Townsville emerges as Australia's most liveable green manufacturing city
The Burdekin café sharing their passion for home cooking, culture, and training the region's youth
NETWORKING'S NEW FRONTIER
Turning connections into valuable business opportunities
The economic value of regional arts
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front and rear checker plate protection
Reversing camera standard
Fibreglass
There are many factors which influence a city’s liveability and its appeal as a holiday destination, and certainly Townsville is ticking a lot of boxes as it builds its reputation as the events capital of Northern Australia.
Queensland Country Bank Stadium has boosted our ability to attract signature events, with the recent P!nk concerts not only delighting locals, but attracting thousands of visitors to our city. We’re renowned for getting behind our national sporting teams, and deservedly so – there’s no doubt sports events inject dollars into the city and the sense of excitement is palpable when our team is at the top!
It is common practice for corporates and governments to support the sports and major events industry in return for economic prosperity and lifestyle, and so too is there an enormous opportunity to recognise the value of arts and cultural organisations in our region.
Despite Townsville being home to nationally respected organisations such as TheatreiNQ, Dancenorth, and the annual Australian Festival of Chamber Music, regional arts organisations are facing significant challenges with financial constraints and the need for adequate infrastructure.
Admittedly, I am personally passionate about the arts and am an active member of our local theatre community as a playwright and amateur actor, but I truly do believe that if exposed to it, most people can and will enjoy the opportunity to attend a production or cultural event. As skilled workers consider lifestyle factors beyond employment, the availability of cultural and artistic offerings becomes a decisive factor in choosing a location.
So, my ask of the local business community is that you have a read of our cover story, Creative Currency, and challenge yourself to go to a theatre or dance production, event, or gallery you haven’t been to before. Look for ways your business can support arts organisations through in-kind or financial support and help us build a region that values arts and culture as much as we do our sports.
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The Australian Taxation Office estimated employees were owed $3.4 billion worth of super in 2019-2020.
“We regularly remind clients to check their superannuation accounts to ensure they are on track and payments are being made by their employer,” says Greg Redington, Director, Coutts Redington.
“It’s surprising the amount of super entitlements in Australia that remain unpaid and the best option is to be checking your account regularly so you can raise any issue with your employer if payments are not being made.”
If you have had several jobs during your working life, you may have had super paid into more than one superannuation fund. You may be able to check via your MyGov account and look at consolidating all super into one main fund to avoid administration fees from various funds and help grow your super.
Employers are required to pay superannuation for most employees. This is known as the Superannuation Guarantee and is currently a minimum of 11% of the employee’s ordinary earnings paid into their nominated superannuation fund.
“If you are a business owner and employ staff, it is your responsibility to pay your employees’ super on time,” Greg mentions.
“We recommend to our business clients to ensure they keep on top of payments to avoid additional penalties for late payments.”
Currently, super must be paid by employers at least every three months.
In the 2023-2024 Federal Budget, the Australian Government announced that from 1 July 2026, employers will be required to pay their employees super at the same time as their salary and wages. While this measure is not yet law, it’s important for businesses to start planning for this change. Greg explains if Payday Super becomes law, it will benefit both the employee and employer.
“The Government’s proposed change is about helping improve retirement outcomes for Australian workers. Also, it is anticipated that Payday Super will help employers streamline payroll processes and avoid the penalties for late super payments.”
Whether you’re an employee or a business owner, take the time for a super review. At Coutts Redington, we are always here to help both businesses and individuals understand their responsibilities and entitlements.
Townsville Laboratory Services has been recognised as a global leader in science, enhancing the city’s reputation as a world leading centre of research commercialisation after being named alongside some of the largest laboratories in the world by Earth Science Information Systems (EScIS), a leading provider of environmental data management solutions.
Council’s Commercial Manager of Townsville Laboratory Services, Edgar Salvador, says it was truly an honour for the Council owned and operated laboratory team to be recognised for their worldclass data management.
“Data management and use in laboratories is extremely complex, so presenting data in a format that people in the field can universally understand, while allowing us to compete on the global stage as a leader in environmental data management, is a clear requirement,” Edgar says.
“ESdat is a globally accepted data management system that assists environmental scientists and engineers to manage a wide range of data.”
Edgar says the initiative was prompted by Townsville Airport, who has been a client of Council’s Townsville Laboratory Services for almost two decades and has recently transitioned to using ESdat as their environmental monitoring database. The initiative was facilitated to provide laboratory results in a format compatible with ESdat, demonstrating Council’s Townsville Laboratory Services’ flexibility in adapting with clients’ continuous improvement opportunities.
“At Townsville Laboratory Services we’re continually striving for excellence as part of our pursuit to living our organisation’s values of SERVE and our entire team of laboratory officers and scientists collaborated with the Townsville Airport officers and environmental scientists, to achieve the ESdat capability,” he says.
“While we have been providing data in this format for our client for over a year now, we have recently had the honour of being listed among some of the world’s largest laboratories on the Earth Science Information Systems website, and alongside only ten other facilities in Australia, including ALS and EnviroLab.” The team successfully accomplished the feat completely in-house and has enhanced the lab’s capabilities to continue to service major external clients and meet the increasing global demand for ESdat.
Edgar says with ESdat, analysts and clients can more efficiently analyse, report, and share data while ensuring the highest level of quality control.
“In the last two decades, environmental scientists, consultants and engineers have supported and preferred this system of data exchange with a global network of environmental laboratories, and I can only see the demand growing in the future,” he says.
The implementation of ESdat allows Council’s Townsville Laboratory Services to provide services to private and government monitoring and research groups where data management and transfers are strictly defined by stringent data structures and processes.
Council’s Townsville Laboratory Services is an advanced analytical laboratory offering a range of services which are available to the community. It currently services councils, hospitals, universities, schools and other institutions in the North Queensland area. It is open to the public for a varied suite of soil and water testing.
