Purtill Group 70th Anniversary

• The Purtill boys with Pat in 2012

In 2021 the Purtill family celebrate a significant milestone, 70 years in business.

This publication has been collated by the family and their dedicated team of staff, to share their business story.

Purtill Group is a third generation family owned, and operated business based in the regional NSW town of Deniliquin.

Founded by Keith Purtill in 1951, the company is still standing strong today.

Through the years Keith and his wife Pat’s six sons have all worked in the business at one time or another.

THE PURTILL FAMILY

Company founder Keith Purtill, a true country boy, grew up in Balranald. He was good mates with Neil Scott who made the move to Deniliquin and bought a truck for carting stock. This was also Keith’s original business plan but during the time after World War II there was a shortage of trucks available in the country.

In the late 1940s, Keith moved to Deniliquin with the intention to work as a mechanic while perusing the purchase of a truck. Although Keith had no formal qualifications, he was a competent mechanic, working on a range of vehicles for Mac’s Motors where he was employed. He was also asked to drive a local school bus outside of workshop hours.

Keith’s boss at the time, Lindsay McCleary couldn’t understand the fascination with buying a truck to cart stock. So, he suggested Keith purchase the school bus. The Blighty bus run was his if he wanted to take it over. Keith was hesitant as at the time he was not in a financial position to make such a purchase but when Lindsay offered to assist, the opportunity was too good to ignore. In 1951, Keith bought his first school bus, safely transporting children to and from the Blighty district into Deniliquin schools. At the time no one would have thought that this was the beginning of one of the largest companies to develop in the Southern Riverina.

Throughout the first decade Keith busily laid the foundations for his growing bus driving business, working long hours in difficult conditions with a work ethic that no one could fault. Although consumed by his work Keith had other interests. He took a liking to a young local, Pat Dunn who was a Secretary at Conargo Shire where he submitted his claims for payment for the bus run. The happy couple married in Deniliquin on August 12, 1953.

The first of their seven children were born in 1955 (six boys and one girl, Frances who was sadly stillborn). Each of the boys would grow up to play a key role in the growth and development of the Purtill company.

While driving home, along Finley Road Keith was involved in a near fatal road accident in 1964. He collided into a tanker and suffered severe injuries. Tough as they come Keith thankfully survived the ordeal. At the time Pat was pregnant with their sixth son who was then named after the two ambulance officers who attended the incident scene.

In 1970 Pat suffered a severe stroke and was relocated to Melbourne for treatment and intense rehabilitation. During this time the seven Purtill males would travel to Melbourne each Friday afternoon to visit. While this was a challenging time for the family, the young boys gained independence along with expanding their domestic skills. Earning their own money by delivering papers and later delivering medicines’ for Findlay’s Chemists.

In 1988 Keith Purtill passed away, over his long business journey even he would have never imagined the company he founded would contribute so significantly to the region.

The years after Keith’s passing were at times very difficult, a decline in the transport and coach industries saw tough business decisions made, including the consolidation of other business sections.

The three eldest brothers – Norm, Ian and George (Alan) made the decision in 1999 to change their career paths. Which would then leave the three youngest brothers –Neville, Geoff and Brian to continue operating Purtill Bros. Nominees Pty Ltd. In 2000 Geoff departed the company, followed by Brian in 2013.

In 70 years of business, the Purtill company has expanded to include service stations, Caltex and Ampol bulk fuel distribution throughout the Southern Riverina, Wired Entertainment, Evolve Fitness + Wellbeing and The Depot Historic Vehicle and Memorabilia Collection.

Neville joined the business in 1978, as a 17-year-old taking on anything that was assigned to him. This has included truck and bus driving through to administration and now his current role as Managing Director.

Neville’s wife Debbie commenced with the business in 1980. She completed a Business Administration course at the local TAFE but her work was never confined to the office. Debbie would often be seen cleaning buses or opening the North Service Station for the day’s trade.

The eldest of their two children Matthew started working after school at the local family owned service stations. He studied at tertiary level and then returned to work in IT in Deniliquin. In 2003 Matthew helped establish the video store at the Cobb Highway Roadhouse.

Matthew’s interest in movies would later prove to be a huge asset to the evolving family business.

