History
The Kangaroo Petroleum Company Pty Ltd was registered for business in May 1959 & commenced operating in October 1959 by a group of Melbourne businessmen.
The founders were: John Charles Farrin Webb, Geoffrey Albert Hammond, John Reginald Bishop, Bernard Cowen, Co-founder of the Pacific Oil Company Pty Ltd, Basil Cocks, founder of the Daylite Oil Company & Sir Kenneth Luke CMG, knighted by the Queen in 1962 for his contributions to public service, holder of many directorships, President of the Carlton Football Club from 1938 - 1955, Vice President of the Victorian Football League from 1946 - 1955 & President of the Victorian Football League from 1956 - 1971 ( his passing ).
They branded the company as "The Small Australian, All - Australian Company" Initially providing their own capital for setup requirements & then securing financial backing from the Shell Company of Australia along with a long term contract of 20+20 years with Shell to supply them with fuel & associated products marketing would begin immediately to promote their new business venture.
They setup office at 390 St. Kilda Rd Melbourne and then in September 1960 moved to 14-18 Brunswick St Fitzroy after forming another company " KPH Ltd" to acquire the shares of the original company.
The company expanded quickly throughout the state of Victoria taking on many federal, state and local government contracts and by June 1962 had 47 service stations, 34 of which were in operation in metropolitan Melbourne. The service stations were in strategic locations away from their competitors as they were eager to win over the discerning motorist. A limited number of depots/agents were established in various towns in southern NSW and although the company was later registered in WA, the ultimate vision was to be operating in all states of Australia.
In Jan 1962 the company was listed on the stock market under the name of "Kangaroo Petroleum Holdings Ltd " this followed reorganisation to cope with expanding business interests and as a first step towards achieving public status.
In July 1962 Total Oil Products ( Aust ) Ltd made an offer to purchase Kangaroo however, the negotiations stalled when Total Oil was denied access to view the supply agreement Kangaroo had with the Shell Company of Australia.
The company was eventually acquired by H.C. Sleigh Ltd ( Golden Fleece ) in August 1962.
References
The Age Newspaper
The Sun Newspaper
The Sydney Morning Herald Newspaper
The Herald Newspaper
The Australian Automobile Trade Journal
Various other sources
With thanks to:
Simon Barnfield at "Old Service Station Photographs - Australia" Facebook Site
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