For more information on Townsville Laboratory Services, visit Council’s website.
Townsville has earned a reputation across Northern Australia as a vibrant hub for some of the nation’s finest arts groups, festivals, exhibitions, and events. Despite this, the industry is still facing significant hurdles. So, what investments are needed to further cultivate economic prosperity through regional arts?
When actors and arts advocates Terri Brabon and Brendan O’Connor returned to Townsville in 2010 to ensure the continuation of the annual Shakespeare Under the Stars, they were driven by two core beliefs: that theatre is important to a regional community, and that the arts contributes substantially to the local economy.
Fast forward a decade, and they have not only founded a premier theatre company, TheatreiNQ, that produces four productions annually, but has also mentored over 71 acting students and 11 technical students through their training program, The Bridge Project.
Since its establishment in 2012, The Bridge Project has helped a significant number of its students gain admission into some of the nation’s most prestigious acting schools, including the likes of the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) and the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA).
Earlier this year, Terri was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for her commitment to regional theatre, and while they have amassed a loyal following and consistently enjoy sell out seasons, she
says keeping their doors open remains increasingly challenging.
“People forget that we are run as a business,” says Terri. “Like other businesses in the region, we have ever-increasing rental and legal costs, infrastructure, and insurances.
“Currently, we are leasing a medium-sized commercial property, so our main expense is rent. As a theatre company, we need both a space to create and a space to present, so we are currently working out ways for our space to cover both.”
The company continues to receive vital funding from the Townsville City Council, which includes a recent annual allocation of $50,000 for the next three years to cover the expenses related to their premises. However, TheatreiNQ continues to be denied organisational funding from Arts Queensland, and Terri highlights the disparities in funding allocation between regional and metropolitan arts organisations, most notably in the latest funding round, where only 12.9% was allocated to regional arts initiatives.
In 2023, The North Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA) drew over 52,000 attendees across the 24-day event and saw a multiplied economic impact of $17.9 million. In Townsville alone, the direct impact amounted to $5.9 million, with out-of-town visitors spending up at local retail shops, restaurants, and hotels.
Similarly, the Australian Festival of Chamber Music (AFCM), which was born in Townsville three decades ago, continues to be a key economic driver in the region every year.
The total spending associated with the AFCM in Queensland amounted to $9.32 million in 2023 and saw a return of $3.28 million in the state. Notably, 80% of this economic impact was felt in the Townsville region.
“Regional talent resources are always drained to the southeast corner because that is where the money is,” says Terri, who notes TheatreiNQ currently employs two full-time and two part-time staff members, as well as various short-term contracts on their productions.
“We spend years training emerging young talent through The Bridge Project, only to lose them when they finally get good enough to employ, simply because we can’t afford to keep them here.
“If more money was spent on funding artists in the regions, we would be in the position to employ that talent more regularly and hopefully keep them here in North Queensland, performing for the very community that supported their development in the first place.”
It’s no secret that the arts, culture, and creative industries contribute significantly to the local economy. A recent Townsville Enterprise study found that Townsville locals, and those travelling to the events capital of the North, have a strong desire to attend more events that capture the unique sense of culture, people and place of Townsville, with 69% of those surveyed indicating an interest to attend lifestyle, arts and culture events.
Yet, arts organisations like AFCM are also facing challenges with financial constraints and the need for adequate infrastructure, which Executive Director Ricardo Peach says is vital to sustaining their growth, particularly amidst the current cost-of-living crisis.
“Organisations like ours undergo cycles,” says Ricardo. “We receive a set amount of government funding that isn't indexed. As inflationary pressures
The Bridge Project 2024 cohort at their Stage Management Workshop. Without funding and support, such talent is unable to remain in Townsville.
Alexandra Conunova and Julian Smiles in Townsville for the 2023 Australian Festival of Chamber Music, which provides a significant economic boost to the region every year. Image credit: Andrew Rankin
persist, our costs rise, so arts industries need local businesses and the broader community to support us now more than ever.
“AFCM attracts many visitors not just from across Australia but also internationally. Infrastructure is essential for us and other local creative industries to ensure we can have a bigger piece of the pie and bring artistic and cultural events all year round, which, of course, would have a flow-on effect for the economy.”
In the 2023/24 Townsville City Council budget, $45.7 million was assigned to community support programs, libraries, visual and performing arts, galleries, and events. Bolstering this, the Queensland Government allocated $50 million for a new concert hall, adding to the $100 million already granted from the Federal Government in 2021.
This pending construction, while promising, highlights ongoing debates about resource allocation and the lack of performance venues for both amateur and professional organisations. However, it is a good indicator that the city is being recognised Queensland-wide for the artistic talent that is being cultivated in the region.
Townsville City Councillor Ann-Maree Greaney says investment in arts and culture will remain a key priority for the council and notes their intent to leverage tourism opportunities presented by the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
“The arts not only give a sense of community pride, but they work to solidify us as the events capital of the north and play a key role in growing our economy,” says Ann-Maree.
“Through our Arts and Cultural Advisory Committee, we’re engaging with the State Government to outline our 10-year plan leading up to the Olympics.
“Our focus is on advocating and exploring opportunities to boost tourism and event offerings in North Queensland through the arts.”
As Townsville Chamber of Commerce CEO Heidi Turner points out, cultural infrastructure and artistic
talent does much more for our region than just attracting tourists. As skilled workers consider lifestyle factors beyond employment, the availability of cultural and artistic offerings becomes a decisive factor in choosing a location.
“When I moved here from London in 2008, I was stunned to come across organisations such as the Australian Festival of Chamber Music, Dancenorth, and TheatreiNQ with nationally and internationally renowned performers, as well as the calibre of visual artists who could live anywhere and choose to live and create right here and then exhibit at our local galleries,” says Heidi.
