Jeff and Leon’s Christmas Tradition Christmas cheer has blossomed in the Burdekin once again, and the beloved Christmas Lights Guys have continued to wow and delight the region, keeping one of the community’s most treasured traditions alive for almost two decades. Jeff Lunn and Leon McCormack first began decorating their Home Hill home in 2007, but it wasn’t until they moved across the bridge and unveiled their display in Ayr that things truly took off. “It started to pick up in about 2010 after we moved, and it has just gotten bigger, and bigger, and bigger every year as we add extra display pieces to keep things fresh, different and exciting,” Jeff explained. Childhood memories are what initially inspired the pair to ignite what has become such a beautiful local tradition, however, it’s the joy Jeff and Leon see across the faces of everyone who stops by that keeps the pair excited. “Seeing the children, families and the community enjoying themselves and having a good time continues to excite us and that’s all it’s really about and we love having people come around to see the lights,” enthused Jeff. “Growing up in Newcastle, we would do Christmas light drives as a family with mum and dad, and our inspiration to put on these displays has just drawn on from that and from the enjoyment we see from the kids when they come around, and what the whole community gets out of what we do.” What once began as a humble light display, has evolved into a community-oriented festive extravaganza, complete with a radio channel featuring perfectly synchronised tunes to accompany the magic of the dancing lights. Annually, hundreds of visitors flock to the corner of Edwards and Darwin Streets in Ayr to experience the magical display, while for six months of the year Jeff and Leon work behind the scenes, preparing to outdo the previous year’s spectacle. “Our enjoyment also comes from keeping busy,” added Jeff. “The displays certainly keep us on our toes, and that’s how we like it, we love to keep busy.” In July, the cogs start turning as Jeff and Leon sit down to plan what will stay, what will go, and what will make its debut this festive season, placing orders left, right and centre to ensure everything will arrive in time for the end of year extravaganza. Sunlight streams into Jeff and Leon’s four bay car garage in mid to late August, as the pair roll up the doors and their sleeves to test each and every bulb across thousands of lights in preparation for large-scale display. As late September ticks around, the pair are in full spooky season mode, putting together a wonderfully witching Halloween display, complete with a classic trick or treat dress up party to round out the month of October. With that holiday behind them, Jeff and Leon pack away the frights, and unpack the festive delights, working as hard as a North Pole elf on Christmas Eve to have the house looking ship shape from the 1st of November. On the 23rd of December and of course, Christmas Eve, Santa himself will make an appearance, perched up in his bright red sleigh, ready for family photos from about 7pm onwards. The grill will be up and running, serving up a delicious sausage sizzle, and complimentary popcorn, fairy floss and snow cones will also be on offer to add to the festivities. Jeff and Leon cannot wait to delight the community for the 18th year with their wonderful display, and hope to see plenty of families pop on over to the corner of Edwards and Darwin Streets in Ayr to catch a glimpse of the magic this festive season.
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Where to Go and What to See The Christmas spirit is sparkling across the Burdekin Shire once again, with locals transforming their homes into magical displays of twinkling lights and festive cheer! If you’re searching for the perfect way to welcome Christmas Eve, a leisurely evening drive might be just the thing. Pack the car with family or friends, turn up the Christmas tunes, and enjoy a festive cruise through the region. This year’s list is even more exciting, with new streets added, offering more dazzling displays to discover across Ayr, Alva Beach, Brandon, Giru, Groper Creek, Home Hill and Jarvisfield. Whether it’s a cherished tradition or a new festive outing, it’s a wonderful way to soak up the magic and celebrate Christmas in the Burdekin! AYR • Albert Crescent • Beach Road • Brisbane Street • Burke Street • Cameron Street • Chippendale Street • Conlan Street • Darwin Street • Drysdale Street • Edwards Street • Gibson Street • Graham Street • Hayes Street • Ida Court • Kilrie Road • Lawrence Crescent • Lawson Street • Lisa Drive • Melbourne Street • Methodist Lane • Michael Street • Munro Street • Paine Street • Parker Street • Sacred Heart Church • Sutcliffe Estate • Wilmington Street ALVA BEACH • Topton Street BRANDON • Burke Street • Drysdale Street • Sexton Highway • Toll Street GIRU • Daker Street • Lyons Street GROPER CREEK • Stockdale Parade HOME HILL • Eighth Street • First Street • Fourteenth Avenue • Fourth Street • Ninth Avenue • Sixth Street • Tenth Avenue • Tenth Street • Third Avenue • Twelfth Street JARVISFIELD • Kilrie Road
