Geoffrey “Wombat” Purtill

Inducted into the Shell Rimula Wall of Fame in 2021.

Geoffrey Laurence Purtill, nicknamed ‘Wombat’, was born in Deniliquin, New South Wales,  in July, 1963, the fifth son to Keith and Pat Purtill.  His father operated school bus runs and a fuel business, including service stations, and Geoff learnt that hard work and dedication are needed to  forge a successful business. Geoff’s first job was making deliveries for the local pharmacy and delivering newspapers, plus he also worked on his dad’s farm, “Niangby”, driving the tractor. At the end of 1979 he left school and started working full time in the family business. He completed his mechanical apprenticeship in 1983 and obtained his bus licence so he could help with the school bus runs.

In 1985 the business purchased a service station/motel in Jerilderie, New South Wales which Geoff managed for some time. However, the love of coaches called him back to Deniliquin  and soon after,  he was running a new 30-seater coach on tours to Central Australia. Unfortunately, the Centralian work  went under  prior to the passing of his father, Keith, in 1988. While 1988 had been a busy year with the bi-centenial Brisbane Expo and tours, there had also been a  downturn in the touring industry.

The business was not the same without Keith and as the Purtill tour work decreased, Geoff decided to move to Melbourne in 1989. He worked for Landmark, Dysons and Brits, driving tours around Australia, both accommodation and camping trips which he loved.  Geoff returned to Deniliquin in late 1992 after marrying Julie who had worked as a cook on the tours.  Re-joining the family business, Geoff  drove fuel tankers and the odd school run.

After the birth of their two children, Geoff and Julie moved back to Melbourne in 2000  and Geoff worked for Dysons for six years.  They then moved to Moama, New South Wales, where Geoff fulfilled his dream of owning and running his own coach business. Geoff and Julie have been running their business since December 2006 contracting to CountryLink, now New South Wales TrainLink. Their son, Brenton, is following in his dad’s footsteps, driving trucks and busses.

Geoff is dedicated to his work, staff and the upkeep of his four coaches.  He is proud to have his name on the back of his Mercedes and Scania coaches and  of his 40+ year involvement in the transport industry.