In 2024, the petroleum division of Purtill Group celebrates 50 years of fuel service and distribution in Northern Victoria and Southern NSW.
This publication has been compiled by the Purtill family, to share and commemorate the story of the company behind the ‘Fuelling Rural Australia’ tagline.
Company founder Keith Purtill was born on February 25, 1929, in Balranald, a modest country town in the Murray region of New South Wales.
Keith moved to Deniliquin in the late 1940s, where he had planned to purchase a truck for carting stock. However, for a period of time after World War II there was a shortage of trucks available in the country, so Keith set about finding work as a mechanic while pursuing the purchase of a truck.
After moving to Deniliquin Keith met Pat Dunn. A young local lady working as a Secretary at the Conargo Shire, that he took quite a liking to. The pair 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 vital role in the growth and development of the Purtill company.
Keith and Pat’s son Neville, joined the business in 1978, as a 17-year-old. Neville took on an array of tasks that were assigned to him, this included everything from truck and bus driving through to administration duties. Neville’s current role within Purtill Group is 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.
In 1988, at age 59 Keith Purtill passed away, leaving behind the crucial foundations he had laid for a company that even he would have never imagined would contribute so significantly to the region.
The were many tough times during the years after Keith’s passing. A decline in the transport and coach industries saw difficult operational decisions made, including the consolidation of other Purtill business sections.
The three eldest brothers – Norm, Ian and Alan (George) 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.
Presently, Neville and Debbie Purtill along with their children Matthew and Jenna are navigating the Purtill company into the future.
Keith & Pat Purtill, 1987.
Six Purtill brothers, 1987.
While Keith Purtill had no formal qualifications, he was a competent mechanic. Working on a range of vehicles for Mac’s Motors, where he was employed from the late 1940s, while he continued to persue the purchase of a truck to cart stock.
During this time, Keith would also 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. Keith was hesitant about taking this on, 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 pass up.
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 as a business owner Keith worked diligently to develop his bus driving business, working long hours, and often in difficult conditions, with a work ethic that no one could fault.
Keith ascertained early on that one bus run was
not enough to build a prosperous and sustainable business, and by 1962 he had an additional three school bus runs – Mayrung, Tuppal and Moonee Swamp, which equalled a fleet of 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. 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.
When his buses were not being used for carrying children to and from school, they were occasionally hired on a weekend to transport local footy players to an out-of-town match.
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’, 1948 OB CAC Bedford Bus.
Bedford buses in the original depot, 1971.
Keith Purtill was initially approached by the Golden Fleece company in December 1973, with a business prospect to branch into the fuel industry. Golden Fleece was eager to source a local agent to take on their fuel distribution in the region.
Around this same time, George Lowe, who was the local Caltex distributor at the time, was seeking a change. Keith saw Caltex’s offer as a more advantageous manoeuvre to develop his business.
This would become the start of a durable and rewarding addition to the Purtill business, along with a fulfilling relationship with Caltex.
Already having an existing customer base of farmers whose children were daily bus passengers and employees to utilise to deliver fuel throughout the day, in between bus runs, the business transition was almost seamless.
The two departments would work hand in hand and end up becoming the foundation of the Purtill company.
1974
S-Model Bedford with 4x 440 gallon (2,000L) Bulk Delivery Tanks.
J1 Bedford (with one 2000L tank capacity).
1975
KGL Bedford (equipped with a lazy axle with 6x 2000L tanks).
In the initial year in the fuel industry, eldest son Norm delivered 220,000 gallons of fuel (1,000,000 litres), covering an area of a 60kms radius of Deniliquin.
Over the coming years Purtills would progressively increase their fleet and employees, be innovative and associated with numerous industry firsts.
In 1985 Purtills became the first enterprise in the Southern Riverina to deliver fuel on farm via a semi-tanker.
A notable achievement in meeting the market demand at the time and
maximising the efficiency in running their own tanker fleet.
Purtills has continually observed successful trends in other cartage industries, and how they effectively deliver their product. Adapting and modifying these concepts to suit fuel haulage.
