The Far North Queensland automotive community descended on Weipa in December, as the Weipa Servicentre celebrated 50 years in business and officially reopened its main site following a major redevelopment.

Among those in attendance to celebrate the momentous occasion included The Hon. Warren Entsch MP, Federal Member for Leichardt (by Zoom due to quarantine), the Chair of the Weipa Town Authority, and the business’s directors, including long-time MTA Queensland member, and 2021 Community Award finalist Richard Ireland OAM, who also serves as a part owner of the business.

Opening its doors on November 15^th 1971, the Weipa Servicentre was an initiative of the Ireland family, with Ron and Marion Ireland – Richard’s parents – Ron’s Father Francis, and sister Marj, setting up shop shortly after the town of Weipa itself was constructed in 1967.

From humble beginnings, the business has undergone a dramatic make-over in recent times under the watchful eye of Richard and manager Maddison Reinhardt, with a recent $2.7 million investment bringing new facilities, a servo shop, a marketplace for fresh food, veggies, and specialty groceries, Rossie’s Chicken, and an AC Delco parts outlet to the Servicentre.

Growing from strength to strength while navigating everchanging conditions in recent times, the business now employs 37 casual, part-time, and full-time employees, up from 19 just three months ago, while extended opening hours and product offerings continue to bring in new business.

The 50-year celebration in Weipa is the latest in a series of celebrations for Richard.

Earlier this year, the team at Ireland’s was delighted that the business was recognised as a finalist for the MTA Queensland Community Award for their extensive involvement in the Cairns community over the last 97 years. From sports teams, to not-for-profit organisations, to schools, to government backed initiatives, there isn’t many local groups Ireland’s of Cairns hasn’t worked with or supported over the last century.

The business has also long had strong links to the Weipa Servicentre on the back of the Ireland family’s involvement. In fact, Maddison is the first manager of the Servicentre to have not previously worked in Cairns with the Ireland family.

Richard himself is no stranger to the Far North Queensland community either. In fact, in 2020, Richard was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for his work with, and service to, the Cairns community.

Congratulations to all who have been involved with the success of the Weipa Servicentre over the last 50 years, and here is to a successful 50 more!

20 December 2021