With Townsville Chamber Of Commerce

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The region's business community came together in style at The Ville for the Advocates Online Townsville Chamber Business Awards 2026, an evening dedicated to recognising the outstanding businesses, organisations and individuals helping drive Townsville's economic growth and community success.

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The annual awards program showcased the innovation, resilience and leadership that continues to define the local business landscape. Among the standout winners were QSG, which took home the prestigious Business of the Year Award, and My Holiday2 who won the Small Business of the Year Category. The awards also highlighted excellence across numerous categories, celebrating organisations and individuals who continue to raise the benchmark for business performance in North Queensland.

Townsville Chamber CEO Emma Peters said the awards provide a vital opportunity for businesses to step back from the day-to-day pressures of running an organisation and recognise just how much they have accomplished.

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"Businesses across our region have faced significant challenges in recent years, from rising costs and workforce pressures to ongoing economic uncertainty. These awards are an opportunity to pause, reflect and celebrate success. It is incredibly important that we take the time to recognise the hard work, perseverance and achievements of the people behind our businesses. Their success strengthens our economy, creates jobs and contributes to a thriving community."

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The celebration also marks the beginning of an important milestone year for the Chamber. In 2027, the Townsville Chamber will celebrate 145 years of supporting and advocating for businesses in Townsville, having proudly represented the local business community since 1882. As the only independent, self-funded advocacy organisation in Townsville, the Chamber remains committed to ensuring the voice of business is heard while championing growth, innovation and opportunity across the region.

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As another successful awards program concludes, the Townsville Chamber congratulates all nominees, finalists and winners and thanks its sponsors, judges and members for continuing to support one of the region's most significant celebrations of business excellence.

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Businesses are invited to take advantage of the Chamber's extensive program of events and unlock the valuable networking, advocacy and support benefits that come with membership.

townsvillechamber.com.au

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Photo: L-R: Mayor Ry Collins with members of the Chamber Board and Conference Committee, Jannah Baker, Doug O’Connor, Fiona Erquiaga, Kath Barker, Sue Birch, and Berny O’Connor.

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At Whitsunday Chamber Of Commerce & Industry’s 2026 Business Conference

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A successful business conference should leave people with more than a notebook full of ideas.  

It should start conversations, create opportunities and send attendees back to work ready to put something new into action.

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By that measure, the 2026 Whitsunday Business Conference delivered.

Organised by Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the conference brought together 120 attendees from 77 businesses, filling PCYC Whitsunday and Club Whitsunday with some of the region’s biggest operators and ideas.

That buzz was backed by a strong program of speakers, led by award-winning media and communications expert Ian Cohen.  

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Drawing on his experience in the high-pressure Olympic environment, Cohen delivered a presentation attendees described as inspiring, timely and “totally on the money”.  

Another highlight was the inaugural Rising Stars Panel, which handed the microphone to five local employees, trainees and apprentices under 25, giving business owners a rare chance to hear directly from the next generation about their vision for the workplace.

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After a lunch full of networking, Mayor Ry Collins revealed the 46 businesses in contention for the 2026 Whitsunday Business Awards, placing some of the region’s standouts now firmly in the spotlight ahead of the awards night in October.  

Once the presentations wrapped up, things turned competitive.

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The inaugural Chamber Games took over Club Whitsunday, bringing local businesses and community teams together for an afternoon of friendly competition, enthusiastic cheering, creative costumes and tactics that occasionally tested the meaning of “friendly”.

Blocklaying Airlie Beach proved the team to beat, claiming gold. Club Whitsunday made home-ground advantage count with silver, while Whitsunday Regional Council took bronze.

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Accountancy Plus Whitsunday may have missed the medals, but their team spirit earned them the title of Best Dressed.  

Created by Airlie Beach Men’s Shed and Whitsunday Laser Creations, the Chamber Games Perpetual Trophy now carries its first engraved name.  

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Blocklaying Airlie Beach has the bragging rights, but also a target on its back when the Games return on August 26th next year.  

