In June 2020, I was told by the owners of our local service station that I can no longer buy fuel or anything else from their business, despite having used their service station for the past 19 years since I came to Mallacoota. It is the only place in town where you can buy fuel, newspapers etc. I am yet to be given a reason, despite approaching them in person, by phone and by text. It was initially inconvenient but now that the only other service station in a 100kms radius has closed, it is now impossible for me to get fuel anywhere else. If you google Mallacoota, you will see that I reside in Far East Gippsland, near the NSW border and that preventing me from an essential service such as fuel is unconscionable, dangerous and an unfair restriction of trade. In addition, it is preventing me from carrying out my small business of home property management and directly impacting my income and ability to service my clients. I have had to employ other people to undertake some tasks that I would normally carry out, as I have to conserve my fuel at all times. For instance, I wanted to fill up this morning prior to leaving for Melbourne, 525kms away but was refused service. There was not enough fuel in the car to make it to the next town, 72kms away. I told the employee that I would not be moving until I got fuel and then called the local police to attend in the hopes that the proprietor would at least tell the police why I was refused service. To their credit, the Victoria Police member on duty brokered a one-time agreement that my husband was allowed to fill up my car but as he is often away, this is no solution. That is untenable as my husband is often away for work for weeks at a time. So, what can you do to resolve this ridiculous situation? I am quite happy to be contacted by phone or return email - details below. Regards, Catherine Tregellas [protected] PO Box 399 Mallacoota VIC 3892