ACHIEVEMENT... Joe addresses the crowd with his family and staff on stage beside him. Pictured from left is staff member Tony De Rose, Michael Di Conza, staff member Dom Cannizzaro, Joe Di Conza and Anthony behind, staff members Jonah Saddler and Izaac Thompson-Fethney, grandson Luca Di Conza with mother Johanna, Pat Di Conza with daughter Lydia and partner Emily Feldtmann, Tina Di Conza, and MC Peter Hill, executive officer at MOVE. Photos: Deanne Jeffers
By Deanne Jeffers
TRUE to their famed reputation for fine hospitality, Joe Di Conza and family hosted over 530 guests at the MOVE Museum on Friday night, to celebrate Pat & Tina’s bp Service Station’s 50th anniversary.
ACHIEVEMENT… Joe addresses the crowd with his family and staff on stage beside him. Pictured from left is staff member Tony De Rose, Michael Di Conza, staff member Dom Cannizzaro, Joe Di Conza and Anthony behind, staff members Jonah Saddler and Izaac Thompson-Fethney, grandson Luca Di Conza with mother Johanna, Pat Di Conza with daughter Lydia and partner Emily Feldtmann, Tina Di Conza, and MC Peter Hill, executive officer at MOVE. Photos: Deanne Jeffers
The crowd was filled with friends, family and lifelong customers, current and former staff members, local dignitaries, as well as executives from bp Australia, Linfox, the VACC and more.
While the milestone 50-years is an incredible achievement for Tina and Joe Di Conza, as well as their extended family. There was some sadness remembering Pat and Alfina Di Conza, who passed away in 2003 and in 1991. As a tribute to them, Joe wore Pat’s suit coat and Tina wore his wedding ring, which has been kept in its box since his passing.
PARTY WITH PAT & TINA’S… Is there a more fitting venue for such a celebration than the MOVE Museum, where a replica Pat & Tina’s Service Station is homed? Pictured at the replica bowser is long-term staff member, Tony De Rose.
Speaking at the event, Shepparton Chamber of Commerce and Industry president, John Anderson said that with more than 530 guests, that is more than 10 people for each of their 50-years in business and is a testament to the “x-factor,” Joe and the team bring to customer service.
LET THEM EAT CAKE… Tina Di Conza, Pat & Tina’s matriarch, cuts one of three bp cakes served to guests on the night.AMAZING SUPPORT… Dressed in his father’s suit jacket, Joe Di Conza approaches the stage amongst hundreds of friends.