With new ideas now in motion, the countdown is on for the Whitsunday Business Conference 2027.

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With Coffee Service Packaging

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You might say Tien Norman was naturally destined for her career – it’s even in her name.

“My name is Tien,” she laughs, “pronounced like ‘tee-in’ – tea ‘n coffee.”

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Whether fate had a hand in it or not, the Managing Director of Coffee Service Packaging has certainly found her place, in an industry driven by taste, innovation and most importantly, people.

A mum to one daughter and two step-daughters, Tien took what she describes as the “big leap” into business ownership guided by a passion for problem-solving and making life easier for others.

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Her days involve customer meetings, coffee tastings, relationship building, bookwork, quoting and refining business processes – all of which are part of the blend in her day-to-day role.

“I’m involved in a little bit of everything,” she says, always looking for ways to improve both her own business and those of her customers.

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More than just supplying coffee, machines and packaging, Coffee Service Packaging recognises a gap in an industry where customer service can sometimes take a back seat to sales volume.

When a café’s coffee machine breaks down, the consequences can be immediate.  

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“They are left with a café without coffee, which is their bread and butter,” Tien explains.

“We are able to quickly respond to breakdowns, supply replacement machines or repair them quickly onsite.”

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“When I was looking at purchasing a business, I really wanted something that suited my skill set, as well as something that I was passionate about.  

“Now that I am getting to know everyone, it really has shown me that it is a community of like-minded people, and it’s about the customer service 100%.”

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This people-centred perspective extends to her leadership style too.

“Leadership isn’t really about being the boss,” she says. “It’s about providing a fun atmosphere, your staff feeling supported and making sure everyone has the same goals.”

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Tien believes kindness, communication and responsiveness are not revolutionary business concepts, but they can make a remarkable difference.

Business ownership has also taught her that confidence does not mean having every answer. Balancing work and home life remains one of her greatest challenges.

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“It’s like having a newborn baby,” she says. “You constantly question every decision and just have to trust that you are doing the right thing.”

Fortunately, she has not navigated the journey alone, crediting her employees, suppliers, friends and family for their immense support.

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Looking ahead, Tien hopes Coffee Service Packaging will become an even greater part of the local business community, supporting cafés and helping reshape the way people think about a coffee supplier.

There is also something fresh brewing, with the business currently developing a new look for its coffee brand, Caffenation.

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For Tien, being a Change Maker does not require changing the world overnight. Sometimes, she says, it simply starts with seeing a problem and asking: “How can I make this better?”

If there’s one thing Tien is passion about in business, it’s showing up, solving problems and making sure nobody is left without their morning coffee!

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What advice would you give to your younger self?

‘Go for the opportunity, take chances, work hard, be confident and just be a good person.’

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coffeeservicepackaging.com.au

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Over 76 years of furnishing homes and venues across the Whitsundays, it’s safe to say Burnups Home Style has become a local institution, proving that family businesses should not be underestimated.  

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Founded in 1950, three generations of Burnups have driven the Whitsundays furniture business, which started off as a ‘hole-in-the wall’ in Bowen, and now has two spacious showrooms in Bowen and Cannonvale, with a reputation for top quality furniture, advice and service built on trust.  

Owner Clive Burnup has seen the business evolve through the years, from its beginnings with his father, John Burnup, at the reins, to now watching his daughter Isabella carry the family legacy forward.

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“It's been a family business for a long time, with a lot of ups and downs along the way but we've truly got a nice, robust business here,” Clive said.  

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“To see Issy add to the future is great.”

For Issy, carrying on that legacy is about honouring what her parents and grandparents built, while helping shape Burnups for the future.

“It feels really good, I mean not many businesses out there can say they’ve hit 76 years,” Issy said.

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“I think that’s quite an achievement in itself, and to have it still in the family is a very proud feeling.”

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The Burnups story began in Bowen with a ‘hole in the wall’ shop, before moving into their current larger premise on Powell Street.  

