Goodfellows — Celebrating 30 years

Celebrating 30 years

Vision and dedication secret to success

Through hard work, dedication and a deep understanding of the market, he has grown the Goodfellows Rental and Storage Solutions business into a thriving enterprise, now celebrating three decades of success.

Graham Goodfellow more commonly known as ‘Butch’, is a jovial and intelligent man, known by many in the community and no stranger to the region.

With a long family history beside both his parents and two brothers at the Driver Education Centre of Australia ‘DECA’ in Shepparton, Butch’s past proves to be both rich in authenticity and wisdom, leaving a tale that could only be told by Butch himself.

“My brother Richard was a truck and B-double instructor, and Peter was a motorcycle instructor,” Butch said.

“They spent their lives teaching and training people how to drive and obtain the ‘all important’ driver’s licence.

“I spent years endeavouring to take their licences off them, through my role as an enforcement officer.

“My mother Beryl occupied a front row seat to the driver training centre for many years — she was also the centre’s first qualified driving instructor and was an incredible self-taught author.

“My father Aubrey was a police licence tester in the early days and had his own driving school in Melbourne and here in Shepparton — he was also an instructor at DECA and part of the training centre’s initial set-up.

“My family’s work ethic is something that fills me with immense pride — it was truly inspiring to witness and helped shape me into the man I am today.”

Butch spent 23 years working as a transport safety manager with VicRoads, Road Traffic Authority and the Transportation Regulation Board. The enforcement role preceded him to work many years coinciding with DECA and was a role he is immensely proud of.

“DECA over the years trained thousands of drivers and I believe probably saved thousands of lives,” he said.

“It was an honour to be a part of, especially beside my family.”

In 1993 Butch was offered a redundancy package through VicRoads and bought GV Car and Truck rentals with 10 vehicles.

Over time, the fleet increased, and the business

Goodfellows owner Graham Goodfellow.

Thirty years ago when Graham Goodfellow started his storage and rental company, he had a vision, he was determined and he was ready to achieve big things.

moved from Campbell St to Benalla Rd where it stayed until 1999 when Butch purchased the current land in Kialla, on the Goulburn Valley Hwy. The building of the business on new land started in 2000, and Butch said he would never forget a conversation he had with his father.

“I remember it like it was yesterday,” Butch said. “My father asking me ‘what the hell are you going to do with all this land’?”

But after a trip to a storage shed conference, Butch was inspired, and not long after storage sheds were built on the land.

“I admit, I was always looking forward,” he said. “Hiring mechanics, trying to think smart and trying to build on the fleet.

“But I haven’t done it all by myself either.”

Butch has two children. Son, Dan Goodfellow, who is the operations general manager for Coates Hire Australia, and Amanda Hodges, who has dedicated the past 20 years working beside her father.

She is the manager of the business, alongside her husband Andrew.

“I owe a lot to them, and I am so grateful for all their hard work and help,” he said.

“They have both played and continue to play integral company roles.

“Mandy and I have our moments, but hey, we are family, and we also take a lot from each other too.”

In 2019, Butch acquired a brain injury and was forced into early retirement. He continues to suffer paralysis on the left side of his body and has shortterm memory loss.

He admitted that the life changing event had been difficult to overcome.

“I still struggle with a bit of black dog,” Butch said. “There was a time I could memorise a report after reading it, now I see one and can’t retain a thing.

“It’s been hard, but I am alive, and retirement is working out okay.”

Today, Butch helps with the business from the sidelines while keeping busy with the love of his life Tamara of 20 years, painting, and

his ongoing commitment to the Shepparton Central Rotary Club.

Although he has stepped away from the business, it remains in safe hands with Amanda and Andrew alongside a crew of dedicated staff and continues to thrive.

The fleet now sits at 115 vehicles including small to large cars, single and dual-cab utes, refrigerated vans, trucks, people-movers and buses.

It is constantly being upgraded, with pick-up and drop-off depots now in Euroa, Seymour and Echuca.