Second child Jenna, followed in her brothers’ footsteps starting out after school at the service stations. In the years to come Jenna’s love of being active would establish a major diversification for the family business.

Matthew’s wife Sarah began full time employment with the Purtill company before her husband. Starting out in a customer service role after school at one the Deniliquin service stations then progressing into administration and today in the role of Finance Manager. Both Matthew and Sarah are approaching 20 years under the Purtill business banner.

After completing her Bachelor of Primary School Education in Albury, Jenna then returned to her family home town taking up a full time teaching role at her old Primary School before joining the family business full time in 2018.

Jenna’s husband Phil completed his adult Diesel Mechanic apprenticeship with Purtills which he successfully qualified early for and soon progressed into the role of Workshop Manager, now overseeing and maintaining the truck and vehicle fleet.

Presently, Neville and Debbie Purtill with their vast experience in the family company along with their children Matthew and Jenna who have worked and understood all facets of the business are those that are successfully guiding the company into the future.

Along with their family, Purtills are supported by their wonderful team of staff.

Advocates for providing quality training opportunities

Dating back to the 1980s, a number of Purtill employees have successfully progressed through multiple channels of trainee excellence awards representing at local, riverina and state levels.

The Purtill company has also been recognised as displaying high business calibre, some awards include;

2011 - Deniliquin Business Excellence Awards - Business of the Year

2018 - Deniliquin Business Excellence AwardsExcellence in Business

2021 - Deniliquin Business Excellence AwardsExcellence in Workplace Health and Safety

2021 – Deniliquin Business Excellence Awards –Excellence in Business

TRANSPORTING PRECIOUS CARGO

In 1951, Keith Purtill purchased his first school bus, this was the Blighty to Deniliquin bus run.

The early years were tough and like most novice businesses the hours are long.

Early on Keith realised that one bus run was not enough to build a successful and sustainable business. Soon after, the Mayrung School bus run was acquired by Keith, followed by Tuppal and Moonee Swamp. When 1962 rolled around Keith now had four runs and four Bedford OB buses.

By the mid 1960s Keith was spending much of his time utilising his mechanical skills to keep his first round of Bedfords on the road, as they were all coming to the end of their lifespan. Knowing the importance of maintaining an excellent fleet, Keith went on to purchase five new buses over consecutive years – 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969 and 1970.

Apart from an odd weekend of hiring a bus to carry local footy players to an out-of-town match, the buses had mostly been used for safely carrying children to and from school.

Expanding into charter services was a notable development for the business that would later become a significant component for the company along with school excursions.

Rosie

In 1974 Keith purchased a 1948 OB CAC Bedford Bus from Bill Rose, along with the Conargo bus run. The sale coincided with the employment of Bill’s son Bernie Rose, who would go on to drive the Conargo bus until his retirement in April 2003 after 30 years.

Affectionately and appropriately this 1948 Bedford is named Rosie.

In 1988, Rosie undertook her last long-distance road trip to Sydney for Bi-Centennial celebrations after previously receiving an engine rebuild under the watchful eye and care of Keith Purtill and Bernie Rose.

Rosie experienced semi-retirement on the reserve school bus list until just into the new century.

Rosie was honoured in 2016 as a special guest at the Australia Bus Show in Sydney, which marked the 75th Anniversary of Bus NSW. This event had over 2000 guests in attendance, giving each of those an exceptional opportunity to access industry suppliers and displays.

Known around the local area as a unique wedding vehicle, over the years Rosie has made many appearances at special events.

When she entered the display area at The Depot Historic Vehicle and Memorabilia Collection in 2020, Rosie was recognised as the oldest continually registered school bus in Australia and to this day is an iconic vehicle in the collection.

The bus fleet expanded yet again in 1976 with a second hand coach, followed in 1978 by the first Bedford semi coach to assist with the rapidly expanding charter service.

In 1980, Keith joined the road trip to Brisbane, this was to collect his latest purchase, an Austral Tourmaster coach, his first brand new coach.

Throughout the 80s, through passenger and tour services Purtills took many thousands of passengers from one end of Australia to the other. This steady growth was encouraged by Brisbane hosting the 1988 World Expo event. During this time, Purtills had five coaches running consistently from Melbourne to Brisbane.

