At TASCO, we’re always looking for ways to drive progress — not just in performance and reliability, but in sustainability and safety.
As part of our continued investment in a cleaner, smarter fleet, TASCO has introduced new Euro 6 Volvo trucks into our operations, marking an exciting step forward in both environmental responsibility and efficiency.
Euro 6 is the current emissions standard for heavy-duty diesel engines — including Volvo’s powerful FM/FH D13 and FH D16 models that TASCO operates. Rather than specifying how engines must be built, Euro 6 sets the limit for how clean the exhaust must be. These standards have driven significant innovation in engine design and after-treatment systems.
Euro 6 = cleaner air, smarter engines, and stricter emission control.
From 1 November 2025, all new heavy vehicles supplied to the Australian market must meet ADR 80/04 (Euro VI) standards. TASCO’s proactive adoption of Euro 6 technology demonstrates our commitment to staying ahead of the curve — ensuring compliance, reducing emissions, and investing in a sustainable future.
As we integrate these new Euro 6 Volvo trucks into our fleet, TASCO continues to deliver on our promise of efficiency, reliability, and sustainability. It’s another way we’re investing in the future — for our drivers, our customers, and the communities we serve.
We would like to thank our business partners and suppliers, Brad Johnson and the team at Johnsons Trucks. They continue to be an integral part of our business and we look forward to having the new equipment on the road.
The TASCO Connect 2025 Conference officially began on Tuesday the 21st of October, bringing together staff and industry partners for two days of learning, collaboration and connection.
The event kicked off with staff check-in, followed by an energetic team-building session of Minute to Win It. The activity sparked plenty of laughter, as teams worked together to complete challenges. The evening concluded with a relaxed staff dinner at Harvey’s Bar and Grill, setting the tone for the days ahead.
Day One Highlights
The first official day opened with the TASCO Welcome & Business Update, delivered by Ross Lake and Evan Newell, providing insight into our progress and future direction.
From there, attendees enjoyed a full program of engaging presentations, including:
Ross Smith from Complete Credit Management Dave Bickle from New Sunrise Group Danielle Jones from William Buck Rob Watson & Matt Haigh from Ampol Elisha Radwanowski from ACAPMA
Following a great first day, staff and business partners were invited to TASCO’s annual Gala Evening that is held at a surprise location each year.
Gala Evening, The Terrace – Royal Botanic Gardens
Our annual TASCO Gala Evening was held on Wednesday, 22nd of October, at The Terrace, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. Guests began arriving from 6:00pm, welcomed by the beautiful lakeside setting, elegant interior, and the lush surrounds of the gardens, creating the perfect backdrop for an evening of celebration.
The highlight of the night was the presentation of our annual awards, beginning with our site recognitions. We would like to congratulate:
Retail Site of the Year: Kerang Depot of the Year: Naracoorte
Following the site awards, it was time to shine a light on our Staff Excellence Awards. These awards encourage nominations from across our network, with no limit to the number of entries, ensuring every team member has the opportunity to be recognised for their efforts. Congratulations to our 2025 Staff Excellence Award winners:
HSSE Champion: Aaron Cardwell, Benalla Business Innovation: Robert Bond, Mildura Service Excellence: Steve Cheriton, Murray Bridge Community Engagement: Helen Aisbett, Bendigo
With formalities complete, guests enjoyed their final course while taking in the incredible atmosphere and views of the gardens. We extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the TASCO Gala Evening such a memorable occasion.
Day Two Highlights
Day Two of TASCO Connect 2025 focused on strengthening internal connections, sharing insights, and fostering open discussion across our business.
The morning began with a Wholesale Group Panel Session hosted by Mark MacKenzie. The Wholesale panel included staff from our wholesale side of the business, and Brad Johnson from Johnsons Trucks. The panel answered questions from the audience and explored key topics within the wholesale space.
After morning tea, Pete Jessup and Mark Hughes from our Retail Department took the stage, sharing updates on retail operations, including highlights from our exciting refurbishment projects across the TASCO network. Following Retail’s presentation, John De Luca hosted a second Group Panel Session, featuring staff from Credit, HR, Finance, and Admin which allowed for valuable two-way discussion, with staff encouraged to ask the departments questions and engage in meaningful dialogue. On conclusion of the second Group Panel Session, staff were then introduced to Communication Coach Rik Rushton. Rik delivered an engaging and practical session on workplace communication, equipping teams with tools to build stronger collaboration and connection.
