BQC Profiles

Shane Butler
Burdekin Concrete Manager 

Star Sign: Virgo 
 
Fav Movie: Grease 
 
Fav Colour: Yellow 
 
Fav Holiday destination: Italy 
 
Fav Music: Eagles 
 
Fav Quote: Take me how I am or don’t take me at all

Having lived in Ayr for almost 62 years, Shane is a seasoned local, and enjoys spending his spare time with his family, especially his Grandson Vinnie. One of six children, Shane, has four sisters and a brother, and there’s never a dull moment in the Butler household.
Shane and his wife Rita have been married for 37 years, and their son, Kiel and his wife Louise have baby Vinnie to keep everyone company, and when asked what Shane’s significant life moments are, he shared they’re marrying Rita, and the birth of both Kiel and Vinnie.
A lover of the quote, “it is hard to fly like an eagle when you work with turkeys”, and a fan of the movie Grease, Shane reminisces on one of the weirdest, and funniest moments in his life which claims is the 1999 New Years Eve Party – ask him about it next time you see him!
Described as a fun and loving person, you’ll often find Shane by the water having a fish, gardening, relaxing or enjoying a Sunday outing for brunch with family and friends.
Shane’s professional career began in his younger years when he would carry out contract work for cane planting and harvesting. He then transitioned into corporate cane farm management, however towards the end of 2020, shifted his career path and started working with Burdekin Concrete as an Aggi Truck Driver.
In February of 2021, Shane took the position of Concrete Manager of Burdekin Concrete, and explained that although it’s a very challenging role, he enjoys it immensely.
Shane’s value for family, and strong work ethic have led him to be an invaluable member of the Burdekin Concrete team.
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Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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Robert Jack Gottadi
Plant Operator at BQC Quarries

Star Sign: Leo
Fav Movie: Top Gun
Fav Colour: Red
Fav Holiday Destination: New Zealand
Fav Quote: Such Is Life

Meet Robert Jack Gottadi, (also known as Rob), a dedicated Plant Operator at BQC Quarries, who has called the Ayr area home for the past 29 years. With a robust background in civil construction and five years of experience as a harvester operator, Rob brings extensive expertise to his role at BQC.

Rob’s most cherished moment was welcoming his two-and-a-half-year-old daughter into the world and now, he eagerly awaits marrying his partner of 11 years. Known for his devotion to family, Rob also enjoys spending time with the beloved family dog.

Describing himself as determined and a perfectionist, Rob’s traits contribute to his success both professionally and personally.

Outside of work hours, Rob indulges in his passions for the great outdoors, whether it be dirt biking, speedway racing or adventuring out of town on a rejuvenating camping trip.

Rob’s dedication, extensive expertise in civil construction and meticulous, yet determined nature, make him a valuable employee at BQC Quarries.
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Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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Melissa Connell
BQC Quarries Business Manager

Star Sign: Virgo
Fav Movie: The Other Woman
Fav Colour: Pink
Fav Holiday destination: Queenstown, NZ
Fav Music: Country/Rock
Fav Quote: The best view comes after the hardest climb

Melissa Connell has been a part of the BQC Quarries team since 2005. Currently holding the position of Business Manager, Melissa has grown her skillset exponentially over the past nineteen years, including completing a Certificate IV in Business Administration, a Certificate III in Extractive Industries, and becoming a Technical Member of the Institute of Quarrying.
An invaluable member of the team, Melissa has also single-handedly revamped the organisation’s Quality Management Systems, and successfully upgraded the system to be compliant to AS/NZS ISO 9001:2015. Responsible for ensuring the business activities meet relevant legislative requirements, standards and guidelines, Melissa also ensures all permits and licences for the associated business are in place and renewed periodically.
When she is not dedicating her time to advancing BQC Quarries, Melissa loves to be with her family, or venturing overseas to destinations like London, Fiji, Bali or, her personal favourite, New Zealand.  Having lived in the Burdekin region for her whole life, Melissa has raised her two boys, Clancy (4), and Henry (2), and between the pair of them, she is forever busy, and shared there’s never a dull moment.
“Becoming a mum has hands down been the hardest, yet most rewarding thing that has ever happened to me,” explained Melissa.
“They drive me mad most days, but seeing their little smiling faces and their cuddles and kisses makes every day brighter.”
Melissa also loves to visit her sister, brother-in-law and niece who live on a station in Winton when she has the time free for a trip, and also shares a passion for home organisation and decorating.
Many people don't know this, but Melissa was crowned RSL Girl in a Million ‘Golden Girl’ in 2008 for raising the highest funds for RSL Queensland.
Considered to be an integral member of the BQC Quarries team, Melissa’s dedication to the business is to be celebrated.