Not a company to follow in anyone’s footsteps, Purtills’ didn’t follow the trend of other coach companies who widely extended their fleets to manage the demand. A demand that Purtills predicted what would be short term and envisaged a downturn in the market once the Expo concluded. Instead, Purtills coaches were sold and hired back for the Expo. Once the event was over there were vast amounts of coaches on the market for a substantially reduce price, so they bought some back to focus on local charter services.

In 2004 under Neville and Brian Purtills’ leadership, the company purchased Hussey Roadliners, a local business

that had also operated for many years. With this addition, the school bus service increased from 14 to 22, followed soon after by three more runs at Hay as well as the Deniliquin town service which was previously shared with Hussey’s.

In 2008, the decision was made to redevelop the former Hussey’s depot on McCrabb Road, making this the depot to house the growing fleet as the space was more than double the size of the Hardinge Street headquarters.

By the beginning of 2019, Purtills bus fleet consisted of an impressive 55 vehicles, transporting school children on 39 school runs. Although this arm of the business had developed into a successful enterprise, a momentous change for the company was looming.

In October 2019, it was publicly announced that the Bus and Coach division of the Purtill company would be sold to another family owned and operated bus business, The Dyson Group.

The Dyson Group was established in 1952, spanning four generations. At the time of the sale, Dyson’s operated more than 500 buses and coaches, employing over 900 staff in metropolitan Melbourne, regional Victoria and New South Wales.

All sixty Purtill Bus and Coach employees transitioned over to the Dyson Group.

Following this sale, Purtills headquarters relocated back to Hardinge Street.

Purtill Group -

FUELLING RURAL AUSTRALIA

The company’s first diversification was to branch into the fuel industry. This took place in 1974 when Keith saw a business prospect that would expand his current enterprise.

With distribution in the region having ceased for the Golden Fleece company, they were keen to find a local agent, and they approached Keith with a deal. At the same time the local Caltex distributor, George Lowe was eager to sell his Caltex business which Keith saw as a more favourable avenue to pursue.

This business transition was almost seamless, having an existing customer base of farmers whose children were daily bus passengers and employees that could be utilised to deliver fuel throughout the day, in between bus runs. The two departments would work hand in hand and ended up becoming the foundation of the Purtill company.

The company’s first truck to supply the region’s farms was an S model Bedford. These vehicles were used extensively by haulers and general trades during the 1950s and 1960s.

In 1976 a new fuel truck was acquired, this was an International Acco 1830A.

A MODERN TANKER FLEET

In 1985 Purtills became the first company in the Southern Riverina to deliver fuel on farm via a semitanker, at the time pursuing this business avenue to meet the market demand and to maximise efficiency in running their own tanker fleet.

Over the years, Purtills has consistently observed trends in other industries, such as milk cartage and how they successfully deliver their product to assist with initiating advances for the fuel haulage industry.

In 2008 Purtills once again were leading the field, stepping up to delivering fuel on farm via B Double tankers, after large advances in technology and regulations around vehicle sizing and road access had been made. From 2008 through to 2019 the Purtill company saw steady growth within their tanker fleet

In 2019 Purtills commenced running the first A-double road train from Newport, Victoria to service Southern New South Wales and Northern Victoria.

Taking immense pride in being innovative and involved in industry firsts, the company fleet has grown to include three 30m A-double road trains which operate at a high level of safety and proficiency, two 25m and two 19m B-doubles along with eight prime movers and an AdBlue® tanker

The inclusion of three A-double tanker sets has provided several benefits. Advantages such as increased payload allowing the elimination of one round trip per week. Top of the range modern fuel equipment was chosen to be fitted to specific trailers to deliver additional safety benefits to drivers and minimise environmental risks, with each trailer being fitted with Electronic Stability Control and Electronic Braking Systems. Plus state of the art dispensing and pumping equipment.

Significant investments have been made in a range of technologies, many of which have been developed in house. Streamlining operations and delivering more timely monitoring and decision making. These along with upgrades to vehicle tracking and new features such as Electronic Work Diary and electronic fatigue management recording and CCTV systems to all fuel trucks.

