Hobart Community Rallies to Support Embattled Pensioners

Former customers, supporters and a myriad of well-wishers converged at the Queens Head Hotel today for a special community fundraiser, held in support of former BP West Hobart business operators, Bill and Sue Bostock, who are facing homelessness.

The Bostock’s ran BP West Hobart for 38 years until they were forced to hang up the petrol pump for the last time in 2010 when their lease was not renewed. Now they stand to lose their family home if they are unable to raise $50,000 within 14 days to pay an outstanding business debt that has been attracting a staggering 22 percent interest.

Since the closure of the business, Bill, aged 74, has been unable to gain full-time work. In the last year, Bill has undergone radiation therapy for cancer, was hospitalised with septicaemia and has battled with other serious health issues. His wife is on a disability pension due to poor health.

Event Coordinator, Stephanie Watson said, I purchased my first tank of petrol from Bill when I was 21 and he took care of my motoring needs for 25 years, providing full driveway service.

“Whenever I drove past, he never failed to give a friendly wave and smile – sometimes the only smile I would receive all day.”

“As a customer, I was especially grateful for the times when Bill would allow me to fill up with petrol and pay him the following week when I could afford to. As a sole mum struggling to make ends meet, this meant the world to me,” Ms Watson said.

“With permission, Bill would also regularly offer the kids a lollypop as parents filled their tanks with petrol, earning him the title of ‘The Lollypop Man’, and the local kids could always count on Bill to inflate their bicycle tyres when required.”

“Bill simply thought of everyone and went out of his way to be kind and helpful.”

“Bill and Sue should not have to endure such financial stress at this stage of their lives, especially after everything they have done for the community. The fact that the people of Hobart have donated almost $10,000 this week would indicate that many others share the same sentiment,” she said.

A very humbled, Bill Bostock said, at our age, no bank would lend us the money to pay the outstanding debt so public donations are our last hope. “We are immensely moved by the generosity shown by so many people who have donated funds and have put so much time and effort into making this fundraising event possible.

“There are so many wonderful customers involved whom we miss very much, as well as other generous people who we have not even met, who have donated items for the auction and helped in many other ways.”

“Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to you all,” he said.

The Bill Bostock Benefit featured music by Ian Paulin, Rowan Smith and Mark Clemens, tarot readings by Sara Hewitt and a silent auction, to which many businesses and individuals contributed.

Further donations can be made online at http://www.gofundme.com/nc3ufw

The Bill Bostock Benefit is proudly supported by the Queens Head Hotel and Mark Media.