51ACAPMAg (May 2012)

regional review:

bundabergqueensland

PROFILE

Bundaberg is famous for its sugar plantations, Ginger Beer and Rum.

Situated on the Queensland coast, 375km north of Brisbane, Bundaberg offers a great mix of beach, hinterland, city and country. This large region attracts people from all over the world to bask in its main ingredients - sun, surf and sand.

Paul Wessel, President of the local Surf Life Saving Club understands the attraction to this coastal lifestyle, when he is not in his role as Managing Director of Wessel Petroleum.

Distributor Profile: Wessel Petroleum This family business is owned and operated by brothers Paul and Chris Wessel.

In keeping with tradition the brothers are supported by their extended family, including Paul’s son Kurt in Wholesale, his wife Debra as Retail Manager and Chris’ wife Tina in Administration.

Wessel Petroleum was started by Chris and Pauls father, Henry Wessel, in 1948 when he took over the Atlantic Oil Agency of which he was an employee. Henry would deliver

petrol and kerosene to farmers, while his father, Harry, managed the office.

Up until July 1962, delivery of petrol and kerosene to Bundaberg was done via rail cars from the Gladstone Bulk Fuel Terminal until the Mobile Bulk Terminal at Bundaberg Port commenced operating.

In 1959, the business undertook its first major change when Atlantic Oil Company changed its trading name to Esso Oil Australia.

Some years later, in 1988, the business expanded and the retail business was born when the company took over the Esso distributorship in Maryborough/Hervey Bay, and purchased three freehold sites plus the lease of another.

Only two years later, Henry announced his retirement from the business which saw Paul and Chris take over management in 1990. Not long after, Wessel Petroleum became a Mobil Distributorship, after a Mobil/Esso merger between Wessel Family Esso distributors and Bundaberg Petroleum Mobil Distributors. This time saw much change, including the closing of Mobil’s Princes Street depot, an upgrade of the truck fleet and the implementation of

direct deliveries from Mobil’s bulk terminal at the Bundaberg Port. The acquisition of another freehold site and the operation of three more leased sites saw further growth for the retail sector of the company.

Three years ago, Wessels Petroleum changed over from Mobil to BP and changed their main focus to the retail business. “We have nine sites; eight of which are branded BP and one United. We do distribute to primary and commercial customers through our unbranded wholesale arm. We also sell three brands of lubricants to the same customers,” explained Paul.

“With approximately 90 employees, we service customers located all over Bundaberg, Hervey Bay and the Maryborough region – from the average Jo Blow to the likes of Bundaberg Sugar Company.”

We service anywhere between 6-8,000 customers a day," he continued.

Having lived in Bundaberg all his life, Paul said he loves Bundaberg for its, “Good fishing, good beaches and it easy to move around. I also love that community feeling”.

And this community care also filters through the company, having sponsored many local charities and sporting bodies, such as the local rugby league team, the Bundaberg Surf Life Saving Club and many other institutions over the years. Paul’s main highlight during his time as Managing Director however was, “when we celebrated 50 years service in 1998”.

About BundabergHome to approximately 112,000 residents, Bundaberg is the gateway to the world renowned Southern Great Barrier Reef Islands, Lady Elliot and Lady Musgrave. With flights departing daily from Bundaberg airport, this 30 minute trip to Lady Elliot Island is a must do for any

visitor.

From November until February, a regular visitor to frequent Bundaberg’s coast is the amazing endangered Loggerhead turtles, who come ashore to lay their eggs at Mon Repos Conservation Park. And just as Mother Nature would have it, some six to eight weeks later and the tiny hatchlings can be seen emerging from the nests, as they travel down the beach to the surf to begin their journey home. Mon Repos Conservation Park is only a 14km drive from Bundaberg city centre.

Bundaberg is also a food lover’s dream. Uncommonly known as the ‘tomato capital’ of Australia, this region owes thanks to the rich red volcanic soils which are said to be the reason behind producing some of the best ingredients in the country, such as macadamia nuts and tropical fruits. The local caught seafood including spanner crabs and reef fish are also in abundance and very popular.

There are also a great range of attractions to keep visitors entertained. From a tour of the Bundaberg Rum Bondstore to the Mystery Craters, a 25 million year old geological mystery.

Another great feature not far from the area is the world heritage listed Fraser Island; one the biggest sand islands in the world and a must do for all that visit the area.

For more information about the Bundaberg region visit www.bundabergregion.org/

• Cherie Mildwater

Chris (left) and Paul Wessel (right)