Image: L-R: Ally Blines, Tammy Laval, Chrissy Evangelou, Scott Jamieson, Bonnie McCarthy, Jonathan from Detailed Windows, Vicki Smith. Photo supplied

They say many hands make light work, and these dedicated citizens put it to the test, coming together to spruce up the Mackay City Heart one dirty window at a time.

Ahead of tonight’s City Heart Christmas, the Mackay Town Team along with past and present Chamber committee members and Council representatives hit the City Heart last Sunday to make the city’s windows sparkle.

The Mackay Town Team became the second Town Team Movement team in Queensland earlier this year.

Town Team Movement is a non-profit social enterprise working with proactive people to improve places, building a movement of positive ‘doers’.

“We were trying to work out how we can continue to move forward, especially with the development happening at the waterfront, we don’t want the city centre to be left behind,” said Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce Business Engagement, Events and Communications Manager Ellen Maddern.

Commerce then came across the Town Team Movement, a movement whose values align perfectly with what Commerce is trying to achieve.

“They give us a group of resources, so we started with an expression of interest that we sent out … and people applied and then this group formed,” said Ms Maddern.

“We had a couple of meetings and thought, ‘What can we do first? What’s a good, quick win?’ and they came up with washing those windows.”

Reach out to Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce if you’d like to know more or be part of the Mackay Town Team and like their Facebook page for future initiatives.

Make sure to get down to the city tonight and admire the team’s handiwork at the Mackay City Heart Christmas.

‍

Last week, Kaley from STAR 101.9 wrote in her column that she's a firm believer in waiting until December 1 to get into the Christmas spirit, and it got me thinking about the different traditions we have.

Many people believe it’s bad luck to put the tree up before December 1, whereas others are champing at the bit to get theirs fully laden around mid-November.

Decorating the tree is perhaps the only tradition I share with my husband. Whenever we go away on holiday, we try to get decorations from significant places we visit, so when we hang them each year, we can reminisce about the places we have travelled.

In this week’s Community Chat section, Councillor Bonaventura talks about the tradition of going to the Christmas Carols in Habana.

If you’re new to town, your family has recently grown and you want to start a new tradition, or if you’re simply looking for something festive to do, check out our Event Guide on page 20. It’s a weekly ‘what’s on’ which will get even busier in the lead-up to Christmas.

One other tradition I make time for each year is to give to someone less fortunate than myself. Whether it’s some gifts under a wishing tree, a dignity bag and meals for the homeless, a hamper for the Women’s Centre or donating to Vinnies or the Salvos, I think it’s an important time of the year to show those who often feel forgotten that someone cares.

From carol singing to breakfast with Santa, lolly scrambles and local performances, what new tradition will you start this year?

Amanda

‍

Image 1: Phillip (middle) was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease last year

Image 2: A raffle and auction were held at the Gargett Rodeo to raise funds for FightMND. Photo supplied

The Gargett community gathered for their annual rodeo recently, but it was the half time entertainment that stole the show.

Emily Mastropaolo held a raffle and auction at the rodeo, raising funds and awareness for Motor Neurone Disease, a cause close to their hearts since their brother Phillip was diagnosed last November.

“We’d never heard of it, so we wanted to start fundraising to spread awareness and fundraise to find a cure or at least a treatment,” said Emily.

With the help of generous businesses around Mackay, Emily and her family gathered raffle prizes and auction items for the Gargett Rodeo, raising almost $30,000 for Australia's leading MND foundation, FightMND.

Emily says Phillip was a confident and articulate man, so his family found it unusual when he started slurring.

“He was a very well-spoken man,” she said.

“He just started slurring and my mum was like, ‘You should go see somebody.’”

Phillip was diagnosed with MND which is the name given to a group of diseases in which the nerve cells, or neurones, controlling your muscles fail to work normally and eventually die.

“It affects the way you walk, the way you talk, the way you breathe, it affects your muscles,” said Emily.

“It’s just your body just slowly failing.

“We’re very lucky – (Phillip) hasn’t lost his voice but it’s getting very hard to understand him – but he’s still physically fine, he can still walk, use all his muscles, it’s just his speech.”

Emily started selling raffle tickets as early as June, aiming to raise $10,000 and eventually raising almost triple for FightMND.

“There is a lot of research yet to be done as to why people get it,” she said.

“There’s all these ‘could bes’, but nothing’s ever been confirmed.

“Funds help research to finding a cure or at least a treatment.”

Emily says Phillip is trying absolutely everything to prevent his body from failing and his family is 100% behind him.

