Freddy Addison

In 2003, after five decades of quietly plugging away at the southern end of town, 74-year-old Freddy Addison found himself in the extraordinary position of being the sole-surviving service station operator in Kiama, following the closure of a Kiama Heights outlet. Suddenly, Freddy was sitting on a goldmine.

In Feb 2005, Woolworths approached Addison and told him to name his price. His answer? $20 million. Mr Addison reportedly said: ‘I couldn't see any other way to get the message across. I don't have a price.’ The ageing business with the faded Austin sign and dated petrol bowsers was not for sale.

At the time, Addison's Garage was one of the few remaining service stations in the region to retain full customer service - where the long-serving staff knew not only your name, but probably every car you ever owned.

Mr Addison maintained that a ‘standard’ petrol station could never compare with his traditional establishment no matter how much money was invested: ‘I could never sell my station; my customers would be lost without it.'

(From ‘$20 million? It's Not For Sale At Any Price, Says Freddy’, The Illawarra Mercury, Michelle Hocter, 1 Feb 2005)

Addison's Garage, corner of Manning and Bonaira Sts, Kiama c.2010

Freddy Addison of Addison's Garage, aged 81 c.2010

Addison's Garage, corner of Manning and Bonaira Sts, Kiama c.2010.