TANKER CAPACITY THEN VS NOW
In 2008 Purtills were leading the innovative field in fuel transportation, delivering fuel on farm via B-double tankers, coming after considerable advances in technology and regulations around vehicle sizing and road access had been made. 1976
Acco 1830A (equipped with lazy axle from the Bedford fitted) with new 16,000 L aluminium barrel and twin pumps. This was the largest farm delivery truck in our area.
J1 Bedford was upgraded to J3 Bedford with 2 tanks.
1974: S-Model Bedford with 4x 440 gallon (2000L) bulk delivery tanks
2024: A-double tankers with 86,000L capacity
Semi tanker fitted with pumping equipment. (First to deliver on farm with semi trailers).
Hay fuel depot purchased, including another Dodge rigid truck.
Fuel products arrive at the Newport Terminal in Melbourne by pipeline from a local refinery and marine import terminals at Holden Dock Yarraville. Some products also arrive by road tanker.
Newport Terminal has bulk storage tanks for transport fuels, and vehicle filling gantries for fuel, as well as warehouse facilities for solvents, oils, and greases.
Newport operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with Purtill Group tankers frequenting the terminal 10-15 times each week to deliver fuel to retail sites and to on farm bulk storage tanks.
In 2017, Purtills began the lengthy process of spearheading the approved running of the A-double road train from Newport, Victoria to service Southern New South Wales and Northern Victoria.
Adblue was introduced to Purtills offerings in 2014, through their retail sites in Deniliquin, Hay and Jerilderie.
In 2018, a dedicated Adblue tanker was added to the fleet to service transport company deliveries.
Hino Bogie drive refitted with Acco tank and pumps.
This would become an undertaking that would involve multiple stakeholders, would take years to complete and be a notable financial investment.
2024: 12 staff EMPLOYEES THEN VS NOW
1974: 1.5 staff
At the time Purtills were utilising a fleet of 26m B-doubles to transport fuel from the Newport Terminal, to service retail sites and farming properties. The 26m B-double, was then, and still is today, the most common transport combination on the road, carrying up to approximately 55,000 litres of fuel.
Finley depot purchased, and Volvo semi-trailer.
Purtills establish LPG Distribution business ‘Speed-E-Gas’. Servicing Hay, Jerilderie, Finley, Mathoura and Deniliquin areas.
Norm Purtill + a bus driver between school runs.
After Purtill Group observed 30m container trucks at the Port (Newport Terminal), transporting product around the Melbourne facility, Purtills were eager to source a like method to suit fuel cartage.
To start the process Neville engaged Tieman Tankers, a manufacturing company, based in Campbellfield Victoria, to manufacture a suitable trailer and barrel design to meet the Performance Based Standards.
To minimise weight on the truck, a single pump and lead system was fitted to the front trailer only. The pump system installed has the ability to draw from both the front and the back trailer. This design has eliminated the weight of another pump set from the second trailer, allowing to maximise on payload.
Purtills liaised with the National Heavy Vehicle Regular (NHVR), V/Line and VicRoads to devise acceptable routes from the Newport Terminal, Victoria to their furthest site at the time in New South Wales.
Through this process, multiple bridge, railway crossing and route assessments were carried out, to determine whether or not the structures would be capable of supporting the higher mass.
Another crucial component has been Purtills partnership with Volvo.
Performance Based Standards (PBS) is a nationally recognised heavy vehicle scheme, designed to assist the industry to become safer and more productive.
Two new 43,000L semi tankers purchased with new S-Line prime movers. Fuel is transported direct from Newport terminal to farms.
Old rigid Dodges, Hino and ACCO sold off. Only semi tankers used.
Tanker fleet sold to Lewingtons and contracted back, up until 2008.
Purtills sell Speed-E-Gas to concentrate on the expanding bus fleet.
Volvo provide the optimum offering for the 30m combination. Providing a truck with power and an array of driver advances. This allows Purtills to equip drivers with the highest level of safety, comfort and confidence during each journey.
After almost two and half years of evaluations and fabrication, the A-double was approved to transport from the Newport Terminal into New South Wales.
In 2019 Purtill Group officially become the first company in the fuel industry to operate this fleet
combination from Victoria to New South Wales.
Operating this design, has enabled Purtills to maximise on payload, with the A-double carrying up to 86,000 litres.
