Garry Connell commenced his business career in 1972 with an earthmoving business. From 1984 to 1998 as owner and while the Managing Director of Kalgoorlie Fuel Company (Kalfuel), he built one of BP Australia’s largest independent fuel distributors which at its peak was the biggest inland depot in Australia. Starting with an eight ton Acco rigid tanker and a Kenworth prime mover and a few tankers, Kalfuel’s fleet soon expanded to over 20 prime movers and 40 tankers as work increased. They operated their own a fully equipped commercial workshop to maintain the fleet. Garry achieved a notable first in Western Australia when the Main Roads dept approved Kalfuel’s use of prime mover and tanker over length configurations of 52.5 metres. Kalfuel purchased the first Kenworth Tri-axle drive truck in Australia, introduced the Tri Drive Double B-double configurations and Tri-axle dollies and was the first to upgrade to the new BP livery. Garry designed bulk fuel storage and dispensing systems for Kalfuel’s customers and together with BP was responsible these installations at customer sites. Another first was the sale of fuel using plastic cards, unmanned bowsers and the management of unmanned fuel sales. From the main depot in Kalgoorlie and two smaller sub-depots in Laverton and Leonora, Kalfuel supplied fuel, lubricants and related products to clients in a 500 kilometres radius of any depot. An interview and article published in BP’s international magazine, The BP Shield, was a personal milestone for Garry. This was the result of a delegation from BP’s United Kingdom Head Office flying to Kalgoorlie to interview Garry on the success of his unique fuel supply operation with the Kalfuel depot.Garry Connell was instrumental in the creation of Anzac Drive in Kalgoorlie by a group of ‘rebel road builders. This involved the clearing of seven kilometres of bush to create a ring road to allow heavily laden fuel tankers to bypass the city centre. This was a huge improvement in fuel delivery efficiency as it negated the need for loaded fuel tankers to be hooked up outside of town. Kalfuel was named Business of the Year in 1992. When Garry was ready to sell he sold the business back to BP. Garry Connell is a big man with an even bigger vision. He lives in Kalgoorlie where he owns a mining subcontracting business. Garry Connell has been a leader in the trucking and heavy equipment industries for all his working life.