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As the region grew, Burnups grew with it. The business expanded into Proserpine and Cannonvale, before eventually bringing those two new operations together at the current Cannonvale premises. Originally the family built the current Cannonvale business in a field surrounded by cane farms, now it is surrounded by the Whitsunday Plaza shopping Centre which was built around them.  

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Over this time, the team has also expanded beyond it’s own premises, with goods regularly being delivered from Mackay to Ayr, and even Hamilton Island. With a commercial division that has been active for over 30 years, Burnups works alongside developers, hotels and private owners both on Hamilton Island and the mainland to provide a full interior decoration service.  

Lasting 76 years has meant adapting to changing tastes, shifting supply chains and the way people furnish their homes.  

In the early days, many manufacturers and suppliers were based in Brisbane. Today, the search for quality and distinctive pieces stretches much further.

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“We work pretty hard to bring unique products to the town, but I think that’s why we’re still alive,” Issy said.  

“So we've got a lot of Aussie-made suppliers as well as suppliers across Asia and even Italy.  

“We bring furniture in from all over the world to give the community something different and something that stands out against our competitors.”

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With a background in interior design, Issy has brought a more contemporary edge to the furniture selections she curates, while still holding onto the classic pieces Burnups customers have loved for generations.

She is also carrying on the same commitment to quality and variety that has endeared Burnups to generations of Whitsunday customers, with each piece on the floor chosen to be the right fit for someone’s home.

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“Customers are everything,” Issy said.  

“We’ve always tried to offer a product that is good quality at a down-to-earth price.

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“We want to look after the people who shop with us and help make their home theirs. We want to give everyone our positive service and quality product, as we want to see them come back every time.”

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burnupshomestyle.com.au

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Laura Hamilton

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For Laura Hamilton, life after 40 has been defined not by slowing down, but by discovering just how much more was possible.

Now 46, the founder and director of Elegance Lymphatic Care has transformed some of her most difficult experiences into a career dedicated to helping others feel heard, understood and supported.

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After growing up in Ballarat and moving to Queensland around 20 years ago, Laura eventually made the Mackay region home. Her journey has encompassed motherhood, significant health challenges, major surgeries and career changes, including her own experiences with lipoedema, lymphoedema and chronic pain.

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Rather than allowing those chapters to define her, Laura used them to shape what came next.

She returned to study, became an accredited lymphoedema practitioner and established Elegance Lymphatic Care, creating the kind of support she once wished had been available to her.

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Professionally, building the clinic and sharing her knowledge at conferences and industry events have been significant achievements. Personally, she is proudest of raising her daughter with the confidence to know challenges do not have to determine her future.

Laura says her 40s have brought a newfound sense of clarity, confidence and purpose.

“The greatest gift has been finally understanding who I am and no longer feeling that I need everyone else’s approval.”

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It is also a decade that has taught her there is no deadline for reinvention.

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“You are not too old, and it is not too late. Everything you have experienced has prepared you for what comes next.”

As she looks ahead, Laura hopes to continue growing her clinic, further her education and watch her daughter forge her own path.

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And for Laura, some of life’s most meaningful chapters may still be waiting to be written.

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www.elegancecare.com.au

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InterContinental Hayman GBR Team (L-R) - Wayne Weller, Kate Rodionova, Stewart Manson, Chantel Schroeder, Grigory Rodionova

At InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef

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InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef is entering a new chapter, with a series of senior leadership appointments bringing new expertise to one of the Whitsundays’ most iconic luxury resorts.

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The newly assembled leadership team spans the resort’s key operational areas, including general management, operations, food and beverage, housekeeping and human resources, reflecting a coordinated investment in the future of the property.

Leading the team is new General Manager Stewart Manson, who brings 16 years of experience with IHG and an extensive career across New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Australia. Most recently, he spent six years as General Manager of Crowne Plaza Queenstown, where he led the hotel through a period of strong commercial and guest experience performance.

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Joining him as Director of Operations is Kate Rodionova, who brings more than 15 years of experience in luxury hospitality. Having previously served as Executive Assistant Manager of Resort Operations at InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, she is known for her hands-on approach and focus on creating exceptional, personalised guest experiences.

