Gordon Simpson
Inducted into the Shell Rimula Wall of Fame at Reunion 2013.
Gordon Simpson and his wife Janene took over the Simpson family's fuel and transport business in Alexandra in1976. Gordon had initially left school in 1974 and joined the business as a floor sweeper doing what-ever needed to be done. They were the second generation of the family to manage Simpsons Fuel. The business was first established by Gordon's parents as I & M Simpson & Son Pty Ltd in 1953.
Fuel, fuel and more fuel is the simple expression of the Simpsons business philosophy. Their Mansfield Diesel Stop offers 24 hour self-serve access to diesel fuel in a convenient location, competitive prices and hi and low flow options.Over the years Simpsons Fuels have operated several fuel agencies including for Shell, C.O.R. and BP however, for the past thirty years has offered a full range of Caltex fuels including unleaded, premium unleaded, diesel, and LPG, and a wide range of lubricants and additives. Simpson's Fuel employs nine people and has a strong focus on community support.
Gordon and Janene's son Cameron, the third generation of Simpson's involved in the family business, drives a 2012 Scania delivering fuel all over the region including to Eildon, Marysville, Woods Point, Kinglake, Yea, Yarck, Terip Terip, Merton, Bonnie Doon, Mansfield, Mt Buller, and Jamieson.Road transport has always been a significant part of Simpsons Fuel business and Gordon is a keen and enthusiastic advocate for the trucking industry and its contribution to the quality of life and the economic well-being of country Victoria particularly in the High Country where he was born and bred.
Always keen to support the community Gordon is one of the initial organisers of the spectacular Alexandra Truck, Rod and Ute Show which is now in its 18th year and has grown to become what is arguably the biggest and the best Truck Shows in country Victoria. The event was born following a revamp of the main street in Alexandra when a couple of log truck drivers were unable to show their trucks and jinkers in the opening celebrations. A group of six businessmen, keen to promote the trucking industry and showcase the potential of their area for tourism, each donated $200 to kickstart the Truck Show. Gordon Simpson, and good friend Andrew Embling who owns the local Landmark franchise, are the only two original members left of that team and it is to their collective credit that the show has attained the size it has.
The Truck Show today sees the small town of Alexandra, with a population of just over 2000 people, host an event that attracts 15,000 people annually and puts millions of dollars into the local economy.