OUR STORY

Our Story begins with this building over 100 years ago. Zinnecker’s Garage & Showroom was established in 1921 by Alfred Maximillian Zinnecker and played a significant role in the local automotive industry during the inter-war years. In 1976 the Tourism Association arranged for the garage to be purchased for tourism purposes, and it operated as Bridgetown’s Visitor Centre until November 2023.  The Tourism Association started to plan the buildings redevelopment once the Visitor Centre move was confirmed.   

In early 2024 the WA Government encouraged EV uptake by co-funding up to 50 per cent of the cost of electric vehicle charger installations by eligible entities. Our Tourism Association partnered with the Shire of Bridgetown Greenbushes and our ultra-fast charger grant application was approved from the Charge Up Program in August 2024

Energy Policy WA Coordinator of Energy, Jai Thomas said:

“The WA Government is proud to fund the installation of EV Charging Infrastructure in the Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes. Through initiatives such as the Charge Up Grant Program, we are able to expand the EV charging network in Western Australia, ensuring everyone can visit our regions.”

The Tourism Association then submitted our concept to Talison’s Community Relations Team and requested funding to undertake ‘Project Discovery’ . Discovery involved development of architectural concept drawings, Western Power assessment, detailed feature surveys of the site including ground radar assessment and civil and electrical specification. The Tourism Association held community meetings and undertook Shire Councillor presentations to ensure there was community support and awareness.

Local Builders and Contractors were requested to provide quotations and we would like to thank them for their great work. 

Christian Hollemart – Concept Architect

Jey Shivakumar – Electrical Engineer

Matt Jansen – Builder  

Kevin Weaver – Earthmoving

Craig Doust – Concreting

Cam Hollyman – Concrete Forms & Finishing 

Ron Wulf – Roofing 

Nick Terrigno – Electrical

Anthony Terrigno – Plumbing

Bevan ODwyer – Painting

Glenn Hywood – Signage/Murals

Steve Wiseman – Signage

Thanks to our technology partners  – Green Wave Solar and Elanga.

The Shire gave Development Approval in November 2024 and particular thanks must go to Shire Councillors and the Shires Director of Projects and Environment, Morgan Gillham for their assistance and unwavering support for the project

The Tourism Association then made a successful submission to Talison’s Executive under the Community Investment Program(CIP) for the balance of funds required to implement the project.

This Talison CIP program aims to enhance the wellbeing of the communities in the district by funding a broad range of initiatives that address identified needs. The program also supports strategic projects across areas such as quality education, sustainable environments, biodiversity improvements, health and wellbeing, and vibrant communities. Talison’s commitment to responsible and sustainable operations is also reflected in their ongoing support for community initiatives and projects.

Talison’s Executive was supportive of this project as they could see the benefits both to tourism and the local community. The funding agreement with Talison was finalised in May 2025.

Additional specifications were completed and contracts and quotes were accepted with Building work starting in October 2025 and completing in early March 2026.

The EV charger was also ordered by Elanga and started its long journey from ADS-Tec Germany to Bridgetown. It arrived in WA in December 2025. 

The Puzzletown6255 Bridgetown Ultra Fast Charging Station was opened on 25^th March 2026 by Ms Jodie Hanns MLA (representing the Hon Minister for Energy and Decarbonisation Amber-Jade Sanderson BA MLA) and Rob Telford CEO of Talison Lithium. 

The project was managed by Phil Beach (Vice President BGTA), assisted by Dave Rooke(Committee) and supported by the BGTA committee.