Grigory Rodionova takes on the role of Food and Beverage Manager, overseeing Hayman’s restaurants, bars, in-room dining and events. His international hospitality career has taken him across Europe, North America, the Maldives and Australia.

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Meanwhile, Wayne Weller brings a unique background spanning aviation and hospitality to his role as Executive Housekeeper. Following a lengthy career with Qantas, he transitioned into the hospitality sector before joining Hayman, where he previously held senior operational roles.

Completing the leadership group is Chantel Schroeder, who leads the resort’s human resources function. Her experience spans luxury hospitality, the mining sector and remote operations, with expertise in organisational transformation, talent strategy and workplace culture.

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Stewart Manson said the depth and diversity of experience across the new team reflected the ambition behind Hayman’s next phase.

“Every member offers demonstrated command, a distinct viewpoint, and a sincere dedication to the art of service,” he said.

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“Collectively, we possess a remarkable chance to enhance the resort’s storied history, deliver unparalleled moments for our guests, and define a vibrant path forward.”

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The appointments come during a significant year for the 182-room luxury resort, which has also adopted the new name InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef, further celebrating its connection to the world-renowned natural wonder.

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haymanisland.intercontinental.com

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Fitness Cartel Mackay Launches Oasis Health Retreat

For many, busy schedules often take priority over personal wellbeing, and finding time to truly slow down can be easier said than done. That’s why Fitness Cartel Mackay is offering their spectacular Oasis Health Retreat, featuring aseven-day wellness experience designed to help you reset, recover and reconnect.

Taking place from 25^th April to 1^st May 2027 at Komune Resort on Bali's east coast, the retreat offers a fundamental program centred on movement, recovery and mindfulness.

Whether participants are seeking a physical reset, navigating burnout or simply looking for time away from the demands of everyday life, this retreat has been designed to provide a supportive environment for people to invest in themselves.

Over seven days and six nights, participants will be guided by a handpicked team of professional coaches specialising in strength, mobility, recovery and breathwork, with sessions designed to suit a range of fitness levels.

The daily program includes strength and functional fitness led by Coach T, Pilates with Stephi Mathews, Vinyasa, Hatha and Nidra yoga with Lynn Treis, along with breathwork and meditation with Ben Watson.

Each retreat package includes six nights' accommodation at Komune Resort, full access to the daily program, recovery facilities, daily breakfasts, and welcome and finale dinners.  

Fitness Cartel Mackay is currently offering Early Bird pricing, with savings of more than $1,000 off the recommended retail price for a limited time – so don’t miss out!

For more information, visit oasisretreats.com.au

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Foundations built on community at Raine & Horne Ayr

For Carla Healy, principal of Raine & Horne Ayr, a community can only thrive when locals support locals. That philosophy is at the centre of everything the local real estate stalwart does.

At the helm since 2024, Ms Healy has made a point of supporting local events. She calls it a duty to the community that has given her and her business so much.

“It’s always been a philosophy of mine,” she said.

“We rely on the community. All businesses rely on the community to support us, so if we can give back any way we can—whether big or small—we're happy to do so.”

Most recently, the business stood as a major sponsor of Burdekin Growers Race Day—a local favourite event that Carla said “attracts everyone.”

The business also sponsors the Karrie Webb Junior Masters golfing event, Burdekin Singers, and Student Balls among others, investing in the next generation of locals.

She said it was incumbent upon local businesses to keep the region ticking.

“We have to keep our community going, and the only way to keep our community going is locals supporting locals,” she said.

“We’re local all the way.”

Ms Healy said that Raine & Horne's engagement with the community goes beyond mere monetary support. She called it a “philosophy” that governs everything her and her staff do.

“To make everything work in a community, everybody’s got to be involved. It’s all about give and take, and the more that you can give, the community does see the benefits of it all.”

“We've always been givers more so than takers.”

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The gentle sound of waves lapping against a hull could soon replace the rumble of engines across local waters, as local business Smooth Torque Marine positions itself at the forefront of a major evolution in boating.

