It was July 1, 1970 when Helen and Robert Purtle of Mulwala took over an existing business G.G. & I. Burley Electrical Contractors from owners Graham and Iris Burley who decided to move to Queensland.
“After fifty years or so, we’ve decided to hand over the business to a younger generation,” Purtle senior told the Yarrawonga Chronicle.
“But I’ll still be involved on a social note or advisory capacity. I’ll still be wearing the fluorescent shirt – it gets you to a lot of places!”
The 51 years in business is believed to be a record for the same Mulwala family or couple.
Married in 1969, qualified apprentice Robert (Possum) and wife Helen began the business the following year. “We purchased from Graham an old panel van, a ladder and some cable, and started R & H Purtle Electrical Contractors,” Helen recalled.
“Our first job was at Pat O’Kane Telford Street where we repaired a light and charged $5.00. We still have the invoice.”
“One of our first major jobs was the kitchen extension at the Mulwala and District Services Club with the builders Oakley Brothers (Bing and Gordon),” Robert Purtle OAM said.
“We thank all three service clubs for their loyal service and special working relationships.”
For the best part of 40 years, 73-year-old Robert – more commonly known as ’Possum’ - has been Mulwala Progress Association Chairman and was simultaneously Mulwala Water Ski Club President for about 10 years after being club treasurer.
In 1994, he was named the town’s Citizen of the Year and was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in 2016 for outstanding service to the community. “I want to do a little more community work,” Possum said on his ‘retirement’.”
Eldest son Nic has decided to go his own way but contributed 33 years of service to the family business.
“We thank Nic very much for all his work over those 33 years and wish him all the best for his future work,” Helen said.
“We have been very grateful to live in a community like Yarrawonga/Mulwala. People have been very supportive of our business, we’ve appreciated that support and hope it will continue for the next 50 years.”
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