The business has 188 storage sheds today alongside shipping container options and extensive outside storage facilities, which stand as a testament to Butch’s unwavering dedication.

When Butch was asked how he felt about his time in business, the community of Shepparton and what helped him with his success, the incredibly proud family man chuckled and said “middle child syndrome.”

“I was the number two of three boys,” he said. “I was always getting into trouble and always striving to be better than what I was.

“However, I believe if you put into society, you will get it back three-fold, and Shepparton has been good to me, my business and my family, and for that I am truly grateful.

“Tamara, my wife, has been an indispensable force in not just my personal accomplishments but throughout my entire journey.

“Her unwavering support from behind-the-scenes has been the driving force behind my success, and without her, I would have never made it this far.”

As we celebrate Butch’s incredible achievement of 30 years in business, we should be inspired by his hard work and commitment to succeed.

Through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, he has remained steadfast in his vision, always willing to learn and adapt to new challenges.

His story is a testament to the fact that with passion, perseverance, and a willingness to take risks, anyone can achieve their dreams.

The Goofellows Rental and Storage Solutions office in Kialla.

Butch Goodfellow with wife Tamara Goodfellow.

Graham Goodfellow in the earlier years.

Accelerating excellence

Fate is one of the reasons the business has thrived during the years.

Almost 20 years ago, Andrew Hodges followed the love of his life from the coastal suburb of Scarborough, Western Australia to the Victorian town of Shepparton.

That love just happened to be Graham Goodfellow’s daughter, Amanda.

When the pair met, Andrew was a qualified and experienced mechanic and was working in the mining industry as an exploration driller, a role he said was quite unique.

“We were literally out in the middle of nowhere drilling at times,” he said.

“Small crew, talking to no-one for days on end, how things have changed.”

Two decades have passed since then, and for those 20 years, Andrew has been an integral part of the Goodfellows team beside his wife Amanda and father-in-law, friend and Goodfellows owner, Graham Goodfellow.

“It’s been a wild ride,” Andrew said, as he then joked about the colour of his hair.

“It’s been great, but it hasn’t always been easy.”

Andrew recalled a moment where the business changed right before his eyes, it was a big one, but he had seen many changes over the years.

“I was out the front here at the office and saw an Ertech ute drive past,” he said.

“I knew they were a valued contractor to clients in the mining industry, because I used to see them a lot when living in Western Australia.

“So, I ran to my car and chased them down the road to find out why they were in Shepparton.”

By chance Andrew caught the vehicle at the old Shell servo where SAM is now located, and maybe call it fate, because what happened next kick started a huge element to the businesses ongoing growth.

“They were in Shepparton to find a company that could rent out a fleet of utes and we got the contract,” Andrew said.

To the team at Goodfellows on their 30th Anniversary.

ABS Shepparton is looking forward to working with you for many more.

“How that all worked out I will never know, but things really changed from there on in.

“The fleet grew instantly and still to this day it continues to grow.”

Andrew’s role across the company has seen him excel in every aspect of the business, his heart and soul has been poured into it alongside his wife’s and the pair has been managing it successfully now for more than 10 years.

When asked how his working relationship was with his father-in-law and business owner, Graham, he chuckled.

“I’ve always just worked for the man, and he is the boss,” he said.

“And Butch is a bloody amazing man.”

Goodfellows manager Andrew Hodges.

Steering a family legacy

A love like no other, a warm approval between two individuals and an opportunity to unite, inspire and side by side create something big, just as father and daughter duo Graham Goodfellow and Amanda Hodges have proved possible.

“My Dad is a brilliant man,” Amanda said. “I feel so privileged to have worked beside him all these years and learnt what I have from him.

“He is truly an inspiration and even after a brain injury still insists on trying to give everything a go.”

Amanda made her way into the business in 2003 after returning from Western Australia to Shepparton with husband Andrew in tow.

“Dad needed a mechanic and Andrew was a mechanic,” she said.

“It made sense to come home.

“Fast forward 20 years and here we still are.”