Purtill Group - Celebrating

In 1985 Purtills’ purchased the fuel depot and service station in Jerilderie. Then in 1987 purchased a fuel depot located in Macauley Street Hay, at the time the Ampol depot had been owned and operated by the O’Brien family. Coinciding with obtaining the fuel depot, the Hay School bus run grew to include a fleet of eight buses, the fuel depot soon also became the bus depot, housing the Hay School Buses up until the sale of the Bus and Coach division of Purtills in late 2019.

AdBlue® was added to client company offerings in 2014 through Purtills truck sites. This is a chemical solution of technical grade urea in water which has proven after rigorous manufacturing and processing to minimise exhaust emissions. Then in 2018 Purtills introduced their own tanker supply of AdBlue®, mainly supplying to transport companies.

With the sale of the main Purtill headquarters taking place in November 2019, the bulk fuel and lubricants division of the business was relocated to the corner of Hardinge and Ochtertyre Streets. In 2020, Purtills acquired the long-standing Deniliquin family business, Truck Connections which would complement and form an extension of the fuel and lubricants section, broadening the range of supplies to include safety equipment and signage for transport and rural customers.

approved and officially changed its corporate entity to Ampol Limited.

During 2020-2021, Purtills launched two unmanned fuel sites, located in Moama and Finley. Both offer 24 hour fuel and bathroom facilities to give long-haul truck drivers a safe place to stop.

In 2021 Purtills acquired a fuel depot and service station located in MacKay Avenue Griffith. At the time the site was branded Caltex, which was soon rebranded Ampol as part of the two-year rebranding transition. Currently the Griffith and Moama sites have been rebranded with the remaining sites due to be completed by the mid 2022.

Purtill Group were the worthy recipients of the Deniliquin Business Excellence Awards, Excellence in Workplace Health and Safety award in 2021.

2021 CURRENT FUEL DISTRIBUTION MAP

Purtill Group - Celebrating 70 Years

SERVICE STATIONS THROUGHOUT THE YEARS

Jerilderie Service Station and Fuel Depot

Purchased 1985

Hardinge Street Service Station

Purchased 1986, along with construction of office block. Renovated in 2020

Mathoura Service Station

Purchased 1985

East End Store

Purchased 2001

South Hay Service Station

Operated from 1991

North Junction Service Centre

Purchased 2004

CELEBRATING 70 YEARS

BUSINESS TIMELINE

Keith Purtill buys his first bus and begins school bus service.

Purtill family establish Deniliquin Freighters (initially Norm with Bill Hall)

Ian Purtill joins the business.

Geoff Purtill joins the business.

Debbie Purtill joins the business.

Purtills begin Goodyear

Tyre Service in Hardinge Street.

Purtills depot moves to 162 Hardinge Street.

Purtills purchase Jerilderie Service Station & Fuel Depot.

Purtills purchase Mathoura Service Station.

Purtills first in Deniliquin area to deliver fuel on farm with semi trailer.

Brian Purtill joins the business.

Purtills purchase Hay Fuel Depot.

Purtills purchase Glencoe & Booligal school runs in Hay.

Purtills purchase Wakool & Burraboi school runs.

Purtills purchase North Deni Mazda.

Purtills start at South Hay.

Purtills establish Hire Vehicle business.

Norm Purtill joins the business.

Purtills begin fuel distribution.

Purtills depot moves to corner of Wood & Edwardes Streets.

Purtills first (second hand) coach purchased.

Neville Purtill joins the business.

Alan (George) Purtill joins the business.

Purtills purchase first service station in Davidson Street.

Deniliquin Freighters partial sale to Russell Tait and Graham Lawson

Hardinge Street Service Station & offices built.

Keith Purtill passes away.

Deniliquin Freighters final sale to Russell Tait & Graeme Lawson

Purtills establish LPG Distribution business.

OF THE PURTILL GROUP

TIMELINE 1951 - 2021

Geoff Purtill leaves the business.

Purtills build new Carwash in Hardinge Street.

Purtills sell Goodyear Tyre Service business.

Purtills purchase Leading Edge Video (Pinkies Video) in Deniliquin.

Purtills 3rd Generation - Matthew Purtill joins the family business.

Purtills purchase Leading Edge Electronics (formerly Dick Smith).

Purtills depot moves to 89 McCrabb Road.

Purtills first in Deniliquin area to deliver fuel on farm with B-Double tankers.