“With unemployment currently at an all-time low in Townsville and significant proposed projects on the horizon, attracting a skilled workforce is an essential piece of the jigsaw.
“Skilled workers have options so when they relocate from other parts of Australia and the world, the liveability of the region and the lifestyle their family will enjoy or endure plays a crucial role in their ultimate decision on where they choose to live.
“It's not just about the job, they are thinking more as a family about the bigger picture, including schools, housing affordability, the cost of living, energy and insurance, and the quality of life in their potential new home.”
While Terri acknowledges the backing from Townsville City Council, she emphasises the need for increased support from the State and Federal Governments. In doing so, she is urging businesses and the wider community to consider ways they can support and strengthen the local arts industry.
“Our work is being compared with state-funded companies and we do it all on such a small budget; it's incredible,” says Terri.
“The State Government and the Federal Government seem to still have a long way to go to see the arts in the regions as a professional industry.
“From our perspective, it's about getting more people to lend their voice to show support at a state and federal level, including putting pressure on our local representatives to get behind our fight for more financial support from the state and federal funding bodies.
“Most arts organisations are open to customising corporate sponsorship packages, but the best way to support the local arts industry is to enjoy it. Come along, buy a ticket, and bring your friends.
“From local businesses to council to the broader community, everyone can not only be proud of it, but they can be part of it too.”
Dancenorth performance of ‘Noise’ at the 2019 Northern Australia Festival of Arts. Image credit: Amber Haines
For more than 30 years, Townsville Enterprise has played a critical role in leading the economic progress for Townsville North Queensland through strong political advocacy, investment attraction, tourism development and by promoting our home as the best place to live, visit and invest.
We’re on a journey to become Australia’s most liveable green manufacturing city. Join us!
With thanks to our partners Be part of securing the future of North Queensland and join us today
Succession planning is a crucial process for organisations to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of their business. It involves identifying and developing potential leaders to fill key roles when current leaders retire or move on. When done right, it helps businesses avoid disruption and mitigates risk of critical expertise. It also has employee morale and engagement. However, getting it wrong is disruptive and puts the sustainability of the business at risk.
The following steps are important parts of an effective succession planning process:
► Identify your critical roles
Not all positions should have succession plans, only those where, if left unfilled for more then a few days, the business would be crippled.
► Identifying the right talent
A lot of businesses get this part of the process very wrong and will often operate from assumptions and bias. To get it right, and with the focus on a company’s leadership layer, it is important to understand a potential successor’s aspirations, motivations and ability, and then qualify this giving regard to their performance and proven success in growth roles. In particular, this is a common mistake we hear about with regards to familyowned businesses, in that a parent will mistakenly assume their child aspires to take up the company
► Formulating the succession plan
A well formulated succession plan sets out a learning and development pathway for potential successors and outlines successor readiness. This should focus on the skills, ability, and professional growth needs of the potential successor.
Leadership aptitude assessments and 360-degree feedback processes are high value sources of information that can help inform successors in what those needs are.
► Conduct annual reviews of your succession plan
Succession plans should be reviewed annually and provide for the scenario of considering any new talent that appeared within the previous 12 months.
► Consider the option of formalised agreements and insurance
There is a lot of time and capital invested in developing a potential successor for a company. Risk of loss can be mitigated through the formulation of well-structured agreements and plans and investment in insurance products such as “key-person” insurance.
At Active HR we help shape great workplaces and recognise the value of a business in shaping tomorrow’s company leader, today. If you are needing to secure your company’s future, talk to Active HR about our range of solutions that can support your succession planning endeavours.
When your business is experiencing peaks due to seasonal demand, project work or temporary gaps created by leave or other situations, it can create uncertainty in how to move forward.
In these situations, it is important to evaluate the ratio of staff required to satisfy current service demands, and to determine how many permanent staff can be engaged without sacrificing profits.
Engaging temporary staff can be a very effective solution which enables business owners to manage their payroll expenditure.
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When you imagine a region primed to deliver green energy, with growing capabilities in hydrogen and sustainable fuels, but also nestled between two World Heritage ecosystems, and an island playground off its coast, you'd be forgiven for looking to an international example. But Australia's most liveable future green manufacturing city is right here, in Townsville North, Queensland.
Townsville is on a journey, and one that places the capital of North Queensland in the driving seat as the country moves toward a clean economy to achieve net zero targets. Having received hundreds of millions of dollars in project announcements in the first quarter of 2024 alone, Townsville is fast gaining a reputation as the location of choice for private investors looking to fast-track renewable energy generation and green manufacturing, catapulting Northern Australia's largest regional economy to the forefront of the global market.
Since 2023, following the Queensland Government announcement of the CopperString project to construct a 1,100km high-voltage electricity transmission line from Townsville to Mount Isa,
an immediate economic flow-on effect has been seen right across the North and North West with investors including hydrogen proponents, wind and solar developers, and critical mineral battery manufacturers turning to Townsville to do business. CopperString, combined with the region’s abundant solar and wind resources, makes Townsville the ideal location for renewable energy generation and green manufacturing – which will see the region play an important role in meeting the Queensland Government’s economic decarbonisation target of 80% renewable energy by 2035.
Townsville Enterprise CEO Claudia Brumme-Smith says the region has long heralded the untapped potential of wind, solar and sunshine, and is now being taken seriously by public and private sector investors looking to move to a clean economy.
CopperString is the most advanced electricity project in the country.
“We have positioned our city early on this new trend of renewables. We were the first Solar City in Australia in 2000. Korea Zinc built the largest solar farm at their Sun Metals facility here in Townsville at the time. But the real game changer for investors was when we secured the CopperString project in March 2023. It has become a catalyst for our region and Australia, capitalising on our region’s strengths in wind, solar, water, and land, and diversifying our industrial portfolio to be the energy producer of the future, spearheading the national energy transition,” says Claudia.
