Can Do in CQ

Friday last week was a powerful day in emotions and rhetoric; 6 speakers spoke positively of Capricornia and Central Queensland. The powerhouse of Queensland or was it the nation. If you want it to happen and work hard you can do it in Central Queensland – opportunities abound. I had attended the launch of the Capricornia Chamber of Commerce that evening. A receptive crowd was in attendance, a mixture of gen y’s, x’s and baby boomers. It was all very positive and a great start for the new chamber. A Can Do spirit was being conjured, despite the seemingly weekly announcements of staff lay-offs and redundancies.
Earlier in the day I heard about the Can Do spirit of a local businessman who just over 50 years ago started his own business. His passion for the industry he worked in led him to not only operate a successful business but also be a founder and Chairperson of a national buying group, the work he did with earning him recognition and respect nationally and overseas. He was also instrumental in the establishment of the current Rockhampton Golf Club remaining an active member for a considerable time, recognised by the conferment of life membership. The businessman, Phil Peel passed away leaving a legacy that will be long remembered. A travelling salesman that decided Rockhampton was the city he would take a chance on to develop his own business and the base from which he would later help jewellers Australia wide with their business through his active involvement and mentorship in the Hourglass group.
Rockhampton/Central Queensland back to the Archer brothers (and possibly before that) has produced and attracted people with a Can Do attitude, they had obstacles to overcome but through persistence and faith in the region they’ve all made their mark. I think that it was rather appropriate that the funeral service to acknowledge and celebrate the life of Mr. Peel, a previous member of the Rockhampton Chamber of Commerce, was the same day that a new Chamber was launching, optimistic about the future of Rockhampton and Central Queensland, just like he was a little over 50 years ago. You Can Do in CQ.