Purtills purchase Dwyers’ Hay (Maude, Boorooban & Balranald-Ivanhoe school runs).

Purtills starts The Depot project.

Jenna Purtill takes over the management of Evolve Fitness + Wellbeing.

The Depot officially opens.

Norm, Ian and Alan (George) Purtill leave the business.

Purtills purchase East End Store service station in Deniliquin.

Purtills purchase Hussey Roadliners (6 school runs, Mathoura & Deniliquin town runs).

Purtills sells LPG Distribution business.

Purtills purchase Deniliquin Junction Service Centre.

Purtills upgrades Carwash in Hardinge Street.

Wired Entertainment building (former Riverina Truck & Tractor) purchased and renovated at Corner George & Hardinge Sts Wired Entertainment established with merge of LEV and LEE businesses.

Brian Purtill leaves the business.

Purtills support the establishment of Evolve Fitness + Wellbeing in Deniliquin.

Purtills purchase Bickleys’ Finley bus business (now 55+ buses and three depots).

Pat Purtill passes away.

Purtills fleet of 55 vehicles sold to the Dyson Group.

Purtills depot moves back to 162 Hardinge Street. Purtills recommence running first road train from Caltex Newport, VIC to southern Riverina.

2021 Purtill Group celebrates 70 years in business.

KEEPING YOUR STREET MACHINE SQUEAKY CLEAN

In the early 1990’s the first carwash bay was installed as part of the Cobb Highway Service Station complex. This was a manual coin operated machine.

With the need to maintain their own fleet, in 1997 Purtills expanded the wash facilities to include a truck wash bay, offering local and visiting drivers the opportunity to utilise the new installation seven days a week. This expansion also included two additional car wash bays.

In 2004 further enhancements to the site were conducted, installing an auto wash bay and an undercover vacuum area. Card payment capabilities were added to the facilities in more recent years for customer convenience.

Over the years the wash complex also saw the installation of a Dogwash, offering a securely fenced self-serve bay with multiple wash and treatment options.

In 2021 rebranding as the Cruizin Car Wash and provisions to allow for a second car auto wash bay commenced.

HELPING LOCALS STAY ON THE MOVE

The multifaceted Purtill company progressed from Bus and Coach Hire into Vehicle Hire in 1991, after realising the company had numerous static vehicles that could be utilised.

Having demand for more vehicles to develop the hire fleet led to investing in the local Mazda Dealership from 1991 to 1995.

Purtills hire vehicles are predominately updated once they reach 100,000kms or 4-5 years of age. Needing the peace of mind that every hiring customer would have the safest vehicle possible on the road along with a trouble free vehicle experience has always been a top priority for the business.

Over the years the hire fleet has grown to include furniture vans, small trucks and additional mini buses along with small to large cars and utes. Along with a fleet of specialty vehicles, hired for milestone occasions such as weddings.

In 2020 the hire vehicle business was rebranded as The Depot Vehicle Hire to coincide with its new location within The Depot Historic Vehicle and Memorabilia Collection in Hardinge Street.

Purtill

YOUR HOME OF ENTERTAINMENT

In 2003 Purtills purchased Leading Edge Video, formally Pinkies Video in Deniliquin.

The video store was relocated to form an extension of the Cobb Highway Roadhouse, not before a few changes were made. Walls were moved, new carpet and other amenities were installed. Around this time third generation Matthew Purtill transitioned from working after school at the Roadhouse into the Video hire section. Since a young age Matthew had always has interest in feature films and their characters.

When the purchase of the video business was made, there was approximately 200-300 DVDs on hand with the rest of stock being Video Home System (VHS). As years progressed DVDs took over and VHS were sold off as ex-rentals.

When Matthew joined the family business full time in 2003, initially taking up a position within IT of the company. His role would prove momentary. Matthew had a contrasting vision for his career path, he could see the potential in developing the movie hire business.

In 2006 the purchase of Leading Edge Electronics (formally Dick Smith) was undertaken. Purtills traded from the existing Cressy Street premises for just over a year before merging the business with Leading Edge Video’s to form a brand new business. Matthew was now leading the inception of what would become Wired Entertainment.