Day Two was a fantastic opportunity to reflect on our internal strengths, share expertise across departments, and continue building the collaborative spirit that drives TASCO forward.
TASCO Connect 2025 proved to be a fun few days for staff and business partners, combining team spirit, networking, and valuable insights to carry forward. Thank you to all who attended and we look forward to 2026!
A Family Legacy at Tailem Bend Roadhouse: The Axon Sisters
At the heart of Tailem Bend’s roadhouse is a story of family, dedication, and community connection – a story carried proudly by the Axon sisters: Kristine, Julie, Donna, Gail & Helen.
For decades, the Axon name has been woven into the fabric of the roadhouse, making it more than just a stop for travellers – it’s a place where hard work, loyalty, and family values come together.
Between them, the sisters and their mother have dedicated more than 136 years of combined service to the Tailem Bend Roadhouse, shaping it into the welcoming, familiar stop it’s become for travellers, locals, and truck drivers alike. Their story is one of loyalty, laughter, and love for what they do – and for each other.
Together, Kristine, Julie, Donna, Gail & Helen have seen the business evolve, welcoming locals and visitors alike with the same friendly faces that regulars have come to know and appreciate.
Their story is more than about clocking in and out of shifts – it’s about carrying on a family legacy. Generations of travellers have been served by the Axons, whether it’s a hot meal, fuel for the road, or simply a warm smile at the counter. For many, stopping at Tailem Bend isn’t just about convenience – it’s about familiarity, comfort, and the trust built by families like the Axons.
“Even when I’m here, I still feel like I’m home”
A Family Legacy Begins
The Axon family’s connection to the roadhouse goes back generations. Their mother worked at the site in its early years, and it wasn’t long before the next generation followed in her footsteps.
Gail was the first to join, coming across from Golden Fleece in 1985, when the site was still branded Ampol. Not long after, Donna followed in 1986, and together they began building a name synonymous with hard work and heart. Helen and Julie soon followed joining Gail and Donna in 1997. While Kristine’s path took her to the local hospital for nearly a decade, she then joined her sisters at the roadhouse in 2004.
While the sisters share family connection, their personalities all differ and are all unique. Eldest of the sisters, Kristine was noted as being strong, “Too strong, doesn’t ask for help” – Donna. Second eldest sister Julie is very clearly the quiet one, shy and doesn’t like to rock the boat – just goes with the flow. “If my looks could kill though” laughs Julie. Next in line is Donna, loves to have a laugh and the other half of the self declared “package deal” that is Donna and youngest sister Helen. In the middle is Gail, described by her sisters as strong willed, the rebel, no filter and the first to ask a question. Completing the puzzle is the baby of the family, youngest sister Helen, described as “can be firey and the other half of the package deal that is Donna and Helen”.
What has kept the sisters part of the team for so many years? They all agree: it’s the family-oriented culture, the balance between work and life, and the strong team around them. “It’s a great environment,” says Kristine. “We’ve always had good people around us, and that makes all the difference.”
For Donna and Helen, working side by side has become second nature. “We come as a pair,” laughs Donna. “We’ve been working together for so long — we just know how each other works.” Reliability and trust run deep between them. They know each other’s rhythms, moods, and even when to step in without a word spoken. “I like it,” adds Donna, simply. “It just feels right.”
While the sisters share family connection, their personalities all differ and are all unique. Eldest of the sisters, Kristine was noted as being strong, “Too strong, doesn’t ask for help” – Donna. Second eldest sister Julie is very clearly the quiet one, shy and doesn’t like to rock the boat – just goes with the flow. “If my looks could kill though” laughs Julie. Next in line is Donna, loves to have a laugh and the other half of the self declared “package deal” that is Donna and youngest sister Helen. In the middle is Gail, described by her sisters as strong willed, the rebel, no filter and the first to ask a question. Completing the puzzle is the baby of the family, youngest sister Helen, described as “can be firey and the other half of the package deal that is Donna and Helen”.
