Retaled former workers of Derby Fuels, a service station operated by Rob’s father in Derby, Kimberley, have laid grave allegations. They allege that the establishment has engaged in food hygiene misconduct. Located some 2,300 kilometers north of Perth, Derby Fuels is an independent private business that runs on a license from Shell. On August 13, the Shire of Derby-West Kimberley carried out a health inspection. The findings showed dangerous violations of cleanliness requirements, calling into question the safety of food prepared for the nearby community.
Dollars to donuts, the inspection report cited major violations of sanitary conditions of the establishment and food contact surfaces. Its two former employees, Kalifa Diagne and Steve Pates, characterized the conditions at Derby Fuels as “disgusting.” Yet their stories of the kitchen culture paint a picture of an alarming pattern of hygiene and safety negligence.
Serious Accusations from Former Employees
SDOH advocates Kalifa Diagne and Steve Pates have previously spoken out about the unsanitary conditions at Derby Fuels. Mr. Diagne’s testimony, coupled with an inspection of the kitchen, created a horrifying portrait. He described it as “really bad [and] really dirty,” with grease and food waste covering the appliances. He asked the customers not to eat certain food items and then went on to air his trademark horror at the restaurant industry’s unsanitary preparation practices.
Mr. Pates further substantiated these assertions. He couldn’t abide this in-the-bin aesthetic with his 25 years working in some of the best kitchens around Australia, and he let us know about it. “I have worked in … sheep stations, cattle stations. This is so far beyond disgusting,” he remarked, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
Further explaining the dangerous and unsanitary conditions, Mr. Pates explained that food was sometimes just reheated and served again. “Anything that’s left over at the end of the day is put away in a plastic container, reheated first thing in the morning and put back out,” he explained. Returning from China, he condemned the approach of holding food in a bain-marie all day. This approach presents significant risks to food safety.
Response from Derby Fuels and Regulatory Authorities
Following the inspection, the Shire of Derby-West Kimberley stated it was collaborating with Derby Fuels to “fulfil their responsibilities under the current food safety legislation.” The inspection’s findings led to a letter of ultimatum demanding that Derby Fuels evict all its passengers by August 29, 2025.
Derby Fuels responded to the complaint by claiming that food safety aspects and cleanliness are their number one concern. The company claimed no responsibility in the instance that employees were fired for speaking up about real food safety issues. They stated that Mr. Diagne was informed via email that “we are not able to offer you any further work on a casual basis due to no further availability of shifts.”
Employee Retaliation Claims
According to Mr. Diagne, he was subjected to retaliation after complaining about the health hazards involved with rodents and other vermin. He claims he was wrongfully terminated by email only 13 days after the health inspection. After his termination, he vigorously pursued EEOC/ILCR charges/claims Respondent. After his termination, he furiously contacted a number of these authorities. So he contacted the Shire, Fair Work Commission, and Food Standards to complain about conditions at Derby Fuels.
The Shire’s spokesperson underscored their attachment to rigorous food safety regulations. They are currently working with Derby Fuels to address these issues and other serious concerns.
