In 1984, Edward River Tyre Centre began from humble beginnings with BI the driving force behind its operations.
A short time later, Bruce Holloway Snr introduced Deniliquin Toyota to the mix, and later brought son Steve into the business in a sales role.
“I was working on farms in the Riverina when my father had Deniliquin Toyota,” Steve recalls.
“He asked me to join him in the sales department in 1986. Not long after, he told me he was going for a weekend away in Bermagui, and he never returned, which began my time as the dealer principal.
“We started with Toyota and then later acquired Rural Ford, and more recently Deniliquin Hyundai, ensuring the automotive market in the town stayed strong. We’ve been involved in many events and sponsored local clubs as a part of our commitment to the community.
“Our team has included up to 30 employees across the business, including apprentices and our family members who have joined us through the years. We employed local whenever we could and have seen many faces come and go, with a few who have been with us for most of the journey”.
In 2018, the tyre centre closed its doors and BI transitioned into the dealership’s service department, performing mechanical work, yard work, and even wielding a paint gun to freshen up the office walls. BI is known for his boundless energy and no-nonsense approach.
“We’ve seen the business through economic downturns, a global pandemic, personal battles and a shifting automotive landscape,” Steve said.
“Through all of it, we’ve always tried to keep our focus on our customers and the community, and we’ve built relationships that have spanned across generations.”
As the Holloways enter a well-earned retirement, they are proud to announce that the business has sold to another family operation - Ian and Stacey Lugsdin, who own and operate Lugsdin Toyota across the plains in Hay.
“We are thrilled to hand over the keys to a family who know the area and know what it means to live and work in the country,” Steve said.
“It was incredibly important to us that the business continue in the hands of people who understand our customers, who share the same community-first values that have guided us all these years.”
As Steve and BI take their final drive off the lot, their legacy will not just be remembered in the vehicles sold or serviced, but in the deep relationships they built and the contributions they made to their home town.
