Customer service in the Bay

It is a common (and often well-founded) complaint in Hervey Bay that tradespeople, especially, but occasionally other businesses as well, have lost the desire and knowledge to provide good customer service. 

I had an amazing experience this week at Soy Asian Cuisine which deserves mention.

An extremely busy night for the sole chef, the waiter was also training a new person for front of house and there was a very long line waiting for takeaways.

Not only did the servers remain friendly, polite and professional, the chef herself personally handed many of the meals over with her apologies for any delay and a commitment to do better next time. 

I was tired after a long day and my meal was delayed, but I left Soy Asian feeling like I mattered and was so very happy with their service, the food could have been ordinary, and I would not have minded (it certainly wasn’t).

I encourage everyone to give this restaurant a try - great food, definitely, but because customer satisfaction is their primary concern.

Kym Dennis

Pool hours

I have written to Council querying the reduction in hours at the Aquatic Centres.

The response I received from the manager of the facilities made no mention of staff shortages but instead states “The reduction in hours was based on a considered response to operational areas that for years had not been effectively managed” and further “Reduction of hours to better facilitate a sustainable operational model that is focused of workplace safety and patron wellbeing by improving on our facilities and services.”

As none of my questions were in fact answered I have again written asking for clarification.  

Are Mondays (Fridays in Maryborough), now dedicated to staff training?  

Is the reduction of hours to enable extra staff to be rostered on each day?  

How exactly is reducing the hours going to improve safety? Is this a temporary measure?

I have yet to receive a reply.

Do people realise that both Hervey Bay and Maryborough pools will be closed all through the Easter break?  

In addition, there are about seven other public holidays when neither facility will be open.

Our population is expanding rapidly meaning there will obviously be increased demand. 

Why then, are hours being so greatly reduced for no apparent reason.

Julie McKinlay

Supporting local business matters

I completely agree with your recent piece on the importance of supporting local businesses in Hervey Bay. 

While it’s great to see national chains setting up shop and offering more options, nothing beats the value of keeping our dollars in the community.

Local businesses are the heart of Hervey Bay. 

They sponsor our kids’ sports teams, donate to school fundraisers, and back grassroots projects that make our town feel like home. 

Plus, they offer unique products, personal service, and a passion you just don’t get from big corporations.

Every dollar we spend locally helps create jobs, fuels innovation, and strengthens our economy. 

It’s a win for everyone. So, before heading to a chain store, let’s check out what our amazing local businesses have to offer.

By supporting them, we’re investing in Hervey Bay’s future and keeping our community connected and thriving.

John, Scarness 

Pool safety, a must

I was pleased to read about the Fraser Coast Regional Council’s proactive approach to maintaining safety and ensuring quality services at the Hervey Bay and Maryborough Aquatic Centres. 

While the temporary revised hours may be a change for some patrons, I believe this is a sensible and responsible measure, especially given the challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified staff.

Safety must always be the top priority, and it is heartening to see that the Council is not only addressing current staffing shortages but also investing in long term solutions such as staff training and converting part time roles into permanent positions. 

This not only enhances the safety of swimmers but also contributes positively to the local economy by providing more secure job opportunities.

I applaud the Council for its thoughtful and balanced approach, and I’m confident that this temporary adjustment will ultimately result in better facilities and an even safer environment for all. 

I look forward to the future expansion of operating hours as the staffing situation improves.

Eileen, Torquay 

Local power

Thank you for your article “The Power of Local: Supporting Hervey Bay Businesses in 2025. 

I immediately thought of the wonderful fruit store outside Coles in Stockland’s (I am unsure of the name) I was shopping there a few days ago as all his produce is either locally sourced here in the Fraser or interstate regions and ALL his produce is wonderfully fresh. 

I was notified that on approaching Xmas and New Year the fruit store was notified that their rent has been increased by 40%!!!

They are forced now to close their Stockland’s outlet!!! … as will other small businesses in Stockland’s. 

To me that is totally pushing out and not supporting small local businesses!

Robyn

A heartfelt call to action this REDFEB

As REDFEB, Heart Awareness Month, approaches this February, Heart Research Australia is urging all Australians to come together and take action to safeguard both their heart and brain health. 

This year, we are shedding light on the crucial link between cardiovascular health and cognitive function and sharing effective day-to-day strategies to support both. 

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in Australia, and its effects reach far beyond our hearts. 

Conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol can not only cause damage to the heart, but can also increase the risk of cognitive decline, and the development of dementia. 

By 2054, the number of Australians living with dementia is expected to double. 

So, protecting our heart and brain health now is more vital than ever, not only for our own health and wellbeing, but to reduce the pressure on our health system as it braces for the impact of an ageing population.

At Heart Research Australia, we are committed to reducing the devastating impact heart disease has on families and the community. 

This REDFEB, we are asking Australians to come together to wear red, raise awareness, and contribute to the vital research that will change lives.

To learn more about Heart Research Australia’s 4-M approach and support Heart Research Australia’s critical research, please visit www.heartresearch.com.au

Nicci Dent, CEO, Heart Research Australia