This year they are celebrating 70 years in business.

The business was opened by Jack and Mavis Murphy in 1946 before being passed onto Peter Murphy and now Dave Murphy.

When Jack came up with the idea to start his own tyre business he asked a friend for a start up loan of 200 pound, so successful was business from the outset, he was able to repay the loan in only two months.

Jack and Mavis set up business at 14 Kinghorne Street in an old weatherboard shop which they used until 1959, when they completed a purpose built brick premises. This eliminated the need to jack up cars on the kerb and fit tyres on the foot path.

“My grandmother and grandfather had Murphy’s Tyre Service where Aldi is now,” manager Dave Murphy said.

“My dad tells me stories about when Jack was here, they used to barter, guys would come in and not have a lot of money, so they would swap chickens or rabbits for a re-tread. That’s how they did it, it was hard times.” 

In 1970 Jack sadly passed away, so his son Peter took over the running of the business and in 1972 the site was sold and they moved premises to an old Renault / Peugeot dealership on North Street.

“Dad moved home from Sydney, where he worked with Dunlop to help grandma out, then they moved the business to here,” Mr Murphy said.

“This was a service station originally. We used to sell petrol a long time ago, as a combination with tyres. Our pumps only went to 99 cents, we couldn’t keep up with inflation, once it got to a dollar we couldn’t charge anymore, so they had to go.”

Mr Murphy described the changes he has seen in the industry. 

“I think productivity and technology has come a long way, there is so much variety, brands, sizes and cars now,” he said.

“Every car that comes out seems to be putting on a new [wheel] size, so it’s hard to keep up with the trends and what the more popular tyres or cars are.” 

Despite the changes over the years, and now employing several staff, the business has maintained a sense of family. 

“I’ve got Michael who has been with me for 20 years and Keith who has been with me for 40 years. He’s our longest employee,” Mr Murphy said.

“Dad still comes in towards the end of the month to help with book work and if I go away he’ll come in. It’s great to have him around.”

After holding a celebration for their 60^th anniversary ten years ago Mr Murphy felt it was only right to mark the next big milestone.

“The guys from head office have been really helpful getting us Beau Ryan,” he said.

“We have the Showmow guys coming down, who are bringing their racing carts, jumping castle for the kids, wheel and tyre reps and plenty of giveaways.

“We’re not going to be changing tyres or anything on the day, we want to get everyone down here, maybe people who haven’t been here before or want to come and check it out and see what we do and who we are. 

“There will also be a BBQ with bacon and egg muffins and a sausage sizzle. My mums pretty good on the barbie.”