Before the roll out of the new business Purtills acquired the former Riverina Truck and Tractor building located on the corner of George and Hardinge Streets. From mid 2007 this property would be extensively renovated to house the new business. The building that once had a visual reference as a shed was transformed by local trades to a functional business space completely rebuilding the internal space and replacing the roof structure converting the complex into what you see today.

This new business needed a name that incorporated technology but also entertainment and movies. After much discussion and many name suggestions, Wired Entertainment was established.

The aim to launch Wired Entertainment and open in time for Christmas of 2007 was only achievable due to staff from all divisions of Purtills contributing to moving the two merging business over one weekend. Transporting stock, arranging displays, and assisting with the final clean up. It was a mammoth task that was taken on but surely rewarding when the finish line was reached.

AN AWARD WINNING STORE

2008 – Leading Edge Video, National Store of the Year.

2008 – Deniliquin Business Excellence Awards, Award for Business that has Expanded, Relocated or Upgraded.

2008 – Deniliquin Business Excellence Awards, Business of the Year.

2011 – Deniliquin Business Excellence Awards, Excellence in Staff Development.

2016/17 – Jaycar State Stockist of the Year.

Never shy of a renovation, Wired underwent upgrades in July/August of 2016 to enhance the layout of the store to be suited to one main entrance instead of the original two, allowing more space for the growing toy section while still giving adequate floor area to the electronics and movie sections. These changes also improved counter access for both customers and staff.

With the uptake of streaming services and reduced turnover of video hire, the time had come to commence phasing out of the beloved movie section. This process began in October 2018. Proudly, Wired Entertainment was one of the last movie stores to be operating. By mid 2019 the movie section of Wired was retired, but excited things were on the horizon.

Since the purchase of Leading Edge Electronics, the business was associated with Jaycar as a bronze level stockist. In 2019, Jaycar underwent a major rebrand, changing their name and logo. Wired would then become an Authourised Jaycar Reseller and be increased to silver level association due to a large growth in sales. Jaycar have always provided great buying power on a wide range

of products, and many items are included in monthly catalogues and specials.

A busy year already, 2019 also saw another store rearrange to allow for the expanding toy range. Having two children of his own Matthew identified an opportunity to bridge a gap in the local and surrounding area market for toys and baby giftware.

In June 2020 the process of discussions, applications and lengthy business development strategies began with Toyworld. Approved in March 2021, Wired employees spent the following three months building up stock levels, merchandising, rebranding signage, and collating marketing materials.

In July 2021, the announcement was publicly made that Wired had joined the Toyworld franchise, just in time to participate in their August catalogue.

The public response was immensely positive and the Wired team just now completed their first Christmas under the Toyworld banner.

FOCUS ON HEALTH + FITNESS

As a young girl growing up playing sport and participating in dance classes, Jenna Kaine (Purtill) always had an interest in fitness, health, and wellbeing. After concluding her secondary schooling at Deniliquin High School she completed her Bachelor of Education and soon secured a teaching role at her old Primary School.

In July 2016, Purtills supported the establishment of Evolve Fitness + Wellbeing which would form part of the Wired Entertainment complex in Hardinge Street, Deniliquin. At this point Jenna was involved on a casual basis but eager to develop her skill set Jenna slowly transitioned into the fitness industry, undertaking further studies to assist with her journey.

From the beginning the Evolve team was focused on being a functional group fitness and wellbeing provider beginning with two studios; Energy Studio and Functional Studio. Soon after opening the Evolve team developed and implemented their own functional training program WOW (Workout of the Week). This class structure was focused on strength, resistance, cardio and boxing movements delivered within a circuit style format. Using their own staff in the class demonstration videos, a key initiative to show clients that staff were capable within their roles as fitness trainers and mentors.

Purtill

Six months after opening, the Functional Studio integrated 24/7 member access for individual fitness sessions, giving clients the opportunity to utilise a variety of cardio and free weights equipment at any hour of the day.

By October 2017, due to clientele interest and continued membership growth the business expanded into the adjacent building, doubling the floor area to make way for a fully equipped Power Studio (Gym), furnished with free weights, cable and pin loaded machines.