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Makayla Jae Bass
Apprentice Diesel Fitter For BQC Quarries

Star Sign: Taurus
Fav Movie: Yellow Stone
Fav Colour: Pink
Fav Holiday Destination: Rodeos
Fav Quote: ‘There are so many people out there who will tell you that you can’t. What you’ve got to do is turn around and say, ‘watch me.’’

Introducing Makayla Jae Bass, an Apprentice Diesel Fitter at BQC Quarries, originally hailing from Cooktown and residing in the Burdekin area for the past three years.

Makayla is diligently working towards becoming a qualified Diesel Fitter through her apprenticeship, leveraging a strong foundation of qualifications that showcase her dedication and hardworking nature.

Alongside pursuing her trade, she holds certifications including Cert 3 in Hospitality and Art, as well as Cert 2 in Working at Heights and Working in Confined Spaces.

Outside of her work in the quarry, Makayla's passion lies in rodeo and barrel racing, accompanied by her love for country music.

She says that winning her first barrel racing buckle stands out as one of her most cherished memories.

Describing herself as positive, adventurous and loving, Makayla shares her days with her partner who is also a diesel fitter and takes pride in caring for her beloved dog and five horses, whom she competes with in barrel racing competitions.

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Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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Laura Clive
Senior Administration Officer At BQC Quarries

Star Sign: Leo

Fav Movie: The Big Fat Greek Wedding

Fav Colour: Pink

Fav Holiday destination: Sydney

Fav Quote: Love Life – Go Live your Best Life

Laura Clive is the Senior Administration Officer at BQC Quarries, bringing a diverse range of experience and a vibrant personality to her role.

Laura was born and raised in the Burdekin, having grown up in Giru, she then moved to Brandon, then Ayr and is now living on Rita Island.

Her past career endeavours have seen her in roles ranging from haberdashery and hospitality to customer service at Australia Post. She also held administrative positions in automotive dealerships before finding her niche at BQC Quarries, where she has displayed her dedication, professionalism and skill over the past 12 years.

Outside of her professional commitments, Laura finds joy in listening to classic pub music, traveling with her family in their van and enjoying precious time spent with loved ones during the weekends. Her family includes her husband and two daughters, each living their own independent lives with one in Townsville and the other in Sydney, both married with children of their own.

Among her most memorable life moments, Laura treasures the joys of motherhood and the unique experience of becoming a grandmother, alongside exhilarating experiences such as hot air ballooning and climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Describing her personality in three words, she says ‘optimistic, adventurous, and patient.’

Laura’s positive outlook and willingness to embrace new experiences are evident in every aspect of both her work life and personal life, making her a great asset and invaluable member of the BQC Quarries team. 

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Julie Heidke
BQC West Euri Quarry-Weighbridge & Transport Controller

Star Sign: Cancer
Fav Movie: Game Of Thrones
Fav Colour: Turquoise
Fav Music: ACDC, Guns and Roses, Queen, INXS, U2
Fav Quote: C’est La Vie (such is life)

Julie Heidke has been a valued member of the BQC team since 2007 and has always been an Ayr local at heart despite moving to Mackay, and now Bowen where she has lived for the past 25 years. Something many people may not know about Julie is that when living in Mackay, she enjoyed driving and racing a speedway car in the V8 Stock Sedans class, however she’s since hung up her racing gloves and is now a proud Grammy to little Henry.