"We're on the precipice of a green industrial revolution, and global investors are standing up to take notice of North Queensland.
“Our region has laid its foundation in heavy industry, and our path forward with hydrogen and green manufacturing is the next chapter in our region’s story – securing thousands of future jobs, for now and tomorrow.”
The ambition of Townsville to become Australia's most liveable green manufacturing city is moving closer to reality, and investors such as Jet Zero Australia have seen this opportunity, and are optimistic about the future ahead.
Jet Zero Australia and LanzaJet, in partnership with the Queensland Government, Airbus, and Qantas, recently announced an Engineering Agreement positioning Australia as a leader in the region on Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), with Townsville selected to deliver Project Ulysses.
Jet Zero CEO Edward Mason says Project Ulysses, to be located in the Townsville region, aims to convert agricultural by-products sourced from sustainable origins into an impressive 102 million litres of SAF and 11 million litres of renewable diesel annually.
"With the aviation industry a leading contributor to excess CO 2 in our atmosphere, the need for innovation and new technology is greater now more than ever, and we see Townsville as being uniquely placed to be the start of this solution in Australia,” says Edward.
“We know low emission fuel options will play a critical role in reducing CO 2 and see the momentum shift in Townsville and North Queensland to take a leadership role in green manufacturing and renewable energies as a key reason for our move to invest in the region.”
As opportunity abounds and global recognition and awareness for Townsville as leaders in green industry continues to build, locally, this means a complete evolution in skills and career pathways for the North Queensland community.
Claudia adds that attracting more skilled workers and securing enabling infrastructure – such as housing – will be key in delivering upon the region's natural potential, and to deliver on the $7.5 billion project pipeline committed in 2024, which is expected to support 2,540 construction jobs and 1,030 ongoing operational jobs post construction.
“As locals, we can be proud of what this region is building to, and our offer is extremely compelling as regional relocators from across the country are also turning their attention northward, where, with the right support in enabling infrastructure, the possibilities are indeed endless, and the future looks bright.”
A $137 million Green Energy Hydrogen Hub to be built in Townsville, delivered in partnership with Edify Energy, Siemens Energy, James Cook University, Australian Institute of Marine Science, North Queensland Hydrogen Consortium, and Townsville Enterprise.
Investment of Jet Zero Australia and LanzaJet – supported by Airbus and Qantas – to build Australia's first ethanol to Sustainable Aviation Fuel plant in Townsville.
Japanese and Australian investment to build a complete manufacturing supply chain, from mining to energy storage, with vanadium flow batteries. Vanadium mined in Julia Creek, and complete batteries manufactured in Townsville to sell green energy storage solutions to Australia and the world.
SunHQ Hydrogen Hub and Sun Metals in Townsville will become the first green zinc refinery in the world , with construction underway on a hydrogen refuelling station to power five 140 tonne rated hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks by 2025.
Jet Zero Australia is developing a $600 million Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and Renewable Diesel (RD) project in North Queensland. [Source: Jet Zero Australia.]
[Source: Townsville Enterprise Limited.]
Tell us about yourself and your business.
Gallivanter Travel is a locally owned and operated travel business with stores in Townsville, Mackay and Rockhampton.
We have been in business for 37 years and have previously traded as Harvey World Travel, Escape Travel, and most recently Travel Associates. Each of these brands was part of a franchise arrangement, however with our latest rebrand, we have chosen to be an independent business.
I love the fact that I go to work every day with an amazing group of people, some of them working with me for over 20 years and three celebrating 30 years this year! I also love that I get to work with my daughter Brittany and son Liam, with Liam managing the succession of the business so we can be around for another 37+ years.
What has been the most challenging aspect of being a business owner
Being in the travel industry, we have had our fair share of challenges. You name it, I think we have endured it. From September 11 and other various terrorist attacks, several financial crises, and all the various flus such as SARS , Swine, Avian and then COVID restricting the ability to travel, we have managed to survive. However the workforce shortages at present are probably the most challenging times of all. Everyone wants to travel, but like all businesses at present, we are desperate for more people.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I am not actually a travel adviser and I love doing bank reconciliations!
What is the best piece of business advice you ever received?
The best piece of advice I have received came from my dear friend Jayne Arlett. Being a goal setter, I was always disappointed that I never seemed to achieve the goals I set, but Jayne pointed out that it was because I was always moving the goal post before I actually achieved that goal. She suggested I set a stretch target for the new goal but to make sure you keep the original goal and celebrate achieving it.
Going forward, what is next on the cards for your business?
Now that we have rebranded all our locations to Gallivanter Travel, we are ready to grow our teams.
With Liam managing the business, I’m ready to move into the next phase of my career as “Chief Travel Experiencer”, although no one believes that I will actually retire!
Tell us about yourself and your business. Based out of the old Queens Hotel on The Strand, Civil IQ is a civil engineering design and project management consultancy. To date, we have worked on a diverse range of civil design projects across Townsville and regional North Queensland. Our portfolio predominantly includes aquaculture, agriculture, defence, space, mining, transport, natural resources, and minerals.
After 20 years of working with the ‘big engineering corporates’ I gained experience and opportunity working on some of the nation’s largest infrastructure projects. However, the more senior I became, the more removed I was from the coalface of project work, which is what I love most about civil design and engineering. Civil IQ allowed me to get back ‘on the tools’.
What has been the most challenging aspect of being a business owner.
As a confident, experienced and certified civil engineer with over 20 years’ experience, I suddenly found myself in uncharted waters. As a business owner, it’s not just managing clients and deliverables, it’s keeping an eye on the horizon, managing risk, and ensuring employees are happy, secure, and inspired.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
My alter-ego is DJ Lemario (…long story) and I used to host a radio show on WOW FM through the early 2000’s called ‘The Riff’. I keep my stash of records at the office and if you catch me there on a weekend or an evening, you will most likely hear some Mr Bungle or Herbie Hancock blaring through the old Queens Hotel.
