Community
10 July, 2025
Thanks Bill
MORTLAKE Shell manager Bill Buntine will miss the simple conversations when he steps away from Thursday this week.
Mr Buntine said he was ready for a bit of a break after more than 20 years on the job.
“The place has been sold and I’m 70 years old so it’s probably a good time,” he said.
“I’ll probably do a bit of relief managerial work at the other two stores.”
Mr Buntine had started with the company on a casual basis, juggling a background in agriculture, but soon found himself stepping into the role of manager.
“It’s been about 22 years I’ve been here now,” he said.
“It’s always good talking to people – most people are good.
“I had started off working weekends and public holidays until my manager decided to retire and I was asked to fill the position.
“Back when I was a casual I was working on a farm or fencing during the week.”
Mr Buntine said he had enjoyed the job, feeling every day was a little different than the last.
“You get exciting times when you get drive-offs,” he said.
“One day a woman drove off without taking the hose out of the tank of the car, which pulled the pump off.
“Another bloke backed his horse float into the diesel pump.
“It’s been good though.”
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