Maureen O’Farrell from Coonamble Roadhouse has bested a million other Shell staff around the world to win the Shell Global Frontline Hero for 2024.
O’Farrell was chosen as the winner from five regional finalists at Shell’s prestigious Smiling Stars event in Toronto, Canada.
The award acknowledges her exceptional leadership, team spirit and commitment to customer service.
“I was so chuffed,” she said.
“But more than anything, I felt it was a win for my staff, the Roadhouse, my boss and Viva Energy.
It wasn’t just a win for me; it was a win for everyone.”
The journey to global recognition began earlier this year when O’Farrell was named Service Champion at the Viva Energy Conference, representing Australian Shell-branded sites.
She then progressed to win the title for Shell’s Licensed Markets, a region comprising independently owned and operated sites in countries outside Shell’s core operating regions, before going on to be crowned the overall global winner.
With over 17,000 sites in the licensed markets category alone, O’Farrell’s selection was no small feat.
“Even getting chosen to attend the Smiling Stars awards felt like winning. I never expected to go that far,” said O’Farrell.
The community of Coonamble, a remote town of around 3,000 residents, has rallied behind O’Farrell’s achievement.
“Everyone’s been so shocked and proud. People are saying I’ve put Coonamble on the map.
Our town is quite remote, about two hours northwest of Dubbo, and for a small place like ours, this is huge.”
Stephen Crystal, Head of Dealer Operations – Viva Energy Australia (Licensee of Shell), said O’Farrell is a deserving winner of the Shell Global Frontline award.
“Maureen’s passion, energy and empathy shines through in everything that she does.
That is why Maureen has been able to build strong connections with her customers, staff and the local community.
“At Viva Energy, we are proud of the great work that Maureen does, and this award is fantastic recognition for Maureen and the whole team at Coonamble Roadhouse.
Congratulations Maureen on this wonderful achievement.”
O’Farrell credits her team of 17 for the Roadhouse’s ongoing success.
“It took me years to get the right staff, but I’ve got them now.
They’re always positive and the customers love coming in because they get happy service, fresh food, clean toilets – it all makes a difference.”
Despite the award being presented to her individually, O’Farrell was quick to highlight others who played a role in her journey, including her boss Rob Kirby, and Bec Crofts, who manages the nearby Cobar Auto Port, who also received recognition at the national level.
’Farrell also paid tribute to the broader Australian delegation who attended the awards.
“The Australia group were just an amazing group of people who were there for their own wins as well, so a big congratulations to them too.
“Also, a big thank you to Gisela Spedicato, who I know put a lot of time into coordinating the video and putting it all together.
It was the video that got the votes, so a big thanks to her as well.
And thanks to Viva Energy for nominating me, I wouldn’t have had this once-in-a-lifetime experience without that.”
The Coonamble Roadhouse plans to host a “Christmas in July” party so all staff can celebrate the milestone together.
“I wouldn’t have won without the staff behind me. This is our win.”
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