For more than a decade, the company has built a reputation providing marine mechanical, electrical and vessel support services throughout the region.  

Now, the business is looking ahead and championing electric propulsion technology; an innovative, accessible way to future-proof the reef, whilst helping local boaties beat the fuel crisis and improve their experience on the water.

“The way the world is heading with clean energy is a primary focus for us,” said Smooth Torque Marine’s Glenn Moore, who co-owns the company with his partner Monique.

“We live here, we boat here, and we want to do something positive for the environment.”

On top of that, Glenn says many boat owners are surprised to learn just how much they could save through reduced maintenance and operating costs with one of their refits. Electric systems eliminate the need for regular oil changes, filters, cooling systems and major engine rebuilds, significantly reducing ongoing servicing requirements.

What’s more, they’re quiet.

“With electric propulsion, you're hearing the ocean instead of the engine,” Glenn said.

The technology can be easily fitted to all kinds of vessels, allowing passengers to enjoy conversations and the sound of the environment instead of the roar of an engine.

Having seen the technology take off in Norway, Finland, the USA and the Netherlands, the team spent over a year researching and building relationships with suppliers to bring similar innovation into the region, identifying the potential it offers our reef, tourists, fishermen and leisure-seekers.  

Now, they are pioneering Electric Propulsion in North Queensland.

As a veteran marine tradesman with decades of experience, Glenn says the technology represents a significant departure from the industry he entered.

“I come from a very old-school diesel fitting background,” he said.

“But being part of something innovative and helping pioneer the next generation of marine propulsion is incredibly exciting. We want to be at the forefront of where the industry is going.”

smoothtorque.au

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With Rob Taylor from Taylors Property Specialists

In an industry often driven solely by targets, transactions and competition, Rob Taylor has built a business on something less tangible, but ultimately far more valuable: trust.

With over 25 years of experience in the industry, he launched his own operation, with a vision of a real estate business where clients felt seen, where staff genuinely enjoyed coming to work, and where independence allowed the business to evolve with the community it served rather than follow a corporate blueprint.

That vision became Taylors Property Specialists.

When Rob opened the agency just over eight years ago, they had just five staff members working from a small office at the Whitsunday Business Centre. Today, it employs more than 20 people, operates from a purpose-built headquarters in Cannonvale complete with a dedicated auction room, and has expanded into Proserpine with the opening of a second office.

Such rapid growth wasn’t necessarily part of the plan – it was a by-product of doing business differently.

"The biggest highlight would have to be the acceptance of the market when we first opened," Rob reflects.

"It demonstrated that people wanted a different choice outside of the mainstream."

The willingness to forge his own path has defined much of Rob's career.

Long before personal branding became commonplace in real estate, he was one of the first local agents to put his own face on marketing material.

Today it seems obvious. At the time, it was anything but.

"Having your picture on a sign didn't really exist back then," he says.

"I loved it because it personalised your branding."

The idea was simple. The strongest business relationships are personal- built through trust.  

That same thinking ultimately influenced one of the biggest decisions of his career not to join a franchise.

Remaining independently-owned gave Rob the freedom to shape every aspect of the business, from its culture to its customer experience.

"I've always liked doing things a little differently," he says.

"We've been able to create our own brand and maintain integrity to that brand in the way we believe a business should be run and how people should be treated."

Those values have become the foundation of Taylors Property Specialists.

There's an emphasis on relationships rather than hierarchy, collaboration over competition and service above sales.

Rob describes it as a work family, believing culture isn't something that happens by accident but something created with intention.

"When you walk through the door, this is your work family and this is your work home," he says.

"I believe everyone who works here has virtually identical morals and standards."

The result is a close-knit team where property managers, sales specialists and support staff work seamlessly together, ensuring clients experience the same level of care regardless of which department they're dealing with.

That consistency has helped establish Taylors Property Specialists as one of the region's most respected agencies.

Industry awards recognise performance, and Taylors have taken home plenty, but Rob believes the feedback that matters most comes directly from the community.

