Cameron Thomas has faced his share of highs and lows, but lately, life has been looking up for him and his family, especially in business. If you haven’t heard of RAD Rolled Ice Cream, it’s likely because you haven’t been out much!
Starting from a trailer, the business served its first ice cream on October 7, 2023, and quickly gained a loyal following at events around the Fraser Coast. Securing a spot at the old Shark Show site in Urangan boosted their visibility and going live