What has kept the sisters part of the team for so many years? They all agree: it’s the family-oriented culture, the balance between work and life, and the strong team around them. “It’s a great environment,” says Kristine. “We’ve always had good people around us, and that makes all the difference.”
For Donna and Helen, working side by side has become second nature. “We come as a pair,” laughs Donna. “We’ve been working together for so long — we just know how each other works.” Reliability and trust run deep between them. They know each other’s rhythms, moods, and even when to step in without a word spoken. “I like it,” adds Donna, simply. “It just feels right.”
“We’ve always had good people around us, and that makes all the difference.”
Roles, Change, and Resilience
Over the years, the sisters have taken on everything from front-of-house service to management roles, often filling in wherever needed. “I still enjoy coming to work,” says Kristine. “I enjoy the work — it’s getting harder as we get older, but we still love it.”
From driveway service days, “That’s where I met my husband — 37 years later, we’re still together!” laughs Kristine, to new POS systems, rebrands, and building extensions, they’ve seen the roadhouse evolve time and again. Gail sums it up best: “I started with Ampol, and now we’re back to Ampol. Full circle.”
“I remember I used to be able to work an 8 hour shift on my own, definitely couldnt do that now!” – Julie.
The best advice the sisters have for anyone starting within the hospitality industry, “If customers are aggressive or nasty, you want to send that customer off happy”.
When asked about some highlights of working at the roadhouse, there was no shortage of conversation. The roadhouse has seen customers such as Nat Bassingthwaighte, Lisa McCune, Jacko from AFL team Geelong and Angry Anderson pop by. Angelo “The fishing guy comes in a few times, I had to cook him fish one night and I was very nervous about having to cook a fisherman, fish!” Donna said.
Further public faces were, Jason McCartney Bali bombing victim and his brother, “Were you on this is your life?” asked Gail, always being the sister to speak up and ask any questions that some may shy away from. A very fun visit was from performer Hans in his eye catching pink hummer. When asked if the sisters enjoy working together they all responded with similar thoughts. Kristine noted “its probably got to the point if one of us moved too far away, we wouldn’t like it, Tailem Bend to Mannum would be the furtherst we have been away from each other our whole lives”. As the interview with the sisters wraps up, Gail notes “I’m proud of working for a company like TASCO and the opportunities I was given through TASCO”.
The Axon sisters are a reminder of what makes Tailem Bend Roadhouse so special. Their dedication shows that the roadhouse is more than a pit stop – it’s a meeting place, a memory-maker, and, in this case, a true example of how family and community spirit keep the wheels turning.
Travellers passing through Charlton will be pleased to hear that the amenities block at our site has undergone a full refurbishment — delivering a clean, modern, and comfortable experience for everyone stopping in.
Located at 166–186 High Street, Charlton VIC 3525, the upgraded facilities feature all-new hardware throughout, including brand-new toilets, showers, basins, and fittings. The refreshed design ensures improved functionality, hygiene, and comfort, catering to both locals and those journeying along the highway.
This upgrade reflects our ongoing commitment to enhancing convenience and providing a welcoming environment for all who visit our network. Whether you’re making a quick stop or taking a well-earned break, you can count on Charlton’s renewed amenities for a more enjoyable roadside experience.
Next time you’re on the road, make Charlton one of your stops — you’ll notice the difference.
As we continue our network revitalisation, we also welcome our first complete Big Bite branded store to the TASCO network.
Our site at Sea Lake has undergone a significant refurbishment, bringing with it a new level of service and convenience for travellers and locals alike. With food volumes at the site steadily increasing, the upgrades were both timely and essential to ensure that the location could continue to grow and meet demand.
At the heart of the transformation is the installation of a fully equipped kitchen, designed to support an expanded food offer. The renovation also features modernised facilities throughout, including new hot and cold display units, upgraded counterworks, and additional shelving to strengthen both the food and convenience offering. A barista coffee insert has been introduced, serving Common Ground coffee, ensuring that customers can enjoy a premium coffee experience to compliment their meal.
As part of the refurbishment, we have also implemented our branded food store, Big Bite. This aligns with our broader commitment to providing memorable customer experiences—going above and beyond the basics of fuel and food to create a stopover destination that travellers look forward to visiting.