“That’s our way of helping him, trying to raise money and finding a cure,” she said.

“When it does hit your family, you’ve got to think positive and don’t let your mindset think negative because that’s where things can go downhill.

“If you’ve got a positive mindset and you’re strong, it helps through the dark days.”

Early MND Symptoms Include:

• weakness in your ankle or leg – you might trip, or find it harder to climb stairs

• slurred speech and difficulty swallowing some foods

• a weak grip – you might drop things, or find it hard to open jars or do up buttons

• muscle cramps and twitches

• weight loss – your arms or leg muscles may have become thinner over time

• difficulty stopping yourself from crying or laughing in inappropriate situations

‍

Photo caption: Mayor Greg Williamson and Grapevine Group President Debbie Knight encourage the community to be suicide alert this Christmas

Christmas is once again upon us and Grapevine Group is reminding the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday communities to keep an eye on mates and loved ones, and to do their bit by learning the 16 warning signs of suicide.

Grapevine president Debbie Knight is wishing for more to learn about what to look out for.

“It’s a good time to remind our communities that Christmas can be hard for some, and we can help our mates and family by learning the warning signs,” said Ms Knight.

“Anyone can participate in our new free safety toolbox talk called Suicide MythBusters.

“It’s as simple as carving out an hour to learn from one of our qualified trainers on the 16 signs that can be an indication someone is thinking about suicide.”

Suicide Mythbusters can be presented on-site at businesses, sporting clubs and community organisations.

This year, the Chamber of Commerce and Resource Industry Network are backing the group by endorsing the toolbox talk.

“We’re proud to be part of this worthy cause because prevention can save countless lives,” said Chamber of Commerce President Geoff O’Connor.

For Christmas this year, Dean Kirkwood, General Manager of Resource Industry Network wants us all to check in with friends, neighbours and loved ones.

"It is essential the community knows what to look out for and how to link people to help,” Mr Kirkwood said.

Strong supporter of the Christmas campaign Mayor Greg Williamson urges the community to support suicide prevention.

“As always, we want people to be safe and by keeping an eye on those around us, we can make Christmas that little bit better."

Look out for the Christmas campaign which will appear on the Mackay Showgrounds digital billboard to encourage the community to learn the signs and book the quick Suicide Mythbusters one-hour course.

The talk is free and introduces suicide intervention by discussing the common fallacies and tips on how to help when someone is experiencing suicidal thoughts. Book a toolbox talk by emailing training@grapevinegroup.org.au.

To learn the 16 signs, download the Grapevine Group app, visit grapevinegroup.org.au or check out the group's Facebook page where you will also find a list of local suicide prevention services.

‍

Image: A vessel sank near Scawfell Island last week with the six occupants safely escaping to the island’s shore. Photo credit: RACQ CQ Rescue

Six boaties had a lucky escape last week when their vessel sank near Scawfell Island.

RACQ CQ Rescue were tasked to investigate reports of a rapidly sinking ship and departed base quickly, with a rescue crewman on board prepared for a possible over water winch retrieval from a sinking boat.

Within 15 minutes the chopper arrived on scene about 35km north-east of Mackay to find the boat’s six occupants had already evacuated the vessel in a small tender and spotted them on the nearby rocks of the south-west side of the island.

Radio contact with the boaties then confirmed all were safe and uninjured.

Their boat didn’t fare so well unfortunately.

The chopper crew provided watch overhead until VMR 448 Mackay arrived on scene to retrieve the stranded, but still incredibly lucky, boaties.

‍

Image: Guzman y Gomez have submitted plans to build in the carpark of the Mount Pleasant Centre. Photo supplied

Residents on the north side of the Pioneer River are about to have a whole lot more choice when that craving for something spicy hits.

Popular Mexican quick service restaurant Guzman y Gomez (GYG) has submitted documents to Mackay Regional Council with plans to build its first Mackay location in the carpark of Mount Pleasant Centre.

The documents submitted to council say the development “will provide valuable services and convenient facilities for residents living within the Mount Pleasant area and employees within the locality.”

“The proposal is considered to be in the public interest as it will deliver a number of public, social and economic benefits with minimal adverse impacts,” the documents state.

The 282m2 building will incorporate 230m2 of internal dining area, food preparation areas, storage, amenities, office and service area as well as 52m2 of external/alfresco area.

74 car parks will be lost to facilitate the construction and the new site will include eight new car parking spaces including one disabled space.

The drive through element of the restaurant will have a capacity of 14 cars and include a dual lane order point, forming a single lane payment booth and pickup booth.

