1943
William ‘Jack’ McCathie, born in Gympie in 1913, marries Amelia Jane ‘Millie’ Orchard, born in Ayr in 1922, and the couple’s early business ventures include carpentry, wood depot and wood carting, Supreme Taxi Service, Macs Milk Bar & Café, Macs Toyland, T & G Mutual Life Insurance Agency, TAA Travel Centre, and agents for Kern Homes & McCathies Real Estate.
1970
Jack and Millie’s son, John, marries Lyndy Heuir.
1974
While running TAA Travel Agency and McCathies Real Estate, Jack and Millie open Ayr Secondhand Dealers where Burdekin Motors is today. Jack continues to operate the travel agency and real estate businesses while Millie manages the secondhand shop. John and Lyndy are asked to join the family business and take over management of Ayr Secondhand Dealers.
1978
The family purchases 262 Queen Street, Ayr, the business’ current location.
1979
Jack and Millie’s daughter, Janice, along with Lyndy, start Jan and Lyndy’s Sewing World, sharing the building with Ayr Secondhand Dealers. John begins servicing sewing machines as well as running the Secondhand business. McCathies Real Estate also moves into 262 Queen Street alongside Ayr Secondhand Dealers and Jan and Lyndy’s Sewing World. Jan and Lyndy open a second ‘Sewing World’ in Bowen before selling the Bowen business in 1987 and the Ayr business in 1989.
1994
John and Lyndy expand the business and hold regular auctions alongside selling secondhand furniture. Long-time family friends Lyn and Rodney Stenning partner up with John and Lyndy and begin construction of the large shed adjoining the current building.
1998
Ayr Secondhand Dealers shifts into new furniture retail. Lyndy and Lyn took a trip to Brisbane to source new furniture and mattresses with an Australian made focus – many of the suppliers they found on that trip are still suppliers of the business now, some 26 years later.
2012
With Lyn and Rod looking to retire, John and Lyndy’s youngest daughter Kari and her husband Rob decide to invest in the family business and move from Townsville with their two children, Chelsea and Jye, back to the Burdekin.
2013
Kari takes on the role of Managing Director of McCathies Furniture Plus, a big change from her previous teaching role. Rob would continue to commute to Townsville daily for work for the next four years before commencing work at Pioneer Mill in 2017.
2018
Shay Kratzmann joins the team.
2021
Adam Smith starts with McCathies after completing his cabinetmaking apprenticeship.
2023
George Gamia joins the McCathies crew.
2024
McCathies Furniture Plus celebrates 50 years of quality service and dedication to the Burdekin.
Millie and Jack McCathie
The McCathies building at 262 Queen Street, Ayr before the addition of the big shed
John and Lyndy McCathie and Lyn and Rodney Stenning
Kari, Jye, Chelsea and Rob Ravizza
The team in 2024 – L-R George Gamia, Kari Ravizza, Shay Kratzmann, Rob Ravizza and Adam Smith. Photo credit: Melanie Napier
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2023 Burdekin Life Pty Ltd.