Pete Jessup, TASCO Retail Manager noted that the changes at Sea Lake are part of a wider strategy to lift the standard of our networks roadside service across the region. “We recognise that today’s customers are looking for more than just fuel. They want quality food, fresh coffee, and a welcoming environment where they can take a break and recharge,” Pete said. “Our investment at Sea Lake reflects our commitment to delivering exactly that.”
With the Calder Highway serving as a vital transport route, the enhanced Sea Lake site is positioned to play an important role for both locals and those passing through. Next time you’re travelling the Calder, make sure to stop in at Sea Lake to experience the newly refurbished site!
This year we continued our network revitalisation, commencing with The Bridge Cafe & Fuel!
With fantastic operators, busy location and expansive fresh food offer, the site was due for an uplift and rebrand to match.
Beginning with the rebrand, we wanted to promote in the new name and logo all that The Bridge Cafe & Fuel has to offer, including both the cafe and fuel elements, along with a fresh new look for both the external facade and internal refurbishment.
Along with the expansive fresh food offer, customers are now welcomed by a fully refurbished store with all new counter joinery, new cold unit, sandwhich prep unit, coffee machine, fully painted interior to continue the rebrand colour scheme and new shelving to compliment the in store convenience offer.
If you’re seeking a fantastic breakfast, lunch, dinner, fuel or convenience goods, call in and see Aaron, Linda and the team at The Bridge Cafe & Fuel…
During May, TASCO Carriers and Depot Staff across our network shared a breakfast for Healthy Heads in Trucks and Sheds R U OK DAY.
For the fourth year in a row Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds and R U OK? have teamed up to ensure everyone working in the road transport, warehousing and logistics industries know when and how to meaningfully connect and genuinely ask, “are you ok?”
R U OK? in Trucks & Sheds National Day of Action was 6 May 2025 and this year gain promoted “Ask R U OK? – No qualifications needed”.
Ask R U OK? – No qualifications needed aims to break through this stigma and highlight that you don’t need to be qualified counsellor to check in with a colleague or friend. This year, our TASCO Carriers team got involved, showing appreciation for our drivers and continuing the conversation about mental health, in each depot location over breakfast attended by drivers and depot staff.
Over breakfast staff listened to personal stories from HHTS and some even participated in activities organised by their Depot Managers, each driver also received a TASCO Carriers pack which included TASCO Carriers merch and essential HHTS R U OK resources.
We would like to thank our Depot Managers, depot staff & drivers who participated and continued the conversation.
"The number one thing managers and colleagues should do - take the time to get to know one another."
Wimpy’s Wodonga holds an important place within the TASCO network. Being one of our largest company run sites, Wimpy’s employs in excess of 20 local staff and provides essential services such as fuel, food and convenience items to locals and travellers alike as well as providing a place for transport operators to have a break, take a shower and enjoy a good meal at a good price.
Bringing back the “Wimpy’s” name was the next logical step for this site after seeing how often the location is referred to as “Wimpy’s” or “The Old Wimpy” on social media posts. This also tied in with a refresh of the sites façade and signage which has given it a whole new look and feel. Wimpy’s continues to show outstanding growth & resilience despite many other fuel retailers entering the local market. This is testament to the entire TASCO team at this location and the great value food and convenience items on offer. Confirmation that Wimpy’s really is part of the local community.
Our Retail department have set their sights on completing several site refurbishments throughout our network, beginning last year with Ouyen Roadhouse.
Due to its location on a busy highway, Ouyen is one of our busiest sites, for both food and fuel sales. Originally a BP, then Caltex and now Ampol, Ouyen Roadhouse was in need of an uplift both internally and externally. Customers are now welcomed by a fully refurbished store that provides a comfortable dine in option, large convenience offer along with a great range of food options.
Next time you’re on the road, call in and see Leeanne, Phil & the team at Ouyen Roadhouse or check out the full gallery below..
On the 8th – 10th of October our Annual TASCO Conference was held at the Amora Riverwalk Hotel in Richmond.
Melbourne Newport Terminal The conference began with TASCO’s Ampol Business Manager, Peter Moran taking a group on a tour of the Ampol Newport Terminal. An incredible experience for our staff to get first hand knowledge of the operational aspect of fuel transport and handling, prior to drivers collecting.