The restaurant will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week and construction of the site is predicted to cost over $1 million.

“The proposal will generate direct ongoing employment opportunities as well as further job creation during the construction phase,” documents read.

“The development will be compliant with relevant disability standards, and will meet the needs of people with physical disabilities, sensory disabilities and intellectual disabilities.

“The proposal will provide much needed services to the area meeting the daily needs of the surrounding residents, workers and visitors.

“The development will have a positive impact on the natural environment by enhancing Mt Pleasant and maintaining the downstream water quality as a result of the development.”

About 10 minutes north along Mackay Bucasia Road, construction has begun on a new shopping complex that will feature Mackay’s second Zambrero site.

Nearby, Burrito Bar Rural View recently reopened under new management, offering a revamped menu through its drive through restaurant.

‍

Locals Say No To Port Expansion Plans

………………………………………………………………………………………….

Image: Local residents gathered at North Wall last weekend to protest draft plan for a Mackay Port expansion which would eradicate a large portion of beach and put turtle nesting sites at risk. Photo: MP Amanda Camm

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is leading master planning for the priority Port of Hay Point/Mackay to establish a long-term strategic outlook for the ports, however a group of concerned residents say the plan puts a fragile ecosystem near North Harbour Beach (North Wall) at risk.

Last weekend, hundreds of residents took part in a community walk along North Wall to protest the proposed future development of the Port of Mackay, which the master plan shows would eradicate around one third of the beach.

The walk was held to raise community awareness of the proposed plan and to extend the community consultation period. Public information sessions were held in October and November, but the public wasn’t made aware of these sessions until a Facebook post was made by TMR on November 16, one day before the last information session on November 17.

Local resident Kim Edwards started a petition on the website change.org called North Harbour Beach Community Interest Campaign, calling for TMR to extend the deadline and open up community consultation again as she said the initial notice for consultation was poorly communicated to the community at large.

“We are asking that TMR extend that deadline and reopen community consultation so that we can have further consultation with our community and in particular the local environmental groups like Mackay Turtle Watch and the Mackay Conservation Group,” Kim said.

“This is really concerning because that area is an important turtle hatching area, both green and flat back turtles’ nest there,” she said.

“That area is also surrounded by wetland ecosystems and also a large section of parabolic dunes, which are a relatively rare natural feature.

“The wetlands and inshore reef catchments are also recognized as vital by Queensland Wetlands Program to the health of the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem and its catchments.”

MP Amanda Camm attended the walk and spoke to concerned locals, urging people to make a submission on the TMR website so as to better inform the Government on the use and importance North Wall beach has in our community.

“The Queensland Government has tried to slip another report through without any genuine community consultation,” Ms Camm said.

“This plan includes resuming large amounts of North Wall beach and possibly closing public access to the area. Whilst I support planning and growth, I believe any decisions need to be transparent and include community consultation - that means with the community.”

Ms Camm wrote to Minister Bailey, requesting that he extend the consultation period for the Draft Master Plan for the Mackay Port to enable locals to have adequate time to make a written submission.

“I have also requested that the Minister ensures that TMR engages with Mackay & District Turtle Watch and other local environmental and conservation groups to obtain the necessary data to ensure that the government is making decisions based on accurate information,” she said.

‍

Anglo American CEO, Dan van der Westhuizen, joined Minister Mick de Brenni and Stanwell CEO Michael O'Rourke to announce the supply of 100% renewable electricity for Anglo’s operations in Australia. Photo credit: Anglo American

Anglo American’s steelmaking coal business in Australia will be powered by 100 per cent renewable energy from 2025, as part of a ten-year deal with Queensland government-owned energy generator, Stanwell.

In what will be Stanwell’s biggest ever retail deal, the company will supply Anglo American with renewable electricity, powering their five steelmaking coal operations across Central Queensland’s Bowen Basin.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan was answering the call of businesses and industries wanting to decarbonise, while delivering huge investment in the regions and 100,000 more good jobs.

“This partnership with Anglo American and Stanwell demonstrates the strong shift to clean energy from Queensland businesses,” the Premier said.

“Stanwell is one of Queensland’s major energy suppliers, and until recently has been known only for coal-fired energy generation.

“Because Queenslanders own their energy assets, we are able to guide our energy transformation in way that provides energy security, while delivering more good jobs.”

The deal will power all electrical equipment at Anglo American’s mines in Moranbah, Middlemount and Moura, including draglines, longwall equipment, conveyors, coal preparation facilities, lighting and ventilation and cooling infrastructure, water treatment plant and administration facilities.