Julie loves to enjoy time spent with her family, and could not be more proud of her two daughters, her eldest Jenna, and her youngest Dana who has recently made her a Grammy. When the weekend rolls around, Julie can be found doing one of a few things. Like the animal lover she is, Julie loves spending time with her four dogs and three horses. Another weekend activity of Julie’s is sewing tradesman’s Tool Bags for a major tool company, “Snap-On”.

Julie’s professional career before joining the team at BQC Quarries began when she was a car detailer for Honeycombs Holden in Ayr. After she had her two girls, Julie began a career in hospitality which she continued for over 20 years in both Mackay and Bowen.

Julie’s current position with BQC Quarries entails the responsibility of weighing all vehicles moving in and out of the sites, ensuring weights are legal for transportation. On a day to day basis, Julie oversees the Quarries’ orders and distribution of road base materials to major roadworks down to small home projects.

With a love for the quote, C’est La Vie (such is life), Julie stands as a valued member of the BQC Quarries team, and her continued commitment to her duties is celebrated.

Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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Joe Giddy
Sand Quarry Manager at BQC Sands

Star Sign: Aries
Fav Movie: Marvel Movies
Fav Colour: Green
Fav Music: Listen to all gene

Joe has called Ayr home for all of his life and has raised two kids in the region alongside his wife, Janai, who he describes as the most “amazing mother to my amazing children, Jayden and Mikayla”.  A highly family orientated man, Joe prioritises his time spent with his loved ones, and if he has anywhere from an afternoon to a weekend free, he’ll spend it with his family.

Along with family time, Joe also has a passion for cars, a soft spot for the Marvel Movie Series, and another love of Joe’s is music. An active and celebrated member of the Burdekin Brass Band, Joe can often be seen performing at community events alongside his band mates, and solo for ANZAC Day parades where he often performs the Last Post and Reveille.

Throughout Joe’s professional career, he has held a few positions before joining the team at BQC Sands. Joe spent 17 years with O’Brien Glass, 10 years with Burdekin Transport Services and has spent the past 2 years with BQC Sands. His love for his work shines through the way he works alongside the team at BQC Sands, and Joe shared he loves every second of what he does day to day.

“I love what I do, and don’t feel like I go to work most days,” said Joe.

Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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Dwayne Bradford
BQC Bowen Quarry Manager 

Star Sign: Capricorn 
Fav Movie: Anything comedy 
Fav Colour: Blue  
Fav Music: Country 

Bringing plenty of knowledge and expertise to his position of Quarry Manager with BQC Quarries Bowen, Dwayne Bradford has been part of the mining and quarrying industry for almost his entire professional life.

An Ayr local, Dwayne has lived in Bowen for the past six months where he has been an invaluable member of the BQC Quarries team. Prior to commencing the role, Dwayne held similar positions within the mining and quarrying sector, leaving him highly experienced in the field.

A lover of any movie in the comedy genre, Dwayne describes himself as having a happy, go-lucky and outgoing personality, and prides himself on having a good sense of humour.

When he’s not spending valuable time with his wife and three children, Dwayne enjoys listening to some country music tunes, fishing by the water, or watching a good game of football.

In respects to his Capricorn star sign, Dwayne is ambitious, and hardworking, with his celebrated efforts making him a highly valuable member of the BQC Quarries team.

