a Raeco management group (CEI Pty Ltd), making Raeco a fully Australian owned company.
2020
Raeco re-launches its library seating and tables range - with a commitment to quality Australian manufactured products & a minimum 10 year warranty.
2022
Raeco celebrates 60 years by releasing Bioguard 80®, the world's first FULLY biodegradable book covering.