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Thursday 25 December St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church Ayr – Christmas Day Service Thursday 9am Celebrate the true spirit of Christmas with a warm and welcoming Christmas Day Service at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Ayr, beginning at 9am. St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Ayr Saturday 3 January Learn to Tow Safely Saturday 9am Build confidence behind the wheel at the Learn to Tow course, where experienced instructors guide you through hands-on, practical towing skills in a friendly, supportive environment — giving you the knowledge and confidence to safely hit the road with your trailer. Ayr Showgrounds Sunday 4 January TASA Meet & Greet Burdekin Sunday 9am Discover practical community solutions at the Burdekin Terra Australis States Assembly (TASA) Meet & Greet, where locals can connect, ask questions, and learn about TASA’s citizen-led approach to accountability, fairness, and building a better future - no politics, no religion, just real conversations. Email tasaburdekin@proton.me for location details. TBA Sunday 11 January Morning Tea Thyme in the Nursery Sunday 10am Pop in and enjoy a complimentary community morning tea at Nuttall’s Garden Centre, where a warm cuppa, sweet treats and friendly faces come together—take a stroll through the nursery, soak up the greenery and share a chat in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Nuttall’s Garden Centre, Ayr Monday 12 January (weekly) Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre Crochet Group Mondays 1pm–5pm Whether you’re new to crocheting or would like to share your knowledge, come along and bring a friend. Call 4783 4243 for more information! 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr Thursday 15 January (1st & 3rd Thursday of each month) Burdekin Seniors Computer Club 9:30am to 11:30am Are you over 50? Would you enjoy a social morning out? Are you interested in broadening your knowledge of modern technology? This could be the group for you! Call 4783 4243 for more information. 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr Monday 26 January 2026 Australia Day Awards Ceremony Monday 4pm Celebrate Australia Day 2026 at the Burdekin Theatre with a Citizenship Ceremony, Australia Day Awards, and light refreshments including traditional cake, honouring local achievements and welcoming new Australian citizens. Burdekin Theatre Friday 30 January We Will Rock You Opening Night Friday 7:30pm Burdekin Singers & Theatre Company presents the high-energy musical We Will Rock You, featuring over 20 Queen hits in a dystopian rock-revival story. Multiple performance dates follow into early February. Burdekin Theatre Wednesday 18 February Wednesday 11am Morning Melodies Bloom Sings Eva Cassidy Experience an intimate acoustic tribute as Bloom brings Eva Cassidy’s timeless songs to life at Morning Melodies, with tickets $15 including morning tea. Burdekin Memorial Hall Thursday 26 February Movie Magic Paint, Sip & Sing Thursday 6pm Sing, sip and paint your heart out at this epic movie-inspired Paint & Sip in Ayr, where iconic film soundtracks, big laughs and guided creativity collide for a glitter-filled night of nostalgia, fun and feel-good chaos at the Coutts Commercial Hotel. Coutts Commercial Hotel, Ayr Friday 27 February Where is the Green Sheep? Friday 12pm Families can enjoy an enchanting visual theatre adventure as puppetry and animation bring Mem Fox’s beloved story to life in the playful search for the elusive Green Sheep. Burdekin Theatre Wednesday 15 April Morning Melodies A Night in Vegas Wednesday 11am Audiences can expect a glitzy, high-energy morning of Vegas-style hits, big band classics, dazzling dance performances, and charismatic vocals that bring the glamour and fun of Sin City to life. Burdekin Theatre Friday 24 April Remember the Days of Cat Stevens Friday 7:30pm Audiences can relive the timeless hits of Cat Stevens in a heartfelt tribute by Darren Coggan, celebrating classics like Moonshadow, Wild World, and Father & Son with remarkable authenticity and nostalgic charm. Burdekin Theatre Sunday 24 May The Australian Medium Tour Sunday 2pm Charmaine Wilson returns to Ayr on this May for a moving afternoon of spirit connection, offering audience members messages of love, validation and healing from the spirit world, followed by a Q&A and reflections on grief and life beyond, from 2pm to 4.15pm (ages 16+). Burdekin Theatre Thursday 28 May Creedence Clearwater Collective Thursday 7:30pm Experience a night of classic rock as Creedence Clearwater Collective brings the iconic hits of CCR and John Fogerty to the stage, delivering all the timeless favourites live and full of energy. Burdekin Theatre Friday 29 May Ayr SLSC Meet & Greet Friday 6pm The Ayr SLSC's centenary celebrations will begin with a relaxed Friday night Meet and Greet and book launch, bringing together past and present members and the community to celebrate the club’s legacy and commemorate 100 years of surf lifesaving. Kalamia Hotel Saturday 30 May Celebrating 100 Years of Ayr SLSC Gala Dinner Saturday 6pm The Ayr Surf Life Saving Club will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026! The milestone event will honour a century of service, memories and community spirit, bringing past and present members together for an unforgettable evening. Burdekin Memorial Hall Sunday 31 May Ayr SLSC Community Fun Day Sunday 10am The Ayr SLSC's centenary celebrations will conclude with a relaxed, family-friendly gathering at the Ayr Clubhouse, welcoming past and present members, families and the community for a memorable day. Ayr Surf Life Saving Club, Alva Beach Wednesday 10 June Morning Melodies Life at Frankie's Wednesday 11am Join Thomas Armstrong-Robley for Live at Frankie’s, a high-energy cabaret celebrating the timeless songs of Frank Sinatra and Frankie Valli, delivered with world-class vocals, charm, and a touch of humour. Burdekin Theatre
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Blake Hanks, winner of this year’s NQ Fast Track Talent Showcase in Ayr, has taken his first steps onto the national stage after performing at Sydney’s Double Bay Christmas Carols on the 23rd of November alongside some of Australia’s biggest names. The 17-year-old Airlie Beach performer, who boasts a strong track record in school musicals, eisteddfods, and talent competitions, was awarded the prestigious Fast Track award in March for his impressive vocal talent. His victory earned him an all-expenses-paid trip to Sydney, including a mentoring session with acclaimed performer Hugh Sheridan (Packed to the Rafters, California Crooners Club), and the opportunity to showcase his talents to the nation. Blake opened the Double Bay Christmas Carols with festive favourites Holly Jolly Christmas and Winter Wonderland, later performing Last Christmas. He shared the stage with Dami Im, Sheppard, Jael Wena, and Taysha Ferrugia, joining them for the finale before counting down to the fireworks in front of a crowd exceeding 10,000 people. Blake described the experience as “unforgettable." “Thank you to the organisers of Fast Track to Fame - this has truly been an incredible opportunity. Performing alongside such high-calibre artists and meeting Hugh Sheridan was an honour I’ll never forget,” said Hanks. Christine Collyer, Founder of Fast Track Talent, praised Blake’s performance at the Carols event. “Blake was an absolute star and embraced every moment of this opportunity. We’re thrilled to see the Burdekin Shire Council supporting such a fantastic platform for young artists,” she said. Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said Blake’s success demonstrates the impact of local initiatives like Fast Track. “It’s fantastic to see such a significant opportunity arise from a Burdekin event. The Fast Track Talent Showcase not only celebrates local talent but also opens doors for young people to shine on a national stage. Council is proud to support events like these, that create pathways for our youth to achieve their dreams.” Hosted by Burdekin Shire Council and the Burdekin Shire Youth Council, the NQ Fast Track Talent Showcase will return on the 20th to the 21st of March 2026.
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50 years of illustrious football history will be celebrated at the Burdekin FC 50 Year Gala Dinner in October.
The Burdekin Football Club is celebrating half a century, inviting life members, past and present players, committee members, coaches, managers, sponsors, and supporters along for a very special evening.
“It’s a very important celebration; 50 years is not to be sneezed at,” said Burdekin FC President Laurence Dal Santo, who first played for the club in 1987.
Football in the Burdekin dates back to the early 1900s when men would play informal games in Ayr and Home Hill.
Most of the players at the time were migrants from Scotland, Ireland, England, and European countries, playing without the formality of club or competition.
Clubs were eventually established in both Ayr and Home Hill, the towns playing against each other on most Sundays, although bonding and camaraderie were still the aim of the game.
In the early 1970s, another group of men from Ayr started to organise a formal senior soccer competition, with games again played on Sunday afternoons.
Over the years, teams would come and go, with only four teams in the competition at any one time, including Centrals, Comets, Crusaders, Easts, Grenadiers, Juventus, and Parkside Rangers.
In 1971, the Townsville based North Queensland Soccer Federation (NQSF) had seven teams in their first division and offered players of Ayr the opportunity to play in the competition against teams who had a bye.