At the end of the tour, staff were then shown the Newport operations hub for Ron Finemore Transport. Scott Cooper from Ron Finemore Transport introduced staff to Cameron Kempson, Operations Planner for Ron Finemore Transport Bulk Liquids Division. Cameron’s responsibility is to effectively and efficiently plan and execute deliveries to fuel customers, utilising metro and regionally based fleet and drivers. He manages, monitors and maintains fuel leaves as per customers requirements, TASCO Petroleum included. Staff were amazed at Cameron’s skill and also the technology and knowledge he has at hand.
LEGO MASTERS
On conclusion of the Newport Terminal tour, all staff assembled in the conference room at the Amora Riverwalk for a team session, TASCO’s Lego Masters.
TASCO Lego Masters was a team building activity that challenged small groups in design thinking, problem solving, iterative learning, effective planning and rapid deployment of ideas. It is was enjoyable, engaging and specifically designed to enhance our staff connections and interactions with one another. A great afternoon with some fantastic creations by staff and the winners crowned.
Day one.
The conference commenced with presentations from external guest speakers and also internal staff presentations. Speaking to the group about all things finance was Joel George & Praveen Gounder from Commonwealth Bank, Danielle Jones from William Buck presented on superannuation and Dr Tim Driscoll from the Royal Flying Doctor Services spoke to the group about supportive conversations within the workplace.
After morning tea the group session panel commenced with internal speakers Steve Rose TASCO Carriers Manager and Jason Wells TASCO Lubricants & Marketing Manager joined by external guest speakers Kevin Rodda from Ron Finemore Transport and Peter Moran from Ampol to discuss all things wholesale, TASCO business and industry related. From the group session panel, internal presentations commence with internal training tips from Wayne Hatcher on our Octane accounting system which was then followed by a presentation from guest speaker Elle Lancaster from our Acacia Employee Assistance Program, addressing the group about the services all TASCO staff have access to as members of Acacia EAP.
After lunch the group then settled in for a presentation on all things retail with our Retail Director Mark Hughes and Retail Manager Pete Jessup. To compliment the retail focus, Kosta Soldatos from New Sunrise Group presented afterwards, going through each TASCO operated site and giving further information about what New Sunrise Group is currently working on. To conclude the day, Rob Watson and Donella Corbett from Ampol presented. Rob gave an update of Ampols projects they have been working on and insights on industry related topics. Donella then presented on a hot topic for many businesses, customer service.
That evening, staff and external guests and business partners were invited to TASCO’s annual Gala Evening that is held at a surprise location each year…
Gala Evening
Welcome to Crown! At approx 6.00pm guests arrived at one of Melbournes finest venues for our Gala Evening with the event being held in the incredible Horizon room at Crown Towers. Overlooking the city of Melbourne, Horizon provided an amazing backdrop to the night that followed, with great company, site awards with thanks to Ampol combined with our TASCO staff excellence awards were presented.
Presentations During the evening we farewelled Tony Prosser and thanked him for his service to TASCO Petroleum as he now enjoys retirement. There was many fond memories and words of appreciation, while a few laughs were also shared when reminiscing on Tony’s time with TASCO Petroleum since the acquisition of Barrett Petroleum in 2013. Next up for presentations was our annual Retail Site of the Year and our Depot Site of the Year.
We would like to congratulate the following: Retail site of the Year: St Arnaud Depot of the Year First Place: Benalla Depot of the Year Second Place: Mildura Depot of the Year Third Place: Bunnaloo
Staff Awards After the site awards it was then time for our Staff Excellence awards.
The staff excellence awards being: • Service Excellence • Business Innovation • Community Engagement • HSSE Champion
We encouraged all staff to get involved and make nominations via a nomination form that was sent out. Nominations were unlimited and all awards could be applied to both retail and wholesale aspects of our business, giving all staff within our network the opportunity to be recognised.
We would like to congratulate the following winners: • HSSE Champion: Benji Seers, Benalla Depot • Business Innovation: Ronan Ban & Emma Hamence, Mildura • Service Excellence: Drew May, Albury • Community Engagement: John Carra, Mildura
Once all formalities were complete, guests enjoyed their final course while taking in the incredible atmosphere and city views. Thank you to all who attended our Gala Evening. We look forward to 2025!
