Susanna Freymark
Shaun Dunwoodie was the first customer when the Tabulam Local Servo opened at 6am today, Wednesday, September 25.
Shaun and family live at Ewingar and he is thrilled he’ll be able to get petrol locally.
”I run my own business — I sand and polish floors. I like to get to customers before 8am and this is convenient,” he said.
It means residents don’t have to travel further for fuel.
”We’ve gained five hours in one day,” Mr Dunwoodie said.
Tabulam Rural Store also sells fuel but not the extended hours of Tabulam Local Servo which will open seven days a week — on weekdays 6am—8pm and 7am—8pm on the weekend.
Servo managers Sanchit and Pallavi Passi are thrilled to be open after a few delays.
”I’m very excited to meet the community Ms Passi said.
“People are very supportive.”
Mr Passi said while they hadn’t managed a servo before, this wasn’t their first run in the business as they had helped other family members at various service stations.
”We have extended family here and we will share the load,” he said.
The Passi family will live in Tabulam.
Mr Passi said they will keep fuel prices competitive with Casino and Tenterfield outlets.
Today’s fuel prices are:
Unleaded 91: $169.9
Unleaded 95: $181.9
Premium 98: $187.9
Diesel: $175.9
In the servo shop there are lollies, soft drinks, sandwiches and warm pies made by Tabulam Pies. They serve barista coffee too.
There are plans for more hot food including butter chicken curries once Kyogle Council give the relevant approval.
”We wanted to make a one-stop shop,” Mr Passi said.
He also wants to support other businesses in Tabulam where they can such as stocking Tabulam pies.
There is still a lot of work to be done. A disabled toilet is being constructed, gas bottle supplies and a crushed ice fridge.
Time will tell how popular the servo will be with Bruxner Highway drivers.
As the only highway fuel stop between Casino and Tenterfield open til late, they could be just what travellers and truckies need.
and then