Ayr accepted, with teams travelling to Townsville every three to four weeks to compete, and Townsville teams travelling to Ayr.
While some players were happy with the arrangement, others wanted more out of the competition, hoping to play in the elite NQSF competition on a more regular basis.
It was during the 1972 season that the idea to join the NQSF was officially raised and in 1973, the Ayr Senior Soccer Association competed in its first season, becoming the Burdekin Soccer Club in 1987, now known as Burdekin FC.
The club has celebrated many wins and triumphs over the years and produced local football stars who have gone onto big things, all of which will be celebrated on the night.
“The club punches above our weight, we go alright,” said Mr Dal Santo.
“A lot of players have come and gone, and we’ve got volunteers and parents with lots of stories to tell,” added fellow committee member Carla Dal Santo.
Prominent members of the club, both men and women, will discuss each decade of history with the club and 18 life members will be honoured on the night.
The 16+ formal event includes a three-course dinner, live entertainment, and guest speakers, with drinks available for purchase.
To find out more, visit Burdekin FC Inc on Facebook and find the Burdekin FC 50 Year Gala Dinner event.
WHAT: Burdekin FC 50 Year Gala Dinner
WHEN: Saturday, October 14 from 6:00pm
WHERE: Burdekin Memorial Hall
TICKETS: www.trybooking.com/CKUUN
Burdekin FC 50 Year Gala Dinner Sub-Committee Back L-R Ramon Oar, Laurence Dal Santo, Callan Sunderland, Joshua Valle. Front L-R Michael Taylor, Carla Dal Santo, Sian Reardon
Sub-Committee members Kyle Taylor and Maddison Dal Santo
50 years of Burdekin FC history will be celebrated at a Gala Dinner in October
Photos supplied
Booking your holiday directly with a local travel agent rather than risking the confusing minefield of online services is something that can transform your holiday experience from stressful and nerve-racking to positive, personal and above all; safe.
This level of personal service is something that the friendly team at Helloworld in Ayr pride themselves in; their knowledge, expertise and excellent customer service makes every customer feel relaxed in the competent arms of a professional they can develop a good relationship with.
For Rosemary Menkens, it was an easy decision to go to Pierina Dalle Cort at Helloworld Travel Ayr, and have her team handle all her travel bookings and essentials.
“I’ve been going through Pierina for everything for 20-something years now, and I’ve never looked back,” Rosemary explained.
Rosemary initially approached Helloworld when she travelled a lot for work, sometimes at a moment’s notice, however since her retirement, she has continued to see Pierina and Helloworld whenever she and her husband travel.
“Pierina handles everything for you, and nothing ever went wrong, and if something did, her team would solve it for you.”
Recalling a time when their flight was unexplainedly cancelled, Rosemary was thankful that Pierina and her team associated with the travel insurance claim, and even to the length of speaking to them.
“That experience really made me realise why you go to a professional and thorough travel agent and have insurance whenever you travel,” Rosemary explained.
Travelling multiple times a year, Rosemary always returns to Helloworld.
“Pierina has trained her staff beautifully and they are so knowledgeable and ready to assist. They have all of my respect,” Rosemary said.
Earlier this year, Rosemary and her husband Ray embarked on a 35-day cruise across the Pacific Ocean, with Helloworld ensuring the best possible accommodations, entertainment, and travel route.
Rosemary also completed a land tour of New Zealand, where she explored the Southern Island, and is already looking forward to jet-setting off for a holiday to Portugal with a friend sometime soon.
Looking back over her travels, Rosemary is thankful for Helloworld and the passionate team.
“Just thinking about everything that goes into booking and organising a holiday, from travel insurance, flights, accommodations, and experiences, Pierina and her team take all the pressure out of everything and made the entire experience seamless and amazing.”
To learn more, book your next holiday vacation, or see the fantastic details that Helloworld Ayr have on offer, ring 4783 2122, email ayr@hellworld.com.au or visit their shopfront at 131 Queen Street Ayr.
Rosemary’s best travel tip: Be sure to check your passport expiry date! Sometimes you can’t travel if you have less than six months left on your passport, so double check.
Rosemary and Ray Menkens on their travels to Scotland
Rosemary at Empress Catherine Palace in St Petersburg. Photos: Rosemary Menkens
Little Miss Sofie is available for adoption!
This very sweet and calm black and white kitten is ready to meet her perfect home.
