November 30, 2016
The devastating Swickers fire could have a positive side for South Burnett businesses, with multiple opportunities possible during the rebuilding process.
This was the good news from Swickers General Manager Linchon Hawks when he spoke to local businesspeople at the Kingaroy Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s annual general meeting held on Monday night.
The KCCI gathering was hosted by Josh Gadischke at his Proteco complex in William Street, Kingaroy.
Mr Hawks said a contractor, Watpac, has been appointed for the rebuilding project, and design work had started.
He said his personal assistant at the plant, Jenny Kneller, was now putting together a list of local contractors that were interested in supplying goods and services to Swickers during the rebuilding process.
These services could be as varied as providing accommodation or even entertainment.
Mr Hawks said businesses that were interested in joining the list should contact Jenny by email or on 0409-875-319.
He said Swickers had 24 months to get the building back up, but hopefully it would be quicker than that.
Mr Hawks said there had been some “hurdles” to overcome with the opening of the temporary boning room at Wulkuraka “but it’s keeping people employed and they’re our biggest asset”.
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South Burnett Mayor Keith Campbell chaired the meeting for the election of officers.
After serving two terms, president Tim Harris did not re-stand for election.
Rob Fitz-Herbert, from TAFE South-West, was elected president unopposed.
Other positions:
- Vice-president Brett Irwin (Ollies Mowers)
- Secretary / Treasurer Paul Greenwood (Paula Greenwood Mobile Book-Keeping)
Committee members:
- Nina Temperton (South Burnett CTC)
- Chrys McDuffie (Downer)
- Tonia Gilbert (Jobmatch)
- Darrin Kefford (Kingaroy Joinery)
- Todd Fiedler (Fiedler Brothers Plumbing)
- Kirstie Schumacher (Stanwell)
- Karen Dennis (Kingaroy Shoppingworld)
The most informative part of KCCI AGM and Meet and Greet was the very enlightening presentation and tour of the Proteco facilities.
What an amazing industry Josh and Jo Gadischke have developed in Kingaroy.
Congratulations on the outstanding effort to build and operate a state of the art refinery and processing plant facility in the South Burnett.
Congratulations to Tim on his term as President. Congratulations to Rob and the incoming executive for continuing the great service that KCCI provides in our Kingaroy Community.
Special mention must be made of the ongoing, outstanding job one of the unsung heros, Paula Greenwood does as Secretary/Treasurer of this and other organizations in our community.