General News
28 August, 2025
New mechanic making strides at Halfway Motors Dimboola
Halfway Motors Dimboola, previously Toughy's Garage, welcomed a new mechanic to the team in February, who has become a valuable asset to the business.
Paul Calan, a member of the well-known Pilmore clan, made the move to Dimboola in December of last year from Adelaide.
His grandma, Nancy Pilmore, who passed away two years ago, aged 100, lived in town.
"My mum was born, went to school here, so I was over here every weekend as a kid and then moved away," he said.
"Before Nan died a couple of years ago, I said if I ever wanted to move back, I'm gonna buy a house in Dimboola.
"Had the opportunity to move back last year, and then mum moved back a couple of months later.
"So now all the family is back in Dimboola."
While in Adelaide, he managed Instant Windscreens and Tires and City Discount Tires.
Paul said he's "been off the tools" for around 15 years.
"I went over to WA and I was driving trucks," he said.
"And then I came back on the tools and the best thing I ever did."
Paul said when he arrived in town, he needed work done on his car, so he paid a visit to the Halfway Motors Dimboola office and little did he know, they needed a mechanic.
A joke was made to him by administrator Liz, who said, "You don't have a mechanic ticket, do you?"
The rest was history.
Now, being a part of the team for six months, Paul said he has been relearning the job.
"Everything has changed, mechanically, in 15 years," he said.
"I've had Toughy reteaching and reshowing me all the diagnostics.
"Everything you plug into a car now to find out what's wrong."
When asked what he enjoyed most about the job, he said, "Having a lunch break".
"I haven't had a lunch break in years."
Halfway Motors owner Brent Tough said Paul has become a driving force in helping the business continue moving forward.
"He's energetic and enthusiastic," he said.
Brent said that although there is a gap in experience, Paul is willing and eager to learn new things.
"He's always asking questions, and that can help our apprentices too, showing them that it's okay to ask questions," he said.
Halfway Motors Dimboola is located at 25-29 Victoria St, Dimboola.
Keep an eye out for a special deal coming out in the coming weeks.