Who We Are
What We Do
First Minutes Matter
Dale Rethamel, owner of Bundaberg-based caravan dealership Takalvans and New Age Caravans Bundaberg, has spent the past 15 years growing the business into a multi-award-winning regional dealership.
The past 15 years as owner of the business has seen Dale grow the company from its humble beginning to a large regional multi award winning dealership. The dealership sells both new and used caravans, spare parts and accessories and specializes in servicing and insurance repair.
Dale has a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology, Politics and Public Policy. He is also trade qualified in Automotive Manufacturing.
Dale is very well-known around the Bundaberg Region through volunteering in numerous community groups and organizations, and his generous contributions to local sporting clubs and community groups through sponsorship.
Dale is the President of the Bundaberg Horse Racing Club and is a strong advocate and passionate supporter of the local community.
A long-term resident of Gayndah in the North Burnett, John brings with him a strong knowledge and background in business and community engagement.
Recently retired from local government as a divisional councilor with the North Burnett Regional Council, John continues his heavy involvement in community affairs in the North Burnett. Currently sitting as Chair of the Burnett Inland Economic Development Organisation based in Murgon, John also chairs the Mundubbera Community Bank (Bendigo) Board, which provides a full range of banking services and operates principally in the North Burnett and Taroom regions. John also is presently Chairperson of the Community Reference Group, attached to the Gayndah Health Service. Prior to his entry in local government John was a director/ manager of Gayndah Fruitgrowers Co-operative, a large retail business located in Gayndah.
Married to registered nurse Lynda, and father of four sons, John has spent much voluntary time in executive positions in local sporting and community organisations. A retired solicitor, John has for more than two decades provided a free of charge audit service to not-for-profit associations across the Burnett, enabling many to direct all funding to assist in achieving their various goals.
As a strong advocate of the need to maintain and improve all services to rural and regional areas, John is strongly motivated to ensure the ongoing success of LifeFlight in providing its wonderful services.
Neil McPhillips is a seasoned expert in regional development, currently serving as Director of Starfire Solutions, a consultancy specializing in regional development.
With more than 30 years’ experience collaborating with all levels of government and the private sector, Neil has built a reputation for his exceptional networking skills and commitment to sustainable development in both businesses and community organisations.
Neil’s expertise spans economic and business development, with notable achievements including his tenure as Economic Development Manager for Ipswich City Council. During this period, he played a pivotal role in the city’s revitalization, as well as contributing significantly to the Bundaberg Region, including the establishment of Bundaberg Technology Park and various other initiatives.
Deeply connected to his community, Neil is recognised as a business and industry leader in the Bundaberg and North Burnett regions. His dedication to regional development is exemplified by his success in establishing “The Foundation for the Sustainable Economic Recovery of the Bundaberg Region” (known as “Bundaberg Region Rising”). This foundation was instrumental in helping Bundaberg-based businesses and industries recover from natural disasters and set the stage for rebuilding and renewal.
In 2018, Neil’s exceptional contributions were honoured with the prestigious “President’s Award” at the Bundaberg Regional Chambers of Commerce Business Excellence Awards.
Experienced in advertising agency & client-based marketing roles; with an in-depth understanding of the full brand experience and the role and importance of each campaign element. Accomplished in primary communication and PR based roles, with cross industry exposure that includes: advertising & marketing Agencies, Large Tier-1 Retail, PR, and News Media.
Ingrid is now part owner and local manager of Bundaberg Today, an independently owned and run weekly publication. Prior to this, Ingrid was General Manager of the NewsMail publication in Bundaberg, where she also spent seven years as Head of Sales.
Experienced in advertising agency & client-based marketing roles; with an in-depth understanding of the full brand experience and the role and importance of each campaign element. Accomplished in primary communication and PR based roles, with cross industry exposure that includes: advertising & marketing Agencies, Large Tier-1 Retail, PR, and News Media.
Ingrid is now part owner and local manager of Bundaberg Today, an independently owned and run weekly publication. Prior to this, Ingrid was General Manager of the NewsMail publication in Bundaberg, where she also spent seven years as Head of Sales.
John is a qualified Electrical Fitter/Mechanic and Electrical Contractor. He started his working life as an apprentice with J&E Quaite of Bundaberg and later took up a position with Burnett Shire Council as Co-ordinator Electrical Services
Surf Lifesaving has been a major part of Johns life, he has completed for many years for Bundaberg Surf Life Saving Club at State and National Championships in Surf Ski events. In 1993 he was awarded an Australia Day Medal – Services to Sport
John’s passion for volunteering started in his early years as a surf lifesaver spending many weekends patrolling the local beaches. In 2001 the opportunity arose to join the volunteer rescue crewman program with the Sunshine Coast Helicopter Rescue Service for the Bundaberg service. In 2005 John was awarded the Pride of Australia Medal 2005 – Community Spirit Queensland.
John is married to Kerry who is also involved within the local community. Kerry is a life member of the Bundaberg Combined Ballet Association.
John is a qualified Electrical Fitter/Mechanic and Electrical Contractor. He started his working life as an apprentice with J&E Quaite of Bundaberg and later took up a position with Burnett Shire Council as Co-ordinator Electrical Services
Surf Lifesaving has been a major part of Johns life, he has completed for many years for Bundaberg Surf Life Saving Club at State and National Championships in Surf Ski events. In 1993 he was awarded an Australia Day Medal – Services to Sport
John’s passion for volunteering started in his early years as a surf lifesaver spending many weekends patrolling the local beaches. In 2001 the opportunity arose to join the volunteer rescue crewman program with the Sunshine Coast Helicopter Rescue Service for the Bundaberg service. In 2005 John was awarded the Pride of Australia Medal 2005 – Community Spirit Queensland.