What is the best piece of business advice you ever received?
Back yourself; if you are good at what you do, and you love it, the rest will fall into place. From my experience, if you are prepped to get in the trenches and learn along the way, you will have nothing holding you back.
Going forward, what is next on the cards for your business?
Who knew that our region would be sitting on the precipice of some of the biggest projects and industrial growth in the nation. It’s super exciting times and we are proud to be a part of it.
We have recently added geotechnical services to our civil design suite, which has expanded our service offering and, so far, the uptake has been phenomenal.
Renowned for their superior craftsmanship and fusion of traditional and contemporary design, Bartlett Master Jewellers has garnered a reputation for crafting enduring, highquality pieces that stand the test of time. With a legacy spanning three generations, the business is now preparing to commemorate 50 years since opening its doors.
(L-R): Jay, Kylie, Kim, Harper, Judi and Lily Bartlett Image credits: Insight Creative
“To have an intimate workshop that allowed us to do bespoke pieces and where I could expand my skills and provide excellent pieces to clients was an incredible opportunity and something that I’ve carried with me throughout my career,” says Kim.
I was very lucky to be taught by Enzo Stella and other international jewellers during my apprenticeship. There were lots of people to guide us and teach different techniques that wouldn’t happen today.”
“At the time, they were still sending pieces to Sydney and Melbourne for design and repairs. We really enjoyed the slower pace in Townsville and decided this is where we wanted to stay, so I started there the very next day.”
Kim went on to become Townsville’s first registered and qualified Jewellery Valuer. In 1974, two years into his employment, Kim branched out and purchased the company’s manufacturing workshop on the third floor of the Prudential Building above Shaw’s Arcade in Flinders Mall.
Following its success, Kim became a partner in Horn & Petersen in 1978, where he helped start Townsville’s first diamond centre, Diamond Design, before establishing Kim Bartlett Master Jewellers, which catered to everything from design to manufacturing and retail.
The business eventually moved to Sunvale Shopping Centre in Aitkenvale, and it was during this time that Kim’s son Jay followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the business in 1993. Together, they navigated further expansions and relocations, which eventually culminated in their current home on Denham Street in 2012.
In the year that followed, the business was achieving record trade, buoyed by its new location and an expansion into e-commerce, where it sold Townsville’s first selection of jewellery from Ole Lynggaard Copenhagen and Australian South Sea Pearls from Kailis Jewellery.
“Our business has survived the ups and downs of the economy by staying true to the principals of exceptional customer service and delivering an impeccable product,” says Jay, who gained further experience in Brisbane and Europe after his apprenticeship before returning to Townsville to earn several internationally recognised qualifications.
“While custom-designed and manufactured jewellery remains our core business, we’ve seen tremendous value in partnering with premium international brands and expanding our online offerings.”
The last few years have brought about a remarkable shift, including rebranding to Bartlett Master Jewellers in 2020 and welcoming Jay’s son Harper into the business as a school-based apprentice last year.
Kim says having three generations all working under the one roof has enabled them to integrate older methods with newer processes, which have added a whole new dimension to their jewellery design and manufacturing.
“I am, and probably always will be, the traditional sort of guy,” says Kim. “These days, a lot has changed in the industry compared to when I first started. But Jay has enhanced the business with his skills and management and helped build relationships and trust with customers.”
“He does computer-aided designs, uses laser technology, and setting scopes to set small stones, and has been the driving force in expanding the business with different products and services while also increasing the market nationally and internationally.
“I can see Harper following in both our areas of skills and working towards a continuation of mine and his father’s achievements and ideals. This will continue the family name and reputation and allow Harper to explore his own opportunities and ideas.
To commemorate 50 years in business, Bartlett Master Jewellers will be putting on an exhibition later this year where some of their best pieces from the last five decades will be on display, including custom made pieces inspired by each family member.
“At the heart of the business is a passionate family devoted to creativity, craftsmanship – and each other,” says Jay.
“Today, the company is still driven by family and by our family values. In fact, it is hard to separate our personal values from our business and brand values. These values have driven our success and the longevity of the business for the last 50 years.
“Our customers, suppliers, and communities are all part of our extended family and we’re looking forward to showcasing some of our best artistry with this upcoming exhibition.”
While Kim acknowledges that the industry has changed, particularly with the rise of lab-grown diamonds in recent years, he believes nothing will ever truly replace the beauty of a natural stone.
“Most people will continue to desire something unique, and most understand that a natural is going to appreciate in value,” he adds. “People love timeless and high-quality jewellery. They are investment pieces. And I don’t think that will ever change, so there will always be a place for us.
“Harper is also in a unique position to be able to learn the traditional methods as well as the modern techniques like laser technology and design programmes so customers can see what pieces will look like in computer-aided 3D designs.
“It is these generational skillsets that can never be replaced and are quite unique now in today’s industry.”
Uniquely designed, handcrafted excellence since 1974.
With Townsville’s population continuing to grow and rental property occupancy rates at an all-time high, real estate experts say it is an ideal time to consider investing in real estate.
“Properties are getting snapped up by interstate buyers, local investors need to see the value in investing here before it’s too late,” says Explore Property Munro & Co co-owner Jools Munro.
Jools says that contrary to landlords’ concerns about their rights diminishing as a result of recent changes to rental tenancy legislation in Queensland, wellmanaged rentals remain an ideal avenue for financial growth.
any maintenance issues, and communicate effectively with landlords and tenants.
"While rent collection is essential, it's just a fraction of the skills required of a capable property manager," says Jools.
“At Munro & Co, we genuinely care about the tenants and listen to any concerns they may have, but we are also focused on helping landlords maximise their financial investment.