Cuddly and playful, Sofie would best suit a calm and relaxing home, with older children.
Sofie is quick to turn into a snuggly purring machine and will become a permanent fixture in your lap.
She loves being cradled like a baby, and is eager for a play, either with toys, her human, or a cat tunnel.
Although more than comfortable with other feline friends, Sofie would positively thrive in a peaceful and relaxing environment, where she is the centre of attention.
Sofie is open and available for meet and greets, always eager to meet new humans and families.
Available for adoption, Sofie is up to date on her vaccines, flea, tick, and worm treated, is desexed and microchipped, ready for her forever home at a moment’s notice.
To enquire about Sofie, or set up a meet and greet, submit the cat/kitten enquiry form here: https://www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms.html
Fast Facts:
Rehoming fee: $185
DOB: 01/11/2022
Sex: Female
Breed: Domestic short hair
Kid friendly: Older kids (12+ years)
Dog Friendly: Untested
Other cats: Yes
Indoors/Outdoors: Indoors
Location: Ayr, QLD
With highly competitive prices, a broad range of direct flights and an experiential fun-focussed terminal, Whitsunday Coast Airport is quickly becoming the airport of choice for people living in the Burdekin.
Airport Manager, Craig Turner, said that the Council-owned facility is “delivering seamless and cost-effective access” to a range of destinations.
Flying direct to Cairns, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Newcastle, Sydney, Melbourne and also the Gold Coast (as of December 7), the airport hosts Qantas, Virgin, JetStar, SkyTrans and Bonza airlines.
“The Whitsundays is a well-known holiday destination – this makes it cheaper, faster and direct!” said Mr Turner.
“Locals are also buying a seat next to a leisure passenger rather than when they travel from Townsville and are sitting next to a corporate or mine worker which drives the prices up.”
In addition to passenger travel, Whitsunday Coast Airport also has a dedicated Freight Distribution Centre – transporting fish, crabs, and pets all around the country.
They can also transit fresh local produce to population centres quicker than any road or rail transport.
“This is great for local farmers whose produce gets to market as fresh as possible,” Mr Turner explained.
“Not only is the produce worth more, it also looks fantastic!”
While the flights and the freight are definitely setting Whitsunday Coast Airport apart from other regional airports, it is also the terminal experience that has seen Whitsunday Coast win several awards this year.
“We unashamedly promote fun!” said Mr Turner.
From the Heart Reef inspired aquarium at the centre of the departure lounge to the free-form seating, augmented reality screen to entertain the kids and the Taste Whitsundays food and beverage offering – everything is an experience at Whitsunday Coast Airport.
Whitsunday Coast Airport is taking-off! Photo supplied
The Home Hill – Ayr Lions Club have a saying: ‘Where there’s a need, there’s a Lion,’ which sums up the work they’ve been doing throughout the Burdekin for the last 60 years.
The club is celebrating 60 years in November and inviting the community to celebrate their contributions and hard work.
“It’s time to sit back and look at what we’ve done, who we are and enjoy that with each other and the community,” said Home Hill – Ayr Lions club member and Public Affairs Officer for North Queensland Nick Wiseman.
“We’ve got members who have been in the club a long time and we’ve got some newer members as well.
“It’s going to be amazing to see and be a part of what Lions have been doing in this community for such a long time.”
The Home Hill – Ayr Lions Club most notably fundraise and donate money to organisations and causes locally and nationally.
Recent beneficiaries have included the Burdekin BMX Club, local schools, chaplaincy programs, cancer research and natural disaster funds, most recently Burketown floods.
The club maintains ongoing projects including the fruit park in Home Hill, located across the road from the Lions diorama.
The Home Hill – Ayr Lions Club have also sponsored Allie-Jo Farry, a 2023 Queensland Country Home Hill Harvest Festival Queen entrant who, with the club’s assistance, is fundraising through bake sales, raffles and events, with funds raised to be donated to a charity of her choice.
The club will also welcome the Lions Eye Health Project Coordinator to the region, visiting Home Hill State School on October 30 to conduct early intervention vision screening on school students.
The Home Hill – Ayr Lions Club is always looking for new members and assistance, meeting at the Crown Hotel every second and fourth Monday from 6:30pm.
To find out more about membership and the club’s 60th celebrations, email homehilllions@gmail.com.