Amanda knows the ins and outs of her father’s business and has been managing it for some time now. She said she couldn’t believe how much she had witnessed it change over the years.

“I started in storage, there was only a small fleet, and the business only had a handful of employees,” she said.

“I progressed into administration, which I had no idea about and then before I knew it, I was running the whole office from human resources to  accounts to managing everything.

The mother of three said that working almost seven days a week while raising children has been challenging at times, but surrounded by a beautiful community, her family has thrived.

“I have met so many amazing people over the years,” Amanda said.

“Shepparton is a lovely place to raise a family.”

From strength to strength through hard work and devotion, the Goodfellows business has stayed strong and earned a distinguished and sterling reputation across the region, one in which Amanda is extremely proud of.

“I am truly grateful for my Dad and husband’s support over the years, and I am so proud of what we have achieved together, as a team.”

Characterised by a deep sense of trust, respect and shared experiences is that of a unique and special bond between a father and daughter.

Goodfellows owner Graham Goodfellow with daughter and manager Amanda Hodges.

Goodfellows manager Amanda Hodges.

Unleashing a fleet of possibilities

Exploring the extraordinary fleet of Goodfellows rental vehicles

In the dynamic world of transportation, Goodfellows has established itself as a visionary provider, offering a remarkable fleet that caters to diverse needs.

With an impressive array of 115 vehicles, ranging from small cars to large trucks, refrigerated vans, people-movers, and even buses, Goodfellows is redefining mobility solutions.

Step aboard rental buses, where the journey becomes a transformative experience and more than just transportation.

Whether it’s a 12-seater bus for intimate gatherings or a 22-seater bus for larger groups, each ride becomes a memorable adventure filled with laughter and connection.

Venture into the world of refrigerated units that protect perishable goods, ensuring they arrive at their destination in perfect condition.

From the reliable fridge van to the mighty 14T fridge truck, the refrigerated fleet weaves a tale of precision and preservation.

But it doesn’t stop there. The fleet of cars is a diverse collection offering everything from large car luxury to a medium car strike of balance, practicality and style to small cars that are agile and efficient.

When it comes to trucks and utilities, where possibilities expand in every direction, the fleet is more than just a means of transportation providing opportunities to get a job done.

Experience the power of mobility with this exceptional fleet of rental vehicles, designed to elevate your business operations and transport your ambitions to new heights.

Truck rentals at Goodfellows are only a phone call away.

A world of possibilities with Goodfellows storage

In a world where space is at a premium, storage solutions can offer the key to seamless organisation and peace of mind. With an impressive range of storage options, Goodfellows has become a destination for all your storage needs.

From domestic to commercial, boat to caravan, and even car storage, their solutions leave no storage challenge unmet.

With 188 storage sheds, that are meticulously designed and offer dustproof, waterproof, and vermin-proof environments, ensure the utmost

protection of treasured possessions.

Security is also top priority with their premises equipped with 24-hour surveillance cameras, offering round-the-clock monitoring for added peace of mind.

Roller door alarms provide an additional layer of security, ensuring that your storage unit remains untouched.

Shipping containers and outside storage options are now providing another level of flexible solutions to accommodate a variety of needs. For those seeking document storage, there are also facilities equipped to protect your important files and records, keeping them organised and easily accessible whenever needed.

Welcome to a world of organised possibilities right here in the Goulburn Valley.

Precision in every detail

Attention to detail for a fleet of 115 varied vehicles is a busy role when you are employed by a rental company to be a detailer. One which takes company pride and dedication.

Ali Alwahame has been employed as a detailer at Goodfellows for five years. His professional approach to maintaining the appearance of the company’s rental fleet is his main goal.

“I want every vehicle to look as good as new,” Ali said.

Variety drives Damien

If you’ve ever been into Goodfellows before, which I’m sure you all have, you’ve stepped inside the door to be greeted by the kind smile of Damien Hunt.

As storage shed manager for the past two years, Damien spends most of his time managing and maintaining the 188 storage units on the property.

“Within my role, it all varies,” Damien said.

