In a tough year from small business, Plateau Tyres has become one of the quiet success stories of the region.

Owned and operated by Paul and Nicky Pirlo, the business took top honours at the 2025 Alstonville-Wollongbar Chamber of Commerce Awards.  

Plateau Tyres was one of the few truly family-enterprises to make it through as a finalist in the Northern Rivers regional awards  – up against the best of the best from across the region.

Family-run businesses make up a large part of Australia’s enterprise sector, yet few reach the finalist stage in major awards programs. For the Pirlo family, the recognition feels both humbling and motivating.

“We just try our best and help every customer the best we can,” Paul said.

“You’ve got to be courteous, polite and willing to stay back if needed. You just do the right thing.”

Plateau Tyres was built on decades of local experience. Paul is a mechanic by trade who grew up in the Lismore region.

 He spent more than fourteen years managing Pat and Roy’s Tyres in Lismore before deciding it was time to build something of his own. 

Nicky and Paul, who have been together since they were fifteen, also share deep roots in the community. 

Nicky worked for Paul’s parents at the well-known former South Lismore fruit barn, a family-run business that served locals for decades.

Seven years ago, the couple opened Plateau Tyres in the Russellton Industrial Estate with a simple aim: deliver genuine, old-fashioned service in a region where relationships matter.

“We always try to give better service than anyone else,” Paul said. “You don’t get that in the cities. But you should get it here.”

That commitment was never more evident than during the 2022 floods. With both Lismore and Ballina tyre shops underwater, Plateau Tyres became the only functioning workshop for weeks. 

The team handled up to 50 punctures a day as emergency services, farmers and residents battled debris on damaged roads.

“We stayed open until ten or eleven at night to keep people going,” Paul said. 

“SES and police needed tyres repaired too, so we just did whatever we had to do.”

Their children, Lachlan and Zoe, are also deeply involved in the operation.

Lachlan runs the service truck, attending breakdowns from Yamba to Tweed.

 Zoe assists with bookkeeping and end-of-month paperwork while balancing her own work commitments in Lismore.

“It’s a real old-fashioned family business,” Nicky said. 

“That’s what we pride ourselves on and we want to keep that feeling because it’s who we are.”

Local businesses will gather next Friday to celebrate Plateau Tyres’ outstanding year, with the Chamber of Commerce partnering with the Pirlos to host its end-of-year Business After Hours event.

When: Friday December 5
Time: 5.30pm
Where: Plateau Tyres – 19-21 Northcott Crescent, Alstonville.
Cost: Free
RSVP: info@alstonvillewollongbar.com.au

For a family that built their success on service, hard work and genuine community spirit, hosting the final Chamber social gathering of 2025 is a fitting way to close out a remarkable year.