“The Real Estate Institute of Queensland lobbied hard to ensure landlords rights are upheld,” says Jools.
“The majority of landlords genuinely want to provide a stable, comfortable, and safe housing environment for their tenants which is what the legislation strives to achieve.
Appointing a skilled property manager is now more crucial than ever to ensure compliance with legislation, effective tenant management and profitability of your investment.
Munro & Co’s property managers are capped at either 90 or 120 properties each to ensure they have the professional skills, experience, and adequate time to conduct thorough inspections quarterly, tend to
“Our property managers take a proactive and disciplined approach to scheduled, routine inspections legally permitted every 12 weeks, enabling them to not only identify any changes in circumstances which could impact the asset, but also to liaise accordingly with the tenants and landlord and complete any action items promptly.
“We also proactively identify areas of the property that could benefit from improvement to create an asset of great value so that when the time comes to sell, particularly if landlord’s circumstances change unexpectedly, the property is well maintained and ready to market.
“Investing in real estate can be so financially rewarding when you choose the right sales agent and align yourself with a motivated and committed property management team.”
Study
With a variety of high-quality education providers in a safe and welcoming city, Townsville is poised to increase the number of international students choosing to study here. Study Townsville is the leading industry body for International Education and Training (IET) for the Townsville and North Queensland region, focussed on promoting Townsville as an education destination with achievable employment outcomes for international students.
“The IET sector is one of Queensland’s largest exports, generating revenue for the state valued at $4.3 billion in 2022. The sector is also a strong economic contributor for Townsville, delivering $62.5 million in export revenue in 2022,” says Danelle Rosario, Study Townsville Executive Officer.
The export revenue includes expenditure on fees and tuition, goods and services, and expenditure by visiting friends and relatives of the international student studying, working, and living in Townsville.
At present, it is estimated there is over 2,000 international students in Townsville, with a high percentage engaged in part-time and full-time employment contributing to our city’s workforce.
As the IET sector continues to recover post- COVID, many international students who are looking to study abroad are choosing destinations such as Townsville given the lower cost of living compared to a metropolitan city, the real employment outcomes and opportunities, along with the high-quality, world class education delivered in a safe and nurturing environment.
Townsville IET ranges from school to vocational education and training (VET) to university, as well as English language courses. Students directly contribute to the Townsville economic landscape through staying with Townsville homestay host families, which is an income source for the family’s household, as well as a unique cultural experience for the family. Many international students choose to reside in on-campus accommodation facilities, where they can connect with other students and access student services, which also takes pressure off the city’s availability of rental accommodation.
“The international education and training sector enriches the Townsville community culturally and socially, while strengthening Townsville’s global connectivity and addressing skill shortages. Building stronger relationships between international students and local businesses and industry can deliver benefits for all parties, which Study Townsville is well positioned to deliver,” says Danelle.
One of the successful projects Study Townsville has developed is a Student Ambassador program, STAR. The STAR program is a volunteer initiative available
Townsville Executive Officer, Danelle Rosario (centre), with International Student Ambassadors, Hulwa Khaleel, Matilde Brisinello, Anson Yang, and Emmanuel Ofori-Amponsah.
to current international students that offers coordinated visits to attractions, professional networking opportunities and employment connections. Students’ lifestyle, study and employment experiences are shared through online channels, as well as their own networks to showcase firsthand why Townsville is an ideal location to study, live and work.
“The STAR program is a true representation of the diversity of international students studying in Townsville with over 20 different home countries represented in the group. The students have visited locations such as Magnetic Island, Charters Towers, and the Great Barrier Reef, to name a few. Ambassadors share their individual experience through their own social networks, which positively promotes Townsville in an unfiltered and authentic way that can lead to an increase in visitors and international students attracted to Townsville,” says Danelle.
International Student Ambassadors in the program describe how participation in the program has enhanced their overall Townsville experience.
“Study Townsville has allowed me to see Townsville beyond the iconic landmarks of Castle Hill and The Strand”, says Anson, who is from Hong Kong and in her fourth year of a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor or Surgery with JCU.
“My role as an ambassador provided me with an immersive Townsville experience. Every photo became a story, every person I met became a connection and the places I visited transformed into a learning opportunity, emphasising the transformative power of education beyond borders”, says Emmanuel from Ghana who is a PhD Candidate in Health with JCU.
“ Study Townsville has given me the opportunity to explore and fall in love with the city, and continuously makes me step out of my comfort zone,” says Matilde, who is from Italy and in her final year of a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Marine Biology.
“The Study Townsville STAR program let me explore so much of what North Queensland has to offer. From the Great Barrier Reef to the rainforests, the cane industry and the cattle, the whale migrations to a sleepy koala, this community and place is magic,” says Hulwa, who is an Australian Awards Scholar from the Maldives completing a Master of Science majoring in Environmental Management. Study Townsville is supported by its members as well as Study Queensland, a State Government organisation dedicated to promoting Queensland as a premier study destination and a preferred partner for education, training, research, and innovation. In order to continue to attract international students to Townsville and connect students with employment in the region, Study Townsville is looking to grow its member base and industry connections. If you are looking to find out more about the IET sector in Townsville and identify positive business outcomes, reach out to Study Townsville Executive Officer, Danelle Rosario via info@studytownsville.com.au.
Study Townsville Student Ambassador visit to Texas Longhorn Tours in Charters Towers, providing the group with a truly unique and authentic North Queensland experience.
Having spent most of her career in male dominated industries, Dianne Newell has faced numerous challenges stemming from unconscious bias as she navigated the path of leadership. These obstacles, though at times often subtle, caused her to question her own capabilities and the value of pursuing a career in these industries. Now, as the founder of The People & Culture Link, she is passionate about promoting inclusivity in the workplace and mentoring women to flourish in their careers.