This expansion gave Evolve the opportunity to offer Personal Training and Exercise Physiologist services complimented by personalised gym fitness programs and the scope to multiply group fitness classes to include yoga, pre and post-natal and a variety of toddler to teen options. This development saw the inclusion of the kids’ zone, a secure play area for young children to enjoy safely while their parent or guardian participates in gym activities.

The 2017 expansion included the addition of the Revive Studio, home to Deniliquin’s first four-person Infrared Sauna. This studio is a rejuvenating space designed to calm the mind and detox the body. Today, this space is available for one-on-one yoga and meditation sessions, the beautiful surrounds create a flawless environment to unwind and recentre your mind and body.

Jenna’s background in teaching and her love for helping children to thrive saw the introduction of KidsFit, a circuit-style fitness class specifically designed for children from the age of five. Children complete various exercises and activities, encouraging physical development of fine and gross motors skills, coordination and flexibility while supporting social development as they participate individually, in pairs and as a whole team.

In 2018, Jenna took over full time management of Evolve Fitness + Wellbeing. It was around this time that the group fitness classes moved away from the highly structured choreographed routines and circuits to allow

Evolve we’re all heart, no ego.

2018 Outstanding New Business

Evolve was honoured and excited to be announced as winners of the 2018 Outstanding New Business category in the Deniliquin Business Excellence Awards.

for quality classes that would appeal and suit a wider client range. Jenna felt this a much more inclusive approach for existing and potential clients.

This was the year for staff to develop their skills and enhance their knowledge and technique through courses and advanced training sessions. Continuing to deliver a fun, safe, supportive environment, providing clients with alternative options to support individual needs by offering modifications for physical limitations and extension levels.

2019 began with a fresh outlook for the new year, with a focused and a dedicated team onboard. Jenna and her team underwent further training throughout the year in the forms of PunchFit and Technical Lifting with science of strength. These courses aimed at enhancing the method of delivery as well as developing the technical aspects of movement and skills of each client.

In June 2020, the long-time dream of offering unique Pilates Reformer classes and training opportunities to Deniliquin was accomplished when Evolve made a significant investment in the purchase of 8 Pilates Reformers beds and accessories, staff training, studio set up and open day class trials. The open day consisted of running free 20-minute taster classes which were available to members of the community (members and non-members of Evolve), with a goal set to achieve 6 full timetabled listings for the first Pilates Reformer block of classes. After the conclusion of the open day Evolve had 20 Pilates Reformer classes on their timetable above and beyond their other group fitness and wellbeing class offerings.

Since providing these distinct yet versatile classes the interest and growth has continued to prove a success with attendance numbers holding consistently.

In January 2021 further renovations took place to make way for a new Energy Studio and introduction of a formal Reformer Studio. This necessitated the expansion into the neighbouring vacant building. Providing clients with a devoted area for Pilates Reformer classes meant that further session options could be offered, such as preand post-natal, one on one and small groups.

Today, Evolve Fitness + Wellbeing is the only fitness centre in the region to offer six separate dedicated studios. These individual spaces allow multiple classes and programs to be delivered at the same time. Evolve currently have a team of six employees who all contribute to the prosperity of client wellbeing and future strategies for the business.

Purtill

A NOSTALGIC EXPERIENCE

Having a passion for preserving history and to pass on understanding and appreciation of earlier years to the younger generation, The Depot project was born. After many years of collecting various items, the dream was to take the collection out of dusty sheds and create an ever-evolving space where history can be experienced and enjoyed.

Construction of The Depot Historic Vehicle and Memorabilia Collection began in 2017, taking local trades three years to complete. Opening in late February 2020, The Depot collection is housed across a 3,000 square metre purpose built complex. With an overwhelming 1,200 plus people through on the grand opening day the possibility of the number of people that could visit throughout the year was now an exciting prospect.

The Depot journey begins as soon as guests enter the building, often amazed at the large brightly lit retail store and the generous variety of products on offer, including items to suit serious enthusiasts and collectors such as reproduction enamel signs and memorabilia.

Stepping through to the Museum entrance, guests are invited to reminisce on and discover new stories of life at home and on the road. Visitors are encouraged to immerse themselves in the past amongst the family friendly displays and activities. With touches of Hollywood, trucking and transport, Australian motoring, rescue vehicles and cars from all around the world, The Depot is full of nostalgia and discovery.

