Wayne and Maree Wheeler retirement

Narrabri businessowners Wayne and Maree Wheeler are grateful for the community’s support after almost a lifetime in business in Narrabri.

The couple recently handed over the reins of their Francis street business to son and daughter-in-law Shane and Michelle.

Wayne and Maree arrived in Narrabri in 1973 while Wayne had still been working at Dalgetys.

The young family had needed to find a dryer climate, and while originally planning to head to Longreach, Narrabri ended up being where they would call home and raise a family of four.

The opportunity to step into the business world came in 1978 when they took over the Caltex depot and they changed course again with the start of Weel Distributors and then Weel Australia.

Development at the current Francis Street site started in 2002 and Weel Australia was open in its premises from 2003.

Decades of involvement in business have left the couple grateful for the support of the industries they have been involved with as well as the community itself.

“We really feel like we have contributed to the community,” Wayne said.

“This community has been absolutely fabulous,” Maree added. “Once you live here, you wouldn’t want to leave.”

Reflecting on a life spent in business, Wayne said they had enjoyed association with various companies over the years across both the fuel and steel industries.

“Both of them have been terrific journeys,” Wayne said.

“Those industries have been extremely good to us.”

The couple have generously supported many organisations and events over the years.

Wayne has been a long-time member of Rotary and has provided his expertise on many projects.

Maree has also enjoyed involvement with SIAHTO and netball, and the couple also were involved in Narrabri Pony Club when their children were younger.

The couple has also enjoyed seeing Narrabri host some successful fundraising events, like Relay for Life (now the Stars Dance for Cancer has taken its place) and Pink Up Namoi.

“That’s what Narrabri does so well,” Wayne said of Narrabri’s ability to make fundraising events a record-breaking success.

“It’s been great to be able to raise a family here,” Maree said.

Like most businessowners, they’ve experienced their ups and downs.

“We didn’t just sit here and wait for things to come,” he said.

Wayne said Weel had built more than 700 sheds since the business was established.

With Shane and Michelle stepping up to run the business, Wayne and Maree are able to enjoy the retirement they deserve after dedicating their lives to business and supporting the community.

Wayne is quick to dismiss the idea of a quiet life in retirement, with a to-do list of things he wants to complete at their property on the outskirts of Narrabri.

The couple also wants to travel to spend time with nearby friends as well as to Sydney to see children Dean, Melissa, Jillian and their families.

“We’re very fortunate we have a great family,” Wayne said.

“This whole journey for us has been exciting, rewarding and fulfilling.

“It’s been a great community to us. And there’s still part of the journey to go.”