Queensland Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen, Mick de Brenni, said this was another example of how Queensland was working together to support the state’s decarbonisation efforts.

“Boardrooms across the nation and the world, are setting their own emissions reduction targets, so it makes supporting Queensland industry with clean energy a priority,” Minister de Brenni said.

“Today’s announcement shows Queensland’s energy transformation is well and truly happening, and it’s supporting traditional industries to remain strong.”

CEO of Anglo American in Australia, Dan van der Westhuizen, said the energy supply would effectively remove all Scope 2 emissions from Anglo American’s steelmaking coal business in Australia from 2025.

“Securing 100 per cent renewables from Stanwell is a major step towards our target of carbon neutral operations in Australia – and globally – by 2040,” Mr van der Westhuizen said.

“Many of the metals and minerals we produce - including steelmaking coal - are critical to supporting decarbonisation projects and the transition to renewable energy, as an essential component of solar, wind, hydro, bioenergy and hydrogen power generation.”

The partnership with Anglo American Steelmaking Coal Pty Ltd will be linked to renewable energy from the Clarke Creek Wind Farm and Blue Grass Solar projects.

‍

Image: Futura Wilton and Fairhill mine map

Two steelmaking coal mines in the Bowen Basin have been given the green light, bringing with them up to 130 good regional jobs.

Resources Minister Scott Stewart said the approval of Futura Resources’ Fairhill and Wilton projects near Emerald was a big boost for the regional workforce and economy.

“This investment is a strong vote of confidence in the Queensland resources sector and our state’s large deposits of high-quality steelmaking coal,” Mr Stewart said.

“These projects are in the heart of the Bowen Basin and will benefit from the existing infrastructure in place from nearby mines.

“At their peak, these two mines will produce more than three million tonnes per year of steelmaking coal, which will be processed then transported by rail to the Port of Gladstone and exported to key international markets.

The Wilton and Fairhill projects are located adjacent to one another about 50km northeast of Emerald, with coal to be processed using existing infrastructure at the nearby Gregory-Crinum mine.

Construction works are set to begin in early 2023, with coal production expected to begin within six months.

Both mines have an initial 10-year proposed lifespan but could be expanded to more than 20 years with continued exploration.

Futura Resources Chief Executive Officer Ben Dunlop said coal continued to play a big role in Australia’s and the world’s steelmaking and energy mix.

“We see ourselves as a sustainable, low environmental footprint producer utilising nearby existing infrastructure, including coal processing facilities which will be 50 per cent powered by renewable energy by end of 2023, Mr Dunlop said.

Mr Stewart said recent analysis by Queensland Treasury showed steelmaking coal will remain an essential international export commodity for the state until at least 2050.

“Treasury forecasts show Queensland will likely remain the world’s largest seaborne exporter of steelmaking coal for many decades to come,” he said.

‍

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert and Queensland Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick showing staff at Moranbah Hospital the plans for the new hospital with construction expected to start early next year

Construction for a new Moranbah Hospital is expected to commence early next year, with the new facility providing improved medical imaging facilities as well as a helipad.

Tenders have opened for the construction of the new Moranbah Hospital, which will deliver better health services in the heart of Queensland’s resources community.

Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick said the State Government was seeking a construction partner to commence work in the first half of 2023.

“The New Moranbah Hospital will be the bricks and mortar proof of our Government’s commitment to supporting Queensland resources communities,” the Treasurer said.

“The towns of the Bowen Basin deliver for the entire Queensland community through the royalties their mines generate.

“It is only right that those royalties are reinvested in our resources communities.

“With tenders now open, we will start seeing tangible proof of evidence of delivering better health services for the Moranbah community.

“The new Moranbah Hospital will increase the number of emergency department treatment spaces currently available and provide enhanced outpatient, allied health, community health, and community mental health spaces.

“The Moranbah community will benefit from improved medical imaging services including a CT scanner as well as a helipad to reduce reliance on ambulance services and make inter-hospital transfers more efficient.

“By integrating all services within a single building, we’ll also bolster amenities and security for staff and patients through improved patient flow, an airlock entrance, and replicating the existing hospital’s rose garden and family room.”

Subject to tender negotiations, the new Moranbah Hospital will support 102 construction jobs and is scheduled for completion by June 2025.

Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker said the Queensland Government's tender announcement was a positive commitment to health across the Isaac.

“Council, along with community, have worked hard to advocate for improved access to health services, so we are thrilled with today’s announcement," Mayor Baker said.