This has enabled Purtills to achieve vast efficiency gains, not only increasing the load by more than 25 per cent when compared to the B-double, but with fewer trips being made to Newport.
Fewer trips means less time on the road for drivers, and the number of trucks on the road.
New
Second
Kenworth T408 and 19 metre tanker added.
hand Mack and 25 metre B-double purchased.
Neville with Volvo FH16 and A-double Tanker combination, 2023.
New Kenworth T408 and 19 metre tanker added to the fleet.
TRANSPORT THEN VS NOW
1974: 220,000 gallons (1,000,000 litres) of fuel was transported
The side of each Purtill tanker in the fleet consists of a montage of industries, iconic locations and connections to the rural areas that the company deliver fuel to.
Although the Beford trucks Purtills embarked on, had a reputation for reliability, durability and power, today’s fleet is much more intricate. Comprising of top of the range modern fuel equipment, fitted to specific trailers to provide further safety benefits to drivers and decrease environmental risks. Each trailer is fitted with Electronic Stability Control and Electronic Braking Systems, plus state-of-theart dispensing, and pumping equipment, hauled by Volvos impressive FH16 700hp truck.
New Kenworth T409 added.
2024: 40,000,000 litres of fuel will be transported
Crucial investments have also been made in other various technologies, such as streamlining operations and delivering prompt monitoring and decision making advancements. Importantly, some developments in these areas have been curated, established, and implemented in house. Along with upgrades to vehicle tracking and applying new features such as Electronic Work Diary and electronic fatigue management recording and CCTV systems to all active fuel trucks.
A fourth Volvo FH16 arrived in March 2024, and a road train is expected to be delivered in June 2024.
New Volvo FH16 & FM13, and dedicated Adblue tanker added to the fleet.
When Purtills began delivering on farm, fuel was often supplied to customers in drums. It was not unusual to see the delivery driver manual handling these drums or shimmying their way to the fill point of a tank, as ladders were often non existent or inappropriate for use. Bottom fill kits that are seen today had not yet reached the market.
Farming in Australia over the past 5 decades has drastically changed, with a major increase in sought after commodities, such as meats, oilseeds, and pulses both in the domestic and overseas markets.
The younger farming generation have progressed to a higher level of environmentally sustainable farm practices, a considerable advantage of this is the ability to produce rotating crops.
Methods of feeding livestock has changed over time, as technology and machinery have become more advanced. Hand-feeding techniques and manual feed outs have been replaced with efficient, automated machinery, such as bale feeders.
Agricultural land sizes have increased significantly since 1974, this coupled with other factors has influenced the demand and importance for
farmers to be self-sufficient with their fuel storage.
Today, Purtills deliver to numerous farming properties and retail sites across Northern Victoria and Southern New South Wales, spanning over a radius of approximately 400kms.
Two additional A-doubles & Volvo FH16 700hp added to the fleet. New Volvo FH16 700hp, new A-double added to the fleet.
Purtills commenced running the first A-double road train from Newport, Victoria to service Southern New South Wales and Northern Victoria.
An additional Volvo FH16 700hp arrived in March, and a road train is expected to be delivered in June.
Purtills took over their first fuel depot in 1974. The depot was located in Deniliquin NSW, operating from corner of Wood and Hardinge Streets.
Originally branded Golden Fleece, Purtills commenced trading in Jerilderie NSW on 1st August 1985, taking over the service station and fuel depot.
Geoff Purtill was appointed manger.
In late 1987, Purtills took over the Ampol fuel depot in Hay NSW, from the O’Brien family.
In the early 1990’s, Purtills acquired the Finley NSW fuel depot, which had previously been owned by John Braybon.
DELIVERY AREA THEN VS NOW
1974: 60km radius of Deniliquin
By 2002, the Hay, Finley, Jerilderie and Deniliquin depots were almost obsolete, with the fleet of semi tankers being able to provide the same service.
2024: 400km radius of Deniliquin
April 2021, Purtills secured a fuel depot and service station in Griffith NSW. At the time the site was branded Caltex, but was soon rebranded Ampol as part of the two-year rebranding transition.
The Cobb Highway (Hardinge Street) complex for much of the Purtill business history has been the company hub.
In 1986 the Hardinge Street service station, now known locally as Cobb Highway Roadhouse, was purchased by Purtills. With the commencement of the office building construction beginning soon after.
