People
people
Maybe it’s because of the 300 days of sunshine, or the stress-free traffic conditions, whatever it is, Townsville locals are some of the friendliest people you’ll meet – ever.
Meet some of the faces making our community great.
Russell zohn
Owner manager
let’s meat townsville
Townsville born or Townsville-lured?
Russell moved here at 15 years old when his father was transferred here as the head of the kitchen at the Townsville Correctional Centre. He was born in Brisbane. He started his apprenticeship when he was 19 and has been a butcher for 28 years and has owned his own businesses for 17 years.
What does your business/job involve?
Our business is the sale of meat to both retail customers and also wholesale customers (restaurants, small stores, roadhouses, aged care facilities, pie shops etc). We also have an online shop that offers payment through credit card facilities, AfterPay and Zippay with free delivery around town. Russell generally manages the store, controls stock and does all the ordering for the store. He liases with the wholesale customers and suppliers which can be a very large role in itself. At times he does deliveries and can be very hands on in the cutting room with orders when we are super busy and when staff are on leave.
Best part of the job?
You create great friendships in this line of business, through contact with your wholesales, some who you speak with daily (more than once) and have done so for 25 years or more, customers who have been customers since before we owned businesses, who are still with you 20 years on. It’s actually quite a personal business and people are very loyal. Being able to provide our family with a great lifestyle.
How do you unwind?
Spending time at home, love watching football & criminal series and walking Castle Hill (when he can get there!). Small getaways when we have all staff on board.
What is your Position/Role at work?
Manager and Jack of all trades. Very hands on as he believes, if your staff see you working hard around them, they will respect you and work well for you.
hannah
retail customer service
brumby’s annandale
Townsville born or Townsville-lured?
I was lured to Townsville to get my Master’s Degree in Marine Biology at James Cook University
What does your business/job involve? I work at Brumby’s at Annandale Central. My job involves greeting and serving customers, merchandising products, cleaning and baking off hot pies!
Best part of the job?
The best part of my job is getting to know our regular customers. Plus I have great co-workers who I enjoy working with!
How do you unwind?
On my days off I love being at the ocean. Whether it’s hanging out on the beach or going for a snorkel or dive.
What is your Position/Roles at work?
I am in retail customer service at Brumby’s Annandale Central.
isabella
barista / all rounder
le chatz cafe
Townsville born or Townsville-lured?
I am Townsville lured. I have lived here for just over three years.
What does your business/job involve?
My job obviously involves pouring the best cup of coffee! But also, customer service which is a large part of the job. You want to make connections with customers to create an atmosphere that they feel comfortable to come back to. I also manage stock control, waitressing (although I’m not very good at it!), food prep, plating up meals, setting up & closing at the end of the day as well as maintaining overall cleanliness within the cafe - an all rounder!
Best part of the job?
The best part of my job would have to be our regular customers and the banter that comes with them. Without them, we wouldn’t be where we are. You develop really good relationships and friendships. It’s amazing how a cup of coffee can bring so many people together.
What do you love the most about Townsville?
Castle Hill for sure! We are so lucky to have this wallet-friendly red rock with its challenging trails and rocky tracks to huff and puff up. One of the highlights of my week is to grab a friend two or three times a week after work and join the masses of fitness-focussed locals on their trek to the top, or drive up at night to see Townsville's beautiful nightscape. I love this city.
How do you unwind?
Unwinding on my days off either involves trekking up Castle Hill early in the morning or walk down The Strand, followed by a coffee of course! I’m a bit of an adventure bug, so anything to do with hiking or exploring is a win for me.
What is your Position/Role at work?
Barista and all rounder at LeChatz Cafe, The Avenues Shopping Centre, Kirwan.