“I do retail and car rentals, but the majority of the time I’m managing storage sheds — processing

paperwork, making sure everything’s maintained.”

With an emphasis on client relations at the centre of the job position, Damien thrives on delivering the best for their customers.

“You’ve got customers coming and going all the time, so you’re talking to different people and being able to help with their car rentals, their storage solutions … being able to help people, that’s the biggest buzz.”

Faithful customers may have been using Goodfellows services longer

“Not only the exterior, but the interior too.”

Having spick and span vehicles contributes to enhanced customer service experiences, so the role of a detailer is particularly important and much more than just hosing down vehicles.

“When a vehicle returns it gets a thorough once over inside and out, before being rented to the next customer,” Ali said.

“It’s actually a really great job and the

owners have looked out for me.”

Ali also keeps quite busy with transporting vehicles from depot to depot, which are in Echuca, Seymour and Euroa.a

He assists with vehicle inspections, reporting damage when necessary and does minor repairs by fixing scratches and damaged parts. His attitude towards his valued role is as sparkling as the paint on a freshly detailed vehicle.

than Damien has been employed there, but it’s no matter.

Damien, like all Goodfellows staff, have been welcomed into the familyrun business by owner Graham Goodfellow alongside his dynamic daughter Amanda Hodges with open arms.

“It’s very family orientated, that’s the main thing,” Damien said.

“There’s a small group of us here, we’re all pretty close.

“It’s like a little family within itself.”

Time flies for Tom

Determined to find a way to keep his brain active after retiring from his business Europa Deli in Shepparton 10 years ago, Tom Milenkovic reached out to long-time friend and Goodfellows owner, Graham Goodfellow.

“Graham has been a friend for almost 50 years,” Tom said.

“I kept stepping on my wife’s toes at home after retiring and felt like I needed to find something else to do, to further occupy my mind.

“I called Graham for a chat one day,

and he offered me a part-time role.

“Ten years later I am still trying to not break the computer systems.”

Tom, who is employed as an administration assistant on Mondays and Saturdays, keeps quite busy answering the phones for the rental booking department side of the business, while helping keep the office paperwork up-to-date.

“There is always something to do, and the phones are always ringing,” he said.

“Whether it be storage sheds or

vehicles, it’s always busy.”

When Tom was asked what the most enjoyable part of his role was, his answer was genuine.

“It’s the lovely and professional people I work with and the interaction I get to maintain contact with the community,” he said.

“I really enjoy the public contact as much as my role.

“I can’t believe it’s already been 10 years.

“Time flies when you’re having fun.”

a smooth ride

The role of a mechanic is an important one at Goodfellows, which Jimmy Hooper knows all too well about.

Daily, Jimmy can be found in the workshop covered in grease servicing anything from cars, 4WDs, trucks, buses, trailers, breakdowns and whatever comes in with a problem.

“It’s a busy role with so many different vehicles available for hire, but I love it,” he said.

“There is always something

happening, and I enjoy the variety.”

With a background in tyre fitting and six years working as a licensed mechanic, Jimmy said that after just six months with the company he felt grateful for his position alongside a team of down-to-earth people.

“All the crew get along extremely well,” he said.

“There is always good banter in the workshop, and everyone has a good laugh and a joke.

Having an in-house mechanic in a business like Goodfellows adds peace of mind that no matter the size or shape of the vehicle you are hiring, it’s going to be properly maintained and serviced on a regular basis. This helps to prevent breakdowns and ensures that all vehicles are in good working condition, which improves safety, the risk of road accidents and offers peace of mind to customers.

Keeping big wheels turning

When Jason Robson first started his employment with Goodfellows he said his original position was like an all-rounder role.

Just over a year and a half later he is now learning the tricks of the trade in a totally different area of the business.

“I used to do a bit of everything,” Jason said.

“From cleaning to gardening to general yard maintenance, wherever I was needed pretty much.”

However, as the company fleet

grew so did the need for company mechanic, Jimmy Hooper, to have some assistance in the workshop. So, Jason was offered an apprenticeship as a mechanic.