WHAT: Home Hill – Ayr Lions Club 60th Celebration
WHEN: Saturday, November 18 from 6:30pm
WHERE: Brandon Tavern
TICKETS: $40pp
The Home Hill – Ayr Lions Club meet at the Crown Hotel twice a month. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie
With disaster season approaching, the emergency services of the region gathered at the SES Home Hill Open Day on Saturday to spread awareness ahead of Get Ready Week.
The Open Day came after the Burdekin Unit State Emergency Service won the Regional Unit/Group of the Year and more at this year’s SES Week Awards.
“We are a tightknit little group,” said Burdekin SES Deputy Local Controller Laurinda George.
“We do not have a lot of members, but we know how to pump out jobs, we trust each other, we know each other’s abilities, so we spread out and do what needs to be done.”
Local Controller John Winn attended the SES State Awards ceremony in Brisbane earlier in the month as a Suncorp Spirit of SES nominee.
“I’m pretty proud and the members are pretty proud,” Mr Winn said.
“It’s quite an impressive award for our small numbers.”
Last weekend’s Open Day welcomed SES, Fire Brigade, Ambulance, Police, Rural Fire Brigade and Council to engage with the community and share helpful information ahead of the summer.
“What we like to do is engage with the community so that they can become independent in times of trouble,” added Ms George.
“We’re here to educate them on how to help themselves so they don’t find themselves in a state of emergency, they’ve done it all before and they’re prepared, and today is a big part of that.”
Burdekin SES members meet every Monday evening from 7:00pm with depots across Ayr, Home Hill, Clare, Rita Island and Guru, all sponsored and maintained by the Burdekin Shire Council.
The organisation currently has 33 members across the region, some being with SES for over 30 years, but are seeking more interest from the community, welcoming people 16 years and above to join.
“We are a volunteer organisation so it’s what you can volunteer,” said Ms George.
“We just need people to want to support their community and by doing that we can support them.
“There is something for everyone.”
To find out more about joining SES, email SESNR.Admin@qfes.qld.gov.au.
Get Ready Week will take place across the region next month.
SES Week Awards
Burdekin SES Unit – Regional Unit/Group of the Year
Paul Haller Group Leader Ayr SES – SES Week Award
John George Deputy Group Leader Ayr SES – SES Week Award
Donn Thomson Deputy Group Leader Home Hill – Meritorious Service Clasp for 30 Years of Outstanding Service
Burdekin SES Deputy Local Controller Laurinda George, Deputy Local Controller Warren Francis, and Local Controller John Winn
Home Hill SES hosted an Open Day last weekend
Photo credit: Sam Gillespie
A motorcycle mechanic by trade who has upskilled himself because of his passion for four-wheel driving, Riley Granshaw’s business RG Customs NQ was born when he started working on his friends’ cars from his parents’ shed in Mount Kelly.
“I’ve always been involved with four-wheel drives and mechanics, I grew up on a property so it’s in my blood to be on the tools,” he said.
“I’m pretty passionate about my four-wheel driving and I got more and more enquiries, so it started from there.
“It was all just word of mouth, and it was getting very, very busy.
“Flash forward to this year and I was getting ridiculously busy and running out of space.”
In June this year, RG Customs NQ moved into its current location on the corner of Queen and Parker Streets, conveniently located in the centre of Ayr.
Ironically, it’s the exact same building in which he completed his apprenticeship, taking over the lease immediately after his former boss relocated.
“It was a no-brainer, I’ve got the showroom where I can move into the retail side, which is coming, and the workshop out the back is just unreal, there’s plenty of room,” Riley said.
“I bought my toolbox when I started my apprenticeship here and brought the same toolbox back, it’s pretty wild.”
Specialising in custom fit outs, Riley’s satisfaction comes from the transformation of a stock standard vehicle into a four-wheel driving machine, sourcing and fitting bull bars, spotlights, snorkels, suspension, roof racks and all other four-wheel driving accessories.
“The best part about it for me is when the customer sees their car and they go, ‘how good’s that,’” he said.
“They bring it here completely standard, and it leaves completely different.”
An avid four-wheel driver himself, Riley frequents driving and camping spots along the Burdekin River and up the coast, recognising the market in the Burdekin and filling the niche four-wheel drive accessories and custom fabrication.
With the assistance of his mother Sue in the office, Riley hopes to expand the business and the team, growing RG Customs NQ’s services, retail display and reputation throughout the region.
Visit RG Customs NQ on Facebook to find out more.
RG Customs NQ Owner Riley Granshaw. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie
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