John is married to Kerry who is also involved within the local community. Kerry is a life member of the Bundaberg Combined Ballet Association.
Scott formed a close connection to LifeFlight after RMA was involved with the development of their Toowoomba base and the Bundaberg base builds.
He saw firsthand the incredible work LifeFlight does within communities and is proud to be an ongoing supporter.
Scott formed a close connection to LifeFlight after RMA was involved with the development of their Toowoomba base and the Bundaberg base builds.
He saw firsthand the incredible work LifeFlight does within communities and is proud to be an ongoing supporter.
The firm has grown, and now has 3 Partners and 21 staff. They also have a Financial Planning and lending division and have recently rebranded to Advice Centre to incorporate the 3 divisions.
Terry has been heavily involved in the community since arriving in Hervey Bay. He is a life member of Hervey Bay Rugby League, Fraser Coast Rugby League, Hervey Bay Apex and the Hervey Bay Chamber of Commerce. Terry was an Alderman on the Hervey Bay City Council from 1992 to 1995 and has had to executive roles in many other sporting and community organisations. Terry has been awarded an Australia Day award for sports administration and a lifetime achievement award.
He also has a Bachelor of Business, Diploma in Financial Planning, is a registered Company and Superannuation Fund Auditor, an associate of the Institute of Chartered Accountants being a member for over 30 years. Terry is proud to form part of the Wide Bay Burnett Regional Advisory Committee for LifeFlight.
The firm has grown, and now has 3 Partners and 21 staff. They also have a Financial Planning and lending division and have recently rebranded to Advice Centre to incorporate the 3 divisions.
Terry has been heavily involved in the community since arriving in Hervey Bay. He is a life member of Hervey Bay Rugby League, Fraser Coast Rugby League, Hervey Bay Apex and the Hervey Bay Chamber of Commerce. Terry was an Alderman on the Hervey Bay City Council from 1992 to 1995 and has had to executive roles in many other sporting and community organisations. Terry has been awarded an Australia Day award for sports administration and a lifetime achievement award.
He also has a Bachelor of Business, Diploma in Financial Planning, is a registered Company and Superannuation Fund Auditor, an associate of the Institute of Chartered Accountants being a member for over 30 years. Terry is proud to form part of the Wide Bay Burnett Regional Advisory Committee for LifeFlight.
Previously, Maria most recently held the role of Friendlies Hospital Foundation and Volunteer Coordinator.
With a cross section of experience in public relations, administration and management across various sectors in public, private and not for profit organisations, along with the creation and development of her own small businesses Maria has a broad overview into local business.
Maria thoroughly enjoys engaging in the community and from 1995 when she arrived in Bundaberg she has been involved with volunteering and serving on boards and committees for schools, sporting clubs, community groups and the business sector while raising a family and enjoying a career.
Currently a board member with Bundaberg Sunrise Rotary Club and Secretary on the board of Regional Business HQ, Maria is thrilled to be involved with the Wide Bay Burnett LifeFlight RAC.
Previously, Maria most recently held the role of Friendlies Hospital Foundation and Volunteer Coordinator.
With a cross section of experience in public relations, administration and management across various sectors in public, private and not for profit organisations, along with the creation and development of her own small businesses Maria has a broad overview into local business.
Maria thoroughly enjoys engaging in the community and from 1995 when she arrived in Bundaberg she has been involved with volunteering and serving on boards and committees for schools, sporting clubs, community groups and the business sector while raising a family and enjoying a career.
Currently a board member with Bundaberg Sunrise Rotary Club and Secretary on the board of Regional Business HQ, Maria is thrilled to be involved with the Wide Bay Burnett LifeFlight RAC.
He has over 25 years of experience in Senior Management in the Hospitality Industry and has also 7 years of experience in the Banking Sector where he worked for the Commonwealth Bank of Australia. He currently employs 145 people and oversees the Harbourview Caravan Park, Amaroo Charter Boat which is licensed to conduct Whale Watching Trips, a marina that accommodates 110 vessels and two fuel operations at the Marina.
Under his leadership and strategy, the Hervey Bay Boat Club completed a Major Renovation, August 2024, which was a 10-month project, transforming the ground floor of the venue at a cost of $8million, whilst still operating on a daily basis to a state-of-the-art facility.
Tony holds a Diploma in Hospitality Management and has been involved in major clubs in both Sydney and Brisbane.
Tony feels honored and proud to be part of the Wide Bay-Burnett Regional Advisory Committee for LifeFlight in what is a remarkable and essential community service.
He has over 25 years of experience in Senior Management in the Hospitality Industry and has also 7 years of experience in the Banking Sector where he worked for the Commonwealth Bank of Australia. He currently employs 145 people and oversees the Harbourview Caravan Park, Amaroo Charter Boat which is licensed to conduct Whale Watching Trips, a marina that accommodates 110 vessels and two fuel operations at the Marina.
Under his leadership and strategy, the Hervey Bay Boat Club completed a Major Renovation, August 2024, which was a 10-month project, transforming the ground floor of the venue at a cost of $8million, whilst still operating on a daily basis to a state-of-the-art facility.
Tony holds a Diploma in Hospitality Management and has been involved in major clubs in both Sydney and Brisbane.
Tony feels honored and proud to be part of the Wide Bay-Burnett Regional Advisory Committee for LifeFlight in what is a remarkable and essential community service.
We acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Traditional Custodians of the land on which we serve and fly, and pay respect to their Elders past, present and future.