“The Moranbah Hospital upgrade will enable the facility to cater for the region well into the future and acting as a regional hub for neighbouring towns.

“The redevelopment will support residents, workers and the heavy industries that operate across the Isaac region with a fit for purpose facility.

"This is going to mean a significant improvement to the emergency department, dedicated mental health care and more specialist services available."

The Treasurer said progress was also being made on other health infrastructure projects in the Bowen Basin.

“A tender process is currently underway for upgrades to the Blackwater Multipurpose Health Service, which will support 68 construction jobs.

“Work is also continuing at pace on the redevelopment of the Emerald Hospital’s emergency department and day surgery, supporting 29 construction jobs.  

“In the June Budget, I also locked in the funding for our ten-year $334 million deal between the Queensland Government and the Royal Flying Doctor Service.”

The Moranbah Hospital tender is live on QTenders and closes on 9 December 2022.

‍

CAPTION: QRC Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane

A new report has confirmed the importance of the resources sector to the Queensland economy, with a record $94.6 billion contributed by coal, gas, and minerals producers in the 2021/22 financial year.

Queensland Resources Council (QRC) Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane said the result was a new record and up an incredible $10 billion or 12 per cent on the previous year.

“This year’s annual Economic Contribution report shows how integral the resources sector is to the Queensland economy, with the figures telling the full story,” Mr Macfarlane said.

“Our total figure of $94.6 billion includes a record $9 billion in resources royalties, with international demand for Queensland commodities, particularly coal and gas, driving record prices and therefore record royalties for the Queensland budget.

“Resources royalties go straight into the state budget to help pay for hospitals, nurses, teachers, police officers and other essential government services.

“On top of this, the resources sector also supports the jobs of almost 451,000 Queenslanders and supports one in every four dollars spent in this state, which is up from one in five last year,” he said.

Mr Macfarlane said the contribution by the resources sector to regional economies and employment has continued to grow for the past five years

“Towns and communities from the state’s north-west down to the south-east corner all benefit from the prosperity of the resources sector and our associated supply chain,” Mr Macfarlane said.

“In the past financial year, resources companies have also spent $27 billion on supporting local business, sporting groups and charities, which brings enormous social and economic benefits to mining communities.

“More than half of that is spent outside the Brisbane region.

“Significantly, coal producers accounted for 69 per cent of the money spent by the resources industry across the state.

“Looking forward, as our trading partners look to Queensland to meet their energy, metals and steelmaking needs, along with a growing critical minerals market, it’s more important than ever to have the right government policy settings in place to maximise this opportunity.

“The QRC continues to call on the Queensland Government to review this tax increase on our industry, and to work with us on a better plan that doesn’t damage the state’s number one export industry.”

‍

Why didn’t we order all the parts before we started?

Let’s break this down a little more!

Repair facilities are generally governed by insurance and the scope of works that are initially allowed or approved.  This is limited to what is visible at the time of the estimate.

We can of course provide an indication of damage we believe has occurred however this is rarely included in the initial approved scope of work.

That means that vehicles need to be disassembled so as to identify and photograph the internal or non-visible damaged components. Resent for authority and then orders are placed for additional parts while this appears to make the process a bit clunky, it is an important step in making sure that all the damage is considered and covered in the repair process.

The Average Car has roughly 30,000 parts! Add to that over 40 different brands, all with a variety of models released every year.

That is a staggering number of parts to be able to locate and identify.

This is an example of the 2 part breakdowns in total there are 8 of these for this section of the vehicle.

Andrea McCarthy

Owner, McCarthy Panel Works

‍

Every year, we’re reminded of the incredible Christmas spirit we see spread throughout Mackay for those doing it tough over this period.

Get Real Workwear & Safety is a proud locally owned and operated business committed to supporting the community. As part of that, we know that people are doing it tough and there are ways we can all get on board to help.

Whether you can contribute, or you need a helping hand, there are several organisations actively making a difference for others:

Triple M Mackay - Toy Drive Appeal

Buy a brand-new toy (any age group), leave it unwrapped and drop it to the Triple M studios. Level 3, 123 Victoria Street Mackay, or to the Salvation Army Hall Mackay.

Roshni Indian Restaurant - ‘No One Eats Alone’ Christmas Lunch

No booking required – attend on Christmas Day for a free lunch 11am-1pm with all the trimmings ham, prawns, rolls, salad, and dessert, plus a small gift!