"The feedback we consistently receive is that people feel like we're part of the community," he says.

"They trust us."

That outlook mirrors the way he approaches business itself – focusing on quality and values, and not forcing growth at any expense – but finding it as a result of exceptional service.

That’s the philosophy that has taken Taylors Property Specialists from a small start-up to one of the Whitsundays' leading independent agencies.

taylorspropertyspecialists.com.au

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With Stacey Arlott from REMAX Select 

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With 26 years of experience and a results-driven reputation, Stacey Arlott has firmly established herself as one of Queensland’s most accomplished real estate professionals.  
 
She is widely recognised, receiving great industry acclaim, but prides herself most on the trust she has garnered from the community she serves in Mackay.  

In 2021 Stacey reached a huge milestone in her career, being declared the number one agent in Australia by Real Estate Business’s dealmaker ranking - the first in Mackay to receive such an accolade. The win occurred during a volatile time for the market, with COVID-19 challenges failing to knock Stacey off-course.  

What sets Stacey apart is not only her consistent sales performance, but also her disciplined work ethic and ability to foster long-term client relationships. 

Her career is marked by a series of accolades, including the REMAX Lifetime Achievement Award (2024) and induction into the REMAX Hall of Fame (2020).  

From 2022 to 2025, she has consistently ranked among the Top 10 agents in Queensland and Top 20 nationally - an indication of her ongoing push for excellence in a dynamic and demanding market. 

Beyond industry recognition, Stacy’s success is strongly validated by client feedback. She has earned multiple “Agent of the Year” titles through RateMyAgent, including four consecutive wins for East Mackay (2021–2024) and the broader Mackay region in 2023.  
 
These consistently high ratings across major platforms reflect a reputation built on transparency, communication, and results. 

Having previously owned and operated her own agency and served as REIQ Zone Chairperson, Stacey does more than transactional sales.  
 
She brings a comprehensive understanding of the real estate landscape, from regulatory frameworks to market strategy; a depth of knowledge that allows her to guide clients with confidence through every stage of the buying and selling process. 

Known for her approachable style, Stacey’s secret to success is communication. She prioritises keeping clients informed to ensure they feel supported throughout their property journey. Her business is driven by referrals and repeat clients, a testament to the trust she builds and the outcomes she delivers.  
 
remax.com.au/select/stacey-arlott 

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The Story Of Hogs Breath Cafe Airlie Beach

When Don Algie opened the very first Hog’s Breath Cafe in Airlie Beach in 1989, he wasn’t just starting a restaurant, he was creating what would become one of Australia’s most recognisable hospitality brands.

Built on a simple but powerful formula of good food, great service, and a fun, relaxed atmosphere, Hog’s Breath quickly grew from a local steakhouse into a national success story.

The Airlie Beach restaurant, affectionately known today as “The OG,” is no longer in its original location. It moved a few hundred metres down the street many years ago, but the spirit of that first store never left. Generations of locals, travellers, backpackers, and hospitality workers have passed through its doors.

A Personal Connection

In 1995, a young JP Afflick travelled to Darwin to help a friend run a Hog’s Breath Café. What started as a job became life-changing - it was there, at Hog’s Breath Darwin, that JP met his future wife.

Just 18 months later, he was given the opportunity to operate the Byron Bay store with a mate, where he remained until 2001. Even after leaving the brand, JP continued sailing with Don Algie and regularly visiting Airlie Beach, maintaining close ties with the town and the people who made the place special.

That same year marked a major turning point for Hog’s Breath when Don Algie leased the chain out for the next 20 years. But time has a way of bringing stories full circle.

Life Beyond the Restaurant

In 2010, JP began a completely different journey, entering the world of international land speed racing. Today, he is a world record holder in both the 50cc and 100cc motorcycle classes, competing on some of the most iconic salt lakes in the world.

Alongside his racing career, JP also built a successful technology business providing asset management and compliance software for the railway industry, demonstrating the same drive and long-term commitment that defined his hospitality career.

