Last resort
WHILE the head of Shell’s global downstream business, Mark Williams, might reportedly have misgivings about diesel demand coming out of China, there is clearly no such concern about how much fuel is needed in Western Australia’s remotest regions.
Shell Australia recently announced a $6 million investment in four retail sites in the north-west where some places had experienced fuel shortages because the tanks had run dry.
“The initiative will see the company invest in new tankage, pumps, canopies and upgraded signage at sites in Tom Price, Paraburdoo, Halls Creek and Fitzroy Crossing,” it stated.
By comparison, the Note appreciated the somewhat embellished announcement that Pindan was starting work on the $7.6 million Gascoyne Junction Resort.
Resort certainly sounds far more enticing than a 24-hour roadhouse, albeit with tavern and caravan park – perhaps the addition of a swimming pool makes the distinction between a service station and tourism destination.
A Note operative who recently spent a night at the town’s existing caravan park-cum-worker village (pictured) reckons visitors will appreciate the difference.
Show bags
The other week it was breadwinners, now it is time for the sweetest victory of them all.
The Note realises that, for many, chocolate is a dietary necessity and, therefore acknowledges The Margaret River Chocolate Company’s success in the Perth Royal Show’s chocolate competition.
Among several winners for the company, which has opened a Perth CBD outlet, was the newly created sea-salted caramel truffle, which uses local cream, butter and French sea salt. It won gold, along with several flavoured gourmet bars and the company’s famous Irish Cream truffle.
At some stage after this parade of winners we’ll actually arrive at show time itself.
Shock ’n roll
After pulling a short-term gig as a presenter for the ABC 720 radio in the morning, former public relations expert John McGlue is already lining up his next career in A&R as talent scouting in the rock ’n roll business is known.
In the fickle business of radio ratings that is a good idea, especially with Mr McGlue up against his former boss at The West Australian, Paul Murray, who is long-term rival shock jock on rival commercial station 6PR.
Like almost everyone with Irish roots, Mr McGlue is an avid music lover and claims to have played hack bass since he was a teenager.
Having not been discovered back then – no doubt the music industry was the loser in that – he has turned his brief stint at the ABC into a quest for overlooked garage talent under the groovy title Exhumed.