‍Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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Deanne Lewty
Compliance and Transport Officer at BQC Quarries

Star Sign: Aries
Fav Movie: Fast and Furious
Fav Colour: Blue
Fav Holiday destination: Tasmania
Fav Music: Waves by Dean Lewis

A local for just over 34 years, Deanne and her family are originally from Brunswick Heads in New South Wales, then moved to Cairns before hanging their hats and calling the Burdekin home.
Between Deanne, her husband, two daughters, and one granddaughter, there are also nine fluffy pups in her family, and when she’s not at work, Deanne loves to enjoy time with her loved ones. With strong family values, Deanne believes the best thing to happen to her in her lifetime was becoming a mother.
“I’m lucky to have a supportive and caring husband, two intelligent and beautiful daughters, two loving and devoted sons-in-laws, and one gorgeous granddaughter,” shared Deanne.
With a love for sewing, Deanne hopes to one day build upon her creativity to learn the art of pottery, and she enjoys spending her free time ticking off odd jobs around the house, or watching her favourite movie series, The Fast and Furious.
Over her professional career, Deanne’s positions have always been clerically orientated. Her position with BQC Quarries encompasses a wide range of tasks including customer service, arranging orders, audit and compliance checks as well as ensuring all permits and licenses are up to date. Deanne continues to produce work to a high standard and finds plenty of work to do in her day to keep busy.
Deanne describes herself and her personality as reflecting the characteristics of competency, thoughtfulness, and loyalty and loves the saying; “yeah sure, no problem”. Her dedication, and commitment to her role as a Compliance and Transport Officer makes her an invaluable member of the BQC Quarries team.

Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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Amy Marie Rea
Loader Operator at BQC Quarries

Star Sign: Sagittarius
Fav Movie: Outer Banks
Fav Colour: Blue
Fav Quote: Yeah Right
Fav Holiday Destination: Maldives

Meet Amy Marie Rea, a valued loader operator at BQC Quarries, bringing seven years of industry experience and a wealth of qualifications from diverse career backgrounds that distinguish her as a standout employee in the trade.

Having lived in the area as a local resident for the past thirty years, Amy possesses extensive knowledge of the area.

Amy's professional journey began in childcare, where she dedicated five years before transitioning to milling for a season. After a brief return to childcare, she eventually found her calling at BQC Quarries, where she has remained and thrived for the last seven years.

Reflecting on her time with the company, Amy said “the best thing that happened to me was when Lawrie brought me a new loader!”

Amy describes herself as fun, outgoing and kind, and when she’s not behind the wheel operating heavy machinery with skill and precision, you might just find her unwinding with a drink in hand listening to country music.

In her spare time, she also loves camping, crabbing and spending time with her much-loved family, friends and fur babies, which she says “I’d be lost without them all.”

Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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Alana Payne
BQC Quarries Administration

Star Sign: Cancer
Fav Movie: Anything but horror
Fav Colour: Red
Fav Holiday destination: Tassie &NZ  
Fav Quote: You're terrible Muriel

Originally from Thursday Island, Alana Payne has lived in various parts of Queensland throughout her life. She spent most of her years in Cairns, followed by a decade in Townsville, before settling in Ayr in 2015.

Alana's career journey has taken a few turns, starting with owning and managing a Newsagency in Townsville. She then transitioned to roles with a prominent builder before trying her hand at property management in the Burdekin. Today, she excels in her role contributing to administrative operations and says it’s ‘my home here at the BQC Office.’

Alana's passions include breeding British Bulldogs which has proved to be a major success with her pups finding their fur-ever homes all across Australia. On weekends, she enjoys relaxing at home, watching NRL games and escaping to Dingo Beach for quality time with family and friends.

Family is central to Alana's life and she takes pride in being a mother to two sons and a devoted grandmother to her grandson. Her partner, who originates from the Burdekin adds another layer of happiness to her life.

Among her most cherished life moments is watching her sons mature into responsible men and embracing their roles as a father and uncle.

In three words, Alana describes herself as a ‘Crazy Dog Lady,’ reflecting her deep affection for British Bulldogs and her enthusiastic involvement in breeding them.

Her bright personality and great attention to detail in the office makes her a great administrator at BQC Quarries.

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