The Depot offers a truly unique experience in the local tourism sector. Guests will find interactive exhibits such as information panels, photo opportunities amongst displays, children’s activities like treasure hunt games, and communal cognitive and fine motor skills play area.

Comments are often received about how well the kids have been kept entertained during their visit and having guests share stories as different displays throughout the complex evoke their nostalgia.

KEITH’S CORNER

The most inspirational and touching corner of The Depot would have to be Keith’s Corner.

Influenced and shaped by personal items from Keith Purtills’ collection. Featuring old car manuals, spare parts lists, office paraphernalia including hand written records and receipts.

This space has a real ‘Pops Shed’ feel to it, which means you can’t help but leave with a smile on your face while sharing stories from your past.

In the first year of operation The Depot welcomed over 15,000 visitors through the doors. The Depot team are looking forward to working on ideas and plans to expand the display space in the future.

In November 2021, The Depot was announced as a finalist for the NSW Tourism Awards in the New Tourism Attraction category. Winners will be announced in February 2022.

The Purtill family are incredibly proud to share this space with the community and visitors to Deniliquin and are grateful to the local trades people, historians, community groups, volunteers and staff who have contributed to making their dream a reality.

Located on the first floor of the museum, adjacent to the mezzanine is the uniquely customised function space, The Cadillac Room. This space provides an incomparable backdrop with flexible layout options for a variety of functions. Featuring a classic inspired theme, set through sophisticated wall to wall black and white prints, décor and custom-built bar influenced by the 1959 Cadillac that is part of the collection.

This multifaceted space is an ideal corporate setting and is furnished with the latest audio-visual technology including a standalone portable video conference system.

Since opening, The Cadillac Room has been used for a diverse range of functions. Originally this area was going to be used only as education space for visiting schools but soon became so much more.

CRUIZE ON IN

Originally The Depot was going to include a small café, but when the opportunity arose to revamp the existing roadhouse that is situated at the same complex, a new coat of paint and a general touch up just did not suffice. The ideas and ambitions were much, much more.

An American inspired Diner was the perfect opportunity and addition to create something new and exciting for the region all while complementing The Depot.

Aiming to create a complete experience, with a wider range of foods on offer including specially named and themed burgers in a casual yet sophisticated atmosphere, that boasts all the elements to transport you back to the 1950s.

The Diner is decked out to the extreme with vinyl booths, neon signs and flavoursome menu, completed with a children’s play area and outdoor dining. 50’s tunes can be heard throughout our entire complex, including The Depot, service station area, Cruizin Diner and Cruizin Car Wash.

The complete theme is carried through to the Truckies Lounge and shower and laundry facilities, giving drivers the chance to stop, revive and dine, while still experiencing the total package.

The stylish surrounds also continue through to the playground area which is home to the Cruizin* Playzone, where children can play until their hearts are content and parents can enjoy a peaceful coffee.

The overall vision is to become known as the one stop shop tourist attraction, complimenting the adjacent building that is home to The Depot Historic Vehicle and Memorabilia Collection

This exciting journey is just beginning with plans already in the making to launch the next Cruizin* Diner, hopefully making another real must-see destination!

Purtill

Thank you

On behalf of the Purtill Group we would sincerely like to extend our deepest thanks and gratitude to the community for their continued support and encouragement throughout our 70 years in business. We are true believers in locals supporting each other to develop and maintain community growth and resilience. We are beyond proud of our locals, as we’ve navigated through the trying times of the global pandemic during recent years.

Thanks must also go to our long-term suppliers and vendors, many of whom we consider as great personal friends. Without your guidance and recommendations our business would not be where it is today.

To our family, immediate and extended, we cannot thank you enough or show you how appreciative we are for your love and support throughout our business ventures. We will be forever grateful to you all for the motivation and endorsement you have shown.

Lastly, our staff, both past and present. We thank you for your loyalty, endless hours of hard work and dedication, professionalism, and diligence. Purtill Group would not be here today if it weren’t for you. We cherish each one of you on a personal and professional level. We value your ideas, critiques, and input into future developments of the business.

Thank you for reading our 70th Anniversary publication, we hope that it has given you a glimpse into the Purtill business history.

Cheers to 70 Years!

Neville and Debbie Purtill