He now spends his days alongside Jimmy servicing and repairing the fleet vehicles and said he was thoroughly enjoying the role and the challenge of taking on a new trade.

“I am learning heaps already and the apprenticeship has just started,” Jason said.

New admin manager balances books

Shepparton resident Donna Maxted is no stranger to the juggling act.

The mother of two has successfully kept one foot in the professional door while time-managing the needs and care of her two children’s busy schedules.

“It’s worked so well because I consider myself a numbers person and an organiser,” Donna said.

“I have schedules, pride myself on keeping everything up-to-date, and it helps that I’m no stranger to the

workforce either.”

Coming from an administrative background, Donna’s responsibilities at Goodfellows will span the entire breadth of the company, enabling the skilled numerate to “learn a bit of everything”.

“I’ll be doing the bookkeeping side of the business — accounts, payroll, daily bank reconciling, and a bit of customer service in reception with the rental and storage shed side to it,” Donna said.

Like all successful businesses, the team at Goodfellows knows and respects it is the people that make up the business, not the fleet. This social aspect is one of enthusiastic opportunity for newcomer Donna.

“I’m looking forward to meeting new people and those I have been introduced to so far are a great bunch of people to work with,” she said.

“It’ll be good to get to know everyone better.”

“They are a great family to work for and are genuinely good people.” Making sure all vehicles are in compliance with safety regulations is a must at Goodfellows, which is comforting to know when you’re hiring a vehicle that you may have never driven before.

Having an on-site mechanic and apprentice mechanic is a beneficial aspect to the Goodfellows business, especially with such a large fleet across the region.

“It makes the day easier, no matter what you have on.”

Two positions maintained

Compassionate about community

At Goodfellows there is a hidden hero working tirelessly to maintain both the grounds and the impeccable shine of the fleet.

Meet the grounds maintenance and detailing assistant, Gavin Laird.

“I am only new to the company but already I can feel the sense of family here,” Gavin said.

“It’s a busy and great place to work.”

It’s with his meticulous eye that he ensures a pristine and inviting environment around the yards.

But that’s not all — this multitasker transitions seamlessly to reviving the vehicles after client use.

His positions play a pivotal part in helping enhance the customer experience, while contributing to the overall brand image of Goodfellows.

He has had the opportunity to help organise projects, build relationships, and leave a lasting mark on the community around him. From supporting charitable endeavours to being a part of the fabric that helps bind community’s together, Butch’s impact has not gone unnoticed.

To this day, he is still actively involved in the Rotary club and beyond the realm of business his influence and overpowering need to help others, has reached far and wide.

“Shepparton has always been good to my family, so I felt the need to be good to Shepparton,” Butch said.

“In the 36 years I have been with Rotary we have nearly raised $1 million in donations for GV Health.

“It’s more than just offering your time.

“People really appreciate it, and it means more to them than money.”

Butch’s open-hearted nature and willingness to

lend a helping hand has seen him donate money to MOVE, manual vehicles to Berry Street for driver education to lending a car to a female busker to travel Australia while raising awareness and money for Beyond Blue and the Love Your Sister Foundation. “Cancer is something that these days almost touches everybody,” he said.

“I’ve had family and friends that have taken on the battle, and it’s ended with terminal results. “Raising awareness, helping a charity or business in need is important, and more people should be helping, even if it’s just their time.”

In a community where generosity weaves the threads of compassion and hope, Butch has been a guiding light illuminating the gift of giving and selflessness. Many have been embraced by his boundless compassion, and within the layers of his giving is a message and a reminder that the true measure of a life well-lived, lies in the depth of care for others.

Embarking on a volunteer journey with the Shepparton Central Rotary Club in 1985, Graham (Butch) Goodfellow dived into a world of service, networking, and community impact.

Through Goodfellows car rentals, Graham Goodfellow donated a car to Mel Yeates to complete a year of busking on the road. Mel was raising money for Beyond Blue and Love your Sister.

