FOR THE past 32 years Gary Whittle has poured his heart and soul into his mechanical repair workshop at 2/48 Prospero Street, South Murwillumbah, where he’s become a familiar face to many local families.
Gary has also continued a Whittle family tradition of hard work and a passionate approach to Tweed Valley life that dates back more than 120 years.
But following a heart attack in February this year and a need to concentrate on his health, Gary along with his wife Eileen, who also plays a strong role in the business, have decided to announce their retirement.
The couple have sold the business to Kurt Buchanan and his wife Rachel, who bring a fresh approach while retaining Gary’s hard work ethic and commitment to local families.
Gary and Eileen both said they would miss Murwillumbah dearly, but have decided to make a move to Evans Head where they can enjoy a change of pace, while making frequent visits to Murwillumbah.
The business has already changed hands as well as the name from Gary Whittle Auto to Buchanan Motors, but the vision of quality service remains.
The Weekly recently caught up with Gary and Kurt to find out more about the transition as well as Kurt’s vision for the business.
Kurt, 33, brings an experience base spanning 17 years as a full-time mechanic and business owner.
As with the Whittle family, the Buchanan family has a strong local presence in the Tweed Shire dating back three generations.
Kurt has already made some initial changes to the business including new equipment and updating technology.
“We’re continuing a lot of the hard work and family business ethics that Gary had in place, but we’re also moving into the 21st century with new hoists and diagnostic computers that enable us to work on more modern vehicles,” he said.
Kurt said he also has a new mechanic starting in the next three weeks alongside his current lead mechanic Michael Shackle.
Kurt’s wife Rachel will take on the role of administration and customer service, which takes over from Eileen Whittle.
Eileen has been working with her husband Gary for the past 28 years and said it was time for a change.
“It’s going to be hard to leave the place,” she said.
“But we know the business is in good hands and we intend on making regular visits, but it’s really time to focus on Gary’s health and make a change in life.”
Gary said he was feeling the nerves that come with big change, but he knew it was time.
“It was probably time to change three or more years ago, but sometimes these things are forced on us with the health issues,” he said.
“I think the business is in great hands with Kurt and Rachel, who have a great approach to their work and will look after their customers as Eileen and I did.”
Gary said he still remembers his first job at the young age of 16 polishing a car for Ebbott & Fenner Holden.
“It was in this same workshop 50 years ago that I washed and polished a white HR Holden sedan,” he said.
“There’s a lot of memories in this place, but the time is right for change.”
Gary had only a few job roles before entering his own business including working for Ebbott & Fenner Holden, the new Holden dealer, Bernie Quinn at Datsun and then started Gary Whittle Auto on November 1, 1986.
Gary will remain on at Buchanan Motors for the next month during the handover.
To find out more about Buchanan Motors visit 2/48 Prospero Street or phone (02) 6672 4500.
(Please note this article was printed in The Weekly on August 9)