Visitors to the OG Hog’s Breath will spot part of this story on the walls, with images of JP’s race bikes on display. Soon, his 50cc world record motorcycle will return to Airlie Beach to be permanently showcased inside the restaurant - another chapter of the journey coming home.

Back Where It All Began

Fast forward to 2024.

With the Hog’s Breath brand back in the hands of the Algie family, JP Afflick recognised the significance of the Airlie Beach store - the one that started it all. A venue that has welcomed thousands upon thousands of guests, launched countless hospitality careers, and helped shape lifelong friendships and family stories.

Together with business partner Adam Zakharoff, JP purchased Hog’s Breath Café Airlie Beach, determined to honour its history while giving it new life.

Carrying the Legacy Forward

Today, the OG Hog’s Breath is focused on the same values that built the brand in the first place:

Great food. Genuine service. A place where everyone feels welcome.

It’s a legacy JP proudly shares with his longtime friend Don Algie, who can still occasionally be found at the front bar sharing a story and a beer. Adam Zakharoff plays a key role in day-to-day operations, helping steer the restaurant forward while respecting the culture that made it special.

In a world that’s changed dramatically since 1989, some things remain timeless — a good steak, a cold drink, friendly service, and a place that feels like home.

For those who remember the “old days” of Hog’s Breath, Airlie Beach is as close as it gets to stepping back into that era.

And for a new generation discovering it for the first time?

The OG is still doing what it’s always done best.

Welcome in.

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With Ben Muscat from Central Coast Logistics (CCL) Specialised

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In the world of heavy transport, trust is everything. Projects run to tight deadlines, deliveries are expected on time, and customers need confidence that when they make a call, the job will get done.

That’s why Mackay-based CCL Specialised put reliability at their core, and grew a reputation capable of expanding a small local fleet into one of Queensland’s most versatile specialised transport providers.

Managing Director Ben Muscat took on the company three years ago, and has spent that time building a transport operation designed to solve problems, simplify logistics, and provide customers with a true one-stop transport solution servicing the Mackay region, Rockhampton, and other destinations across Queensland.

For Ben, the journey began with a vision to bring together several complementary transport businesses under one banner.

“We've acquired a number of businesses along the way and built them into what is now CCL Specialised,” he explains.

“We wanted to be a one-stop shop. Customers can ring us and we can help them with any transport need.”

The vision fuelled impressive growth. What started with just a handful of vehicles has evolved into a fleet of between 20 and 30 trucks on the road at any given time, supported by a team of around 30 to 35 staff members.

The company’s strength lies not only in its size but in the diversity of services it can provide.

“One day a customer might need a tilt tray, the next day a B-double, then a super,” Ben says.

“We can come out with the whole range.”

This versatility has helped establish CCL Specialised as a partner for industries throughout Queensland – and their reliability has made that reputation a trusted one.

3 years on, operating from its Bakers Creek headquarters, CCL now works closely with businesses across a range of sectors, supporting projects large and small with customised transport solutions. 

While growth has been important, Ben is quick to point out that the company’s success has never been about expanding for expansion’s sake- and that his plans for the future remain smart and sustainable.

“Sustainable expansion’s on the agenda,” he says.

“We're not looking to open depots everywhere overnight. We want to find markets where we can genuinely help and add value. It’s about finding those strong relationships with customers, where it works for them, and it works for us. That’s how you grow.”

Another key part of the recipe for the company’s success has been a strong, committed team capable of handling the unexpected.

Transport, he says, presents new challenges every day.

“There are delays, road incidents, loading issues, last-minute changes, weather events – there's always something happening.”

So, the quality he values most in his team is perseverance.

“We're looking for people who can keep finding solutions. There's a solution to every problem, and having that mindset is really important.”

Like many businesses within the transport sector, CCL has faced challenges in recent years, particularly around rising fuel costs and workforce shortages.

“Fuel prices have had a huge impact across the industry,” Ben says.

“When fuel costs double, it affects everyone, from transport operators through to customers and end users.”

Finding the right people has been another challenge.