“The ‘think manager, think male’ stereotype has been particularly impactful, leading me at times to question my own competence and suitability for leadership roles,” she says.
“Despite possessing the necessary skills and experience, I felt compelled at times to adjust my behaviour and even compromise my values to prove my worth in environments where masculine traits are prized as markers of effective leadership.”
Dianne says this stereotype not only disadvantages women seeking leadership positions but also subjects them to greater scrutiny and resistance when asserting their leadership style.
“Women leaders often find themselves facing doubts about their authority and may even be unfairly labelled as ‘quota or diversity hires’, despite possessing more skills and experience than their male counterparts.
“Among these challenges, however, I have been fortunate to have male colleagues who recognised my potential and supported me wholeheartedly and
without question. They not only championed my abilities but also actively worked to challenge bias and promote inclusivity within the workplace. They listened to my concerns, advocated for fair treatment, and amplified my voice in settings where it might otherwise be overlooked. Without the support of these colleagues, I doubt I would have stuck it out if I’m being honest with myself.
“My journey as a woman in leadership has been marked by both adversity and support. Despite the ongoing presence of unconscious bias, the support of some of my male colleagues has been a source of hope and empowerment.”
In addition to her HR consultancy services, Dianne has developed a Women in Leadership Mentorship Program, for which registrations are now open.
“The mentoring program is structured but designed to be very individualised. I meet with each participant and identify what the priorities are for them. While the majority of people have similar professional barriers, how the individual manages that can be very different.
“For any women already in leadership, or for those on their way there, my biggest piece of advice is ‘Don’t become one of the boys’. Staying true to your authenticity will be the most valuable tool in your kit.”
Image credit: Phil Copp Photos
For women in the early stages of their careers with a specific focus on goal-setting, career planning & skill-building
For women at, or reaching, the mid-career stage with a focus on managing “ up, down, and sideways”, managing the mental load and maintaining work/life balance Women
admin@peopleculturelink.com.au
www.peopleculturelink.com.au
The Table NQ offers facilitated networking opportunities and celebrated its first birthday at the February 2024 breakfast
Every six weeks, business professionals and entrepreneurs alike gather for The Table NQ breakfast meet ups. Attendees kick off the morning by introducing themselves to those at their designated tables, before transitioning into guided networking activities, expertly led by co-founders, Ruth Guice and Jools Munro.
“It’s an opportunity to show others what you do and make connections,” explains Ruth, who noted they welcomed over 90 business professionals to their inaugural launch back in February 2023.
As a communication mentor who focuses on networking and presentation skills through her business, the Mouthin’ Off Academy of Communication and Kick-Assery, Ruth intimately understands the obstacles associated with networking.
Together with Jools, they pinpointed common networking challenges, such as time constraints and the awkwardness of forging new connections, which fuelled the inspiration for the Table NQ events.
“People feeling awkward and uncomfortable is all too common at networking events. However, it’s just a symptom,” adds Ruth. “The real reason most feel
awkward is they have absolutely no idea what it is they’re doing there.
“When you understand the real benefits of networking, every event you attend can become worthwhile.”
In recent years, networking in Townsville has boomed, and is yielding significant benefits for local businesses. Rhett Stubbs and Shannon WheatleyStubbs, who own the consultancy business Active HR, credit a substantial portion of their success to their networking efforts.
Both regularly attend multiple different events, including the weekly BNI sessions, where Shannon is a member of BNI Awesome – one of Townsville’s six chapters.
“Business networking represents a significant proportion of our overall marketing investment
Ruth Guice and Jools Munro, Co-hosts of The Table NQ’s breakfast events
and the return on this investment can be anywhere between 150% up to 300%,” says Shannon.
“We have a number of long-term clients that have arisen as a result of our business networks; however, we have also secured one-off and repeat consultancy work via our network contacts.”
Despite their success, Rhett acknowledges that networking is all about the long-term commitment.
“I think one of the misconceptions is the expectation of a return on investment straight up,” adds Rhett, who is President of BNI Velocity, a chapter that saw approximately $300,000 in business generated in the recent quarter.
“It’s not to say that it doesn’t happen, however, if someone goes into networking with an expectation of immediate sales being generated, there is a high likelihood of disappointment.”
Although traditional networking forms such as BNI continue to thrive, the popularity of new networking events aimed at fostering connections between businesses and the wider community has surged.
Community Information Centre’s (CIC) General Manager Teresa Hudson, who launched the Together Townsville networking events back in 2021, says they see anywhere between 50-70 businesses and organisations attend per month.
“In the wake of the 2019 floods, the business and community sectors both recognised that there was a disconnect between each other and didn’t understand how both sectors could support and benefit each other,” says Teresa.
“Townsville is a relationship-based community that thrives on being connected. When we all work together and support one another, we are a stronger and more resilient community for it.
“While it can be daunting to step outside of your comfort zone, it can also open opportunities, and being in business is all about opportunities.”
Ruth agrees and says there are many benefits to networking but reiterates that “not one of them is making a sale.”
“There is of course a great deal of business that happens through networking – but it doesn’t happen with people standing around pitching at each other,” says Ruth.
“Networking is about raising your profile, building your confidence, growing your connections, gaining valuable local knowledge, and uncovering opportunities that you might never have known about if you hadn’t attended.
“If everyone focuses on what they can bring to the table, rather than what they can take away, nobody leaves empty-handed.”
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Know WHY you’re going to networking events and gatherings (Hint: to contribute, not to ‘close’ a deal).
Be consistent. Choose one or two events and go OFTEN.
Be curious. Everyone has amazing stories.
Focus on what you can BRING to the table, not what you can take away.
Credit: Ruth Guice, founder of Mouthin’ Off Academy of Communication and Kick-Assery
Townsville offers a variety of networking opportunities, including both membership-based and price-flexible options. Put your networking skills to the test and stay up to date with some of the following organisations’ upcoming events.