Star 101.9 and Mackay Women’s Services

Christmas Hamper Drive

Drop off ‘Christmas Day Hamper’ themed items including older children’s gifts (13+), along with food, fuel, and gift vouchers. Please contact Julie on 4953 1788 or email julie@mkywc.org.au

The Neighbourhood Hub – Community Christmas Appeal 2022

Asking the Mackay community to assist with the purchase of vouchers and non-perishable food items. Please email christmas@tnhub.org.au for more information.

Christmas can be a stressful time and the wonderful team at Lifeline 13 11 14 and Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 are available for a chat 24/7.

We’d like to take this opportunity to thank our customers and suppliers who supported us in 2022. Wishing everyone a merry, safe, and happy Christmas from the Get Real Workwear & Safety team!

‍

Image: (From left) Cyirene Ralph, Montana Ramsamy, Jalen Pauling, Leysha Pearson (phone), Lara Pinkard, Klara Close, Megan Sutton (teacher). Front row: Jessalyn Peddel, Tamika Mooney, Shanae Corowa

Following the success of the first intake of students to complete the Budyubari Bidyiri Kebi Stapal (Big Dream Small Steps) program, the Mackay Hospital and Health Service (MHHS) is encouraging current Year 10 students to consider applying for the school-based health traineeships.

MHHS Manager HR Strategy & Engagement Onno Van Es said nine students graduated from the program last month, and all planned to pursue careers in the health sector.

“These students from six different high schools have all completed Certificate lll qualifications in either Health Services Assistance or Allied Health Assistance, and they are all interested in continuing their studies in health care,” Mr Van Es said.

“Some want to be nurses or doctors, and others want to pursue careers in allied health such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy or medical imaging.

“It’s a great result from the first intake of the Big Dream Small Steps program, which aims to increase the number of people in our workforce who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

“We currently have about 2.3 per cent and we want to increase that to 6 per cent to be in line with the proportion of the wider health service community that identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander.”

‍

Image: Celebrating 50 years of Croydens. L-R: Glen Croker, Ross Kynaston, Jason Cross, John Croyden, Patricia Croyden, Stefan Tomerini, Don McAlpine, Justin Donovan, Steve Knight, Nathan Fahl and Iain Allison

“We’ve managed to ride the ups and downs – there were some trying times, but also plenty of good times.”

A household name throughout Sarina and beyond for 50 years, JT & PA Croyden Pty Ltd celebrated hauling for half a century and reflected on how their business had evolved through the decades.

Owners John and Patricia Croyden established the “Croydens” business in 1972 with the purchase of their first truck from a local business formerly Crokers Truck Centre, to service the Sarina community with landscaping and quarry supplies.

Before the beach communities around Sarina had water installed, carting water was a big part of the business. People would ring in the middle of the night because someone was having a party and they’d run out of water. They would want Croydens to do a load of water immediately.

That’s how the Croyden name became woven throughout the fabric of the community.

The business quickly established a reputation for customer focus, which was based on a “make it happen” approach, and always being prepared to “have a go”. The result – being able to hold long-standing contracts with some of the region’s biggest players, including more than 45 years with BMA Hay Point Services and some 30 years with Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal.

John and Pat regularly talked with their customers to stay in touch with their requirements.

John’s perspective was that if something was wrong, they would fix it.

“It also helped that we looked after our gear with preventative maintenance, even before that became a ‘thing’,” John said.

“It was also significant at the time that we established a business office and weren’t operating from the driver’s seat of a truck.”

The 24-hour nature of the business meant both John and Pat were on call all hours of the day and night. At night, John and Pat would sleep with the telephone on one side of the bed and the two-way radio on the other. As Pat says, if you’ve got trucks out working, you’ve got to be on call – in case they get bogged, break down, or they’re having trouble finding a delivery point.

Since the heady days of employing more than 80 permanent staff, with a long list of casuals and approximately 150 pieces of equipment, some divisions of the business have been sold off, including quarrying, biodunder, cattle feed transport and water truck contracts with the mines.

Along the way, John and Pat have managed to transition to retirement, however easing the transition has been the steady hand of trusted, long-time employee, Stefan Tomerini.

Croydens General Manager Stefan Tomerini stepped into the role in 2007 to “help steer the transformation of Croydens”.

“John and Pat have supported the local community and been part of developing so many local charities and clubs financially, and it humbles me to manage the Croyden empire,” Mr Tomerini said.

A business turning 50 is an appropriate time to take a helicopter view of past achievements and impact on the community. John may have had the big picture view, but make no mistake – Pat was instrumental in making it happen.

‍