“There are plenty of operators out there, but we look for people who fit our culture and share our values.”

Those values have deep roots in Ben’s own family history.

Coming from a family of small business owners and farmers, he grew up understanding the realities of hard work, resilience, and adapting to circumstances beyond your control.

“My grandfather was a cane farmer down at Sarina and my father has run several small businesses,” he says.

“We’re generations of small business owners, and small business is about perseverance - you keep on trying.

“There are always things outside your control, but you show up on the day and do your best.”

That same philosophy continues to guide his leadership today.

Outside of work, Ben’s focus is his young family. Together with his wife Georgia, who he describes as the rock of the family, he is raising three children – Teddy, Bella and Grace – all under the age of five.

Running a growing company while raising a young family can be demanding, but Ben sees the two as closely connected.

“They’re a big part of why we do this,” he says.

“Running a family business is all about the next generation.”

Whether his children eventually join the business is entirely up to them.

“I want them to find something they're passionate about,” he says.

“If that's this business, great. If it's something completely different, that's great too.”

How would you describe yourself in 3 words?

Loyal, Hardworking, Productive.

What do you listen to on the long hauls?

Music- often country, or a good podcast – like Jimmy Talks Construction.

What value matters most in business?

We built our business around productivity and it's something that I'm pretty passionate about in industry. I really love when businesses and individuals can come up with innovative ways of doing things. Even just maintainingthe existing ways of doing it, but doing to the best of their abilities - that’s awesome.

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At Bedshed Mackay

In 2004, after leaving the Navy, Tony Larsen travelled to London for what was intended to be a two-year working holiday that turned into seven years after meeting his wife.

In 2011, he and his wife moved to Mackay from London – this time, with a family in tow, and a plan to stay for good.

In December 2025, Tony took ownership of Bedshed Mackay, where he turned his focus to building a business where exceptional service is just as important as the products on the showroom floor.

“We take pride in our amazing staff’s ability to connect with customers and provide great service from purchase to delivery," Tony said.

Having worked in the store before gaining experience in other sales roles and the mining industry, Tony believed he could bring something different to the Mackay market.

Bedshed Mackay caters to customers across all budgets, with the team focused on helping every customer find the right sleep solution.

“Most of us spend more time in our bed then we do in our cars, so investing in a quality sleep system is an investment in better physical and mental wellbeing."

As a local veteran-owned business, giving back to the community is a core value, with Tony also passionate about supporting fellow veterans and investing in the region he’s made his home.

Stay tuned for upcoming sales, particularly on adjustable bases and mattresses designed to enhance both comfort and sleep quality at Bedshed Mackay.

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Jesse Spina, SpinFX NQ

For Jesse Spina, building a successful business has always been about creating something built on trust, community, and a commitment to doing things the right way.

As the owner, director and electrician behind SpinFX NQ, Jesse has grown the business from humble beginnings into a trusted provider of solar, electrical and air-conditioning solutions across North Queensland. Starting in 2019, Jesse took the leap into business ownership after a period of subcontracting, beginning with hydro cleans before expanding into the broader range of services SpinFX NQ offers today.

“I made it a priority to provide electrical services to my community as well as remote areas like Georgetown and Croydon,” Jesse says.

That focus on community remains a driving force behind Jesse’s approach to business. He believes strong relationships, both with clients and his team, are what create lasting success.

Jesse credits his parents as a major influence on his values and leadership style, saying,

“The way they treat clients and staff truly resembles how I conduct myself in business,”

For Jesse, building a strong team culture is just as important as delivering quality workmanship.

“It’s about creating an environment where everyone feels respected and supported. When you invest in your team, it naturally leads to better collaboration and loyalty.”

While running a growing business brings its challenges, Jesse finds balance through the simple moments outside of work, including time with his dogs, Luna and Luigi.  

“They remind me to slow down, switch off, and recharge,” he says.

With SpinFX NQ continuing to grow, Jesse remains focused staying true to the values that started it all: hard work, respect and giving back to the community that supported him along the way.

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