• Black Coffee Business Yarnz
• BNI North Queensland
• Ladies in Business
• North Queensland Club
• PSNQ
• Smart Precinct NQ
• The Table NQ
• Townsville Business Women’s Circle
• Townsville Chamber of Commerce
• Townsville Community Information Centre
• Townsville Enterprise Limited
Rhett Stubbs, President of BNI Velocity, meets with chapter members weekly at The Balcony Restaurant in Townsville's CBD Together Townsville Networks are run by the Townsville Community Information Centre on the first Wednesday of each month at the Mercure Hotel
Designed to help people overcome the paramount networking challenge of forging new connections, The Table NQ’s breakfasts aim to transcend the awkwardness, anxiety, and stagnant conversations through facilitated networking. February marked the group’s first anniversary since launching in the region.
Business Network International (BNI) is one of the largest business referral networking organisations in the world. It utilises a structured system that trains and supports business leaders in building trusted relationships that generate referrals and business growth. Townsville has six BNI Chapters that each meet weekly.
These fortnightly events are free to attend for members and non-members, providing a casual setting in which to connect like-minded local professionals. In early 2024, Townsville Chamber announced a new format, introducing ‘Alternative Coffee’ – where each fortnight the event location alternates between the usual CBD spot in Townsville Bulletin Square and a member organisation’s premises.
Inspired by a shared goal to build a stronger, more resilient community, the free monthly Together Townsville Networks events aim to empower attendees to expand their connections, explore partnership opportunities and develop cross-sector relationships between individuals, local community organisations and not-for-profits, and businesses of all sizes and industries.
Jade McDonald and Teresa Hudson
Megan Jennings, Kelly Prentice and Michele Emerson
Muna Ali, Jenni Caspani and Madonna Dunne
Jasmine Healy-Pagan, Katie Saint Claire and Filitsa Kounis
Josh Munro and Leigh Caldwell Simon Santos Rose and Ben Manderson
Daisy-Ellen O'Hare and Kelly Roff
Di Newell and Kym Davis
Heidi Turner and Natasha Butler
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HOME & YARD MAINTENANCE
If you are finding it hard to keep the yard and garden tidy, we can help.
Assistance with transport can be provided to enable you to attend appointments and participate in the community.
SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
These may be one-on-one or larger group activities. Activities may be participation at Everglow functions, Gentle Exercise, Music Memories, Craft and Arts, or other organised activities to promote health, independence and community connection.
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Services are provided either in your home or in the community and may include assisting you with communication and/or language facilitation, accompanying you to appointments, shopping, bill paying and banking, friendly visits, or outings.
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Respite services support carers to maintain their own interests knowing appropriate care is in place. Respite is a flexible service and may be provided either in the home or in a community setting.
MEAL PREPARATION
If you find it difficult to prepare meals or to get to your local supermarket to buy groceries, we can assist you.
A former hospitality training centre for students in the Burdekin, with a particular focus on Indigenous youth, is now flourishing as the Gudjuda Deck Café, while still providing career pathways in hospitality.
When the building became vacant in 2017, motherdaughter duo Noeleen Backo and Seleena Chapman saw an opportunity to foster their passion for baking to open a café, and to also revive Certificate III Hospitality training for the region’s youth.
“That’s really a big part of why we got into it, we wanted to influence them… give job opportunities for kids in the district,” shares Noeleen.
“We found that a lot of kids were having to travel far to do their Certificate III, so we’ve had schools contact us for training for a lot of their students.
“It has been a real family effort, as my husband, daughter, and son have played a huge part in our success, either working in the café or helping out behind the scenes.”
Located along the highway between Ayr and Home Hill, the deck features views of Plantation Park. The ladies pride themselves on providing locals and travellers with fresh, homemade café-style meals and desserts, catering to local businesses and events, and acknowledging their Indigenous culture.
“When customers love it, that’s the most rewarding thing. Customers travelling down from Townsville for the day just to stop in and eat at our café, as well as people travelling along the highway stopping here to eat,” Seleena shares.
“We do a lot of functions here for the Burdekin Shire Council and schools, we’ve catered for weddings, barbecue functions and occasionally we’ll do a high tea.
“We take big orders for cheesecakes, tarts, cakes, and a lot of people come in to order these for events.
“Something we do that you don’t see anywhere else is the caramel apricot tart. It used to be an ‘Ayr’ thing – I mean it’s been around for years – I knew it from my mum and my aunties that used to cook it.”
Pronounced good-juh-da, the walls inside the homely, rustic café are bursting with traditional paintings, flags, and décor showcasing their Indigenous culture. “Gudjuda means ‘Saltwater People’, pertaining to the Juru People, the Traditional Owners along the coast. There’s a lot to do with traditions like fishing and hunting traditional foods,” explains Noeleen.
“But most people don’t know how to pronounce it!
“During NAIDOC Week, we cook up traditional food, like wattleseed scones, chicken coconut curry, chicken vermicelli, and ginseng.
“Schools bring their students down to Plantation Park, where the rangers take them on the Juru Walk. After this, they come in and show them what we have on display.”
When describing their business in three words, Noeleen says family, hard work, and rewarding came to mind.
“ My favourite thing about managing this café is the people we’ve met along the way, as well as the staff. We share a real tight-knit family bond with our employees,” shares Noeleen.
Open Tuesday to Friday, all year round, Noeleen and Seleena plan to renovate the deck with airconditioning in the near future, ready for the North Queensland summer.
“We think that this will help people still enjoy the deck and it’s beautiful views during the warmer months, and we look forward to the future of the café and seeing all of our regular, and new customers,” says Noeleen.
Holly Zaro, Tayde Idagi, Seleena Chapman, Noeleen Backo, Ruth Gould and Obadiah Doyle