Fostering bonds through business

As Butch and family reflect on the incredible journey of the past three decades, they find themselves overwhelmed with gratitude. It is with appreciation that Butch extends this heartfelt thank you.

“While it is impossible to individually name every person who has played a role in our journey, I want you to know that your friendship and impact has not gone unnoticed or unappreciated,” Butch said.

“Whether you were a loyal customer, a dedicated employee, a fellow business owner, or simply a community member cheering us on from the sidelines, your presence has mattered.

“It is because of your collective belief in us that we stand tall today. Thank you for being an integral part of our story.”

MELBOURNE

If you need reliable, on demand, door-to-door, overnight freight to or from Melbourne, you might be surprised to know this is our flagship service. It’s where we started nearly 20 years ago and in that time we have managed to create something quite unique for the country town and city destinations we cover.

ECHUCA

In the days when freight was moved by paddle steamer and barge on the Murray River, Echuca became the largest inland port in Australia. It is a wonderful tourist destination to experience fine dinning, history, fishing, camping and water sports on the Murray.

BENDIGO

In 2009 we purchase our second run, servicing the city of Bendigo. Built during the gold rush, on top of one of the richest gold fields in the world, Bendigo is still thriving and is Victoria’s forth largest city. We are proud to provide both overnight services to the historic city of Bendigo and same day from there to Shepparton.

They are a great example of a successful small business - knowing their customers and caring about providing exceptional service.

SHEPPARTON IS OUR HUB

Two vehicles are based in Shepparton, completing deliveries and pick-ups for our outer runs and local Shepparton to Shepparton services. All bookings are managed at this location with phone lines open from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday on (03) 5831 7166. Online bookings are available for account customers and their regular senders. Predominantly our work is business-to-business with customers ranging from the local mechanic, to major manufactures and industry suppliers. We run a versatile fleet of vehicles including 14 pallet tautliners towing trailers, to 1 tonne vans.

ALBURY

Nestled on the edge of the Great Dividing Range, with views of the snow fields in winter, Albury-Wodonga is a major center for the region. Nearby, the Hume Dam captures rainfall from the mountains and is used to regulate the flow of the mighty Murray River along the Victorian-NSW border through to South Australia.

BENALLA

We call this our Benalla Run but it is a bit more than that. The run ends in the “Rose City” of Benalla but starts in Shepparton, winding its way to the rural cities and townships of Numurkah, Strathmerton, Cobram, Yarrawonga, Corowa, Rutherglen and Wangaratta. These areas are strong in agricultural production and manufacturing.

Bicknell’s Freight would like to thank the team at Goodfellows for their assistance over the years.

The Goodfellows team celebrating 30 years.

Graham Goodfellow

From the early days when Graham (Butch) Goodfellow first opened his business doors to the present moment, the community has been one of his greatest sources of inspiration and strength.

The history of Goodfellows

Step into the captivating journey of Goodfellows Rental and Storage Solutions as we take you through a remarkable timeline.

From humble beginnings to becoming a prominent industry player, join us as we unveil the milestones that have shaped their success and reinforced their commitment to delivering exceptional services around the Goulburn Valley and beyond.

1993:

Butch purchases GV Car and Truck Rentals on Campbell St, with a fleet of 10 vehicles.

1996: The business moves to Benalla Rd.

1999:

Butch purchases land in Kialla on the Goulburn Valley Hwy.

2003: Amanda and Andrew join the business  — 30 vehicles in the fleet.

2001:

The fleet has 20 to 25 vehicles and the first and second run of storage sheds are constructed.

2000:

Development of land starts, and the office is built.

2010: Two hectare block next door purchased.

2012:

Third and fourth run of storage sheds built.

We

2013: Large sheds and wash bay constructed.

2015: Running up to 80 vehicles.

2018: Graham’s accident forces early retirement.

2020: Running 100-vehicle fleet.

2023:

Butch celebrates 30 years in business with a fleet of 115 vehicles, 188 storage sheds, three depots and multiple storage options alongside dedicated staff.