Local history tells us that the Cobb Highway site was once the Weria Sawmill, milling pine for the district.
Neville recalls at one point during the construction of the office block, that trenches filled with saw dust had to be cleared for the building foundations to be laid.
In that same year, Purtills moved the main depot to the Hardinge Street location, along with relocating the Goodyear Tyre Service business they began trading one year prior. Creating a central and very active site for the company.
1986 also saw the introduction of the first electronic card machine installed at this site, giving customers 24-hour access to fuel, an innovation that would become popular in the years to come.
In 1991 Purtills purchased North Deni Mazda, which was quickly relocated to Hardinge Street and renamed Purtills Mazda.
In the year 1995, the Purtill family closed this division of the business to concentrate on growing their innovative ideas for the fuel industry.
Goodyear Tyre Service, Hardinge Street, 1986.
Cobb Highway front exterior 1997
Cobb Highway/Goodyear Tyre Service exterior, 1986.
Purtills Mazda exterior, 1991.
Cobb Highway front exterior, 1999.
Purtills purchased Leading Edge Video in 2003 which became part of the Roadhouse. Offering movie and game console hire, along with a selection of confectionary items.
In 2007 Leading Edge Video was moved to form part of Wired Entertainment, another division of Purtill Group. This left a vacant area within the Cobb Highway Roadhouse.
The open space was transformed to allow for additional seating and facilities for truck drivers.
The complex underwent its most extensive refurbishment to date in 2020.
A coat of crisp modern paint and general touch up was never on the cards, Purtills visualisation board entailed much more.
Having opened The Depot Historic Vehicle and Memorabilia Collection earlier that year (also forming part of the Hardinge Street complex), this
was opportunity to create another exciting and unique venue for the region, with the aspiration to extend the tourism audience from one establishment to the other.
Transforming from an everyday Roadhouse service station to a pristine 1950s American style inspired diner. Cruizin Diner officially opened to the public in July 2020.
Equipped with all the American diner feels, including vinyl booth seating, neon signs, 50’s tunes and well received menu selection. Cruizin Diner fast became a destination point for visitors and locals.
The entire roadhouse service area both inside and out received attention, with a conscious focus on providing the highest quality facilities for short and long-haul transport drivers. Brand new laundry and bathroom amenities were installed, giving drivers a satisfying place to stop, revive and refuel before getting back on the road.
Cobb Highway/Leading Edge Video front exterior, 2003. Leading Edge Video interior, 2004.2020: RENOVATIONS
1986: EXTENSIONS
1997: CAR WASH INSTALLED
ORIGINAL BUILDING
2017: DIESEL BOWSERS INSTALLED
Cobb Highway shed construction, 1986.
Cruizin’ Diner extensions, 2020.
Cobb Highway Truckie’s Lounge, 2010.
Cobb Highway renovations, 2020.
Completed Cruizin’ Diner interior, 2021.
Cruizin’ Diner interior, 2023.
Wood & Edwards Sts Bus Depot, Deniliquin was purchased.
Purtills took over local Caltex Depot, Deniliquin.
Fuel bowsers installed at Wood & Edwards Sts Bus Depot with keylock system, to become the first 24hr fuel facility in the region. This service was used primarily used by emergency services. 1974: 20c per
$2.20
Purtills purchase first service station in Davidson Street, Deniliquin (currently Shell).
Purtills purchase Jerilderie Service Station.
Purtills purchase Mathoura Service Station.
Hardinge Street, Deniliquin Service Station (Cobb Highway) and offices built.
Purtills install first electronic card machine access for 24hr fuel service.
Purtills purchase East End Store service station in Deniliquin.
Purtills purchase Deniliquin Junction Service Centre.
Purtills open their first unmanned diesel stop in Moama.
Purtills take over Griffith service station.
Jerilderie Service Station is converted to an unmanned fuel stop and building is demolished.
Cobb Highway Roadhouse undergoes renovations.
Cruizin’ Diner is launched, as part of the Cobb Highway Roadhouse.
All Caltex service stations are re-branded to Ampol.
Finley unmanned diesel stop is opened.
East End Store service station is demolished.
In December 1973, Keith Purtill was approached by the Golden Fleece Petroleum company to take on their local fuel distribution. After presenting a pleasing proposal, Keith was ready to take the next step, but after further consideration Keith had a change of heart. He made the decision to decline the offer from Golden Fleece and take over the local Caltex distributorship, this transition officially took place in January 1974, a partnership the family business has upheld ever since.
The Purtill family take great pride in the fact that they have been a distributor for a sole fuel company since the beginning, a claim not too many businesses can make.
In December 2019, Caltex Australia publicised that it would re-establish the iconic Ampol brand to the Australian market.
In May 2020, the company name was approved and officially changed its corporate identity to Ampol Limited. A two-year rebranding transition from Caltex to Ampol commenced in late 2020.
From April 2021, the Purtill retail sites began the rebranding exercise to align with Ampol, this process was completed by the end of 2022.
Ampol supplies fuel to approximately 80,000 customers over various markets across Australia, including defence, mining, transport, marine, agriculture, aviation and other commercial sectors.
Ampol has access to a powerful supply chain and pivotal infrastructure across the country, which include 16 terminals, 6 major pipelines, 55 wet depots, over 1,800 branded sites.
Cobb Highway front exterior - Caltex branded, 1990.
Moama unmanned site - Caltex branded, 2020.
On behalf of the Ampol team, I extend our congratulations and heartfelt wishes to the Purtill Group as they mark 50 years in the fuel industry.
Our organisations have a longstanding connection spanning many decades, and we thank the Purtill family for being exceptional partners and advocates for Ampol throughout the years.
Whether it’s operating service stations, distributing bulk fuel to local businesses, or preserving a part of Ampol’s rich history through the custodianship of the impressive collection of 450+ Golden Fleece memorabilia, the Purtill Group has played a significant role in representing our organisation in the communities of the Southern Riverina.
Once again, congratulations on reaching this remarkable milestone.
Matt Halliday Managing Director and CEO AMPOL
Cruizin’ Diner/Cobb Highway exterior, 2024.
An agreement with Ampol has allowed the display of the company’s extensive collection of Golden Fleece items for the first time, at The Depot Historic Vehicle and Memorabilia Collection in Deniliquin.
The Golden Fleece memorabilia was originally a privately owned collection. Ampol purchased the memorabilia in 2018 with a plan to showcase it to the public, The Depot was the most logical choice to host the display, as it is part of the Purtill Group.
The 450-piece collection provides the public with an exciting opportunity to view the entire assortment in one location, offering a unique look at a major contributor to Australia’s motoring history.
A highlight of the vast collection is a fully restored 1948 Fargo fuel tanker, which looks right at home in The Depot’s purpose-built space. The diverse collection also includes items such as model cars, funnels, indoor and outdoor signage, bowsers and fuel tins, road maps, menus, and other paraphernalia.
The unveiling of the collection took place in March 2023 to coincide with the annual Ampol Distributor Conference, to allow distributors and employees from around the country to be the first visitors to browse the display.
In addition to the Golden Fleece exhibit, visitors to The Depot can also enjoy the Purtill family’s broad collection of vehicles from all around the world, witness a splash of Hollywood glamour through memorabilia, classic Hollywood vehicles, neon signage and floor to ceiling backdrops.
Memorabilia displays depict Australian life in a bygone age including full lounge room and kitchen displays, along with ‘Keith’s Corner’, a meaningful space that has been influenced and shaped by personal items from late Purtill Group founder, Keith Purtill.
On behalf of Purtill Group we genuinely extend our deepest appreciation and gratitude to both our longterm and more recent customers, for their ongoing support and endorsement throughout our 50 years in the fuel industry.
To our enduring suppliers and vendors, without your advocacy, guidance, and unwavering support our business would not have stood the test of time. We thank you for your professional attention to our business, and the personal relationships we have developed over the journey.
A special note to Peter Moran, our Ampol Distributor Business Manager, who we began our business relationship with almost 20 years ago. We have immense respect for Pete, professionally and personally. We have witnessed Pete take the entirety of his role in stride, and never fail to give anything less than 100% to his work. Pete you are exceptional, we are grateful for your friendship, advice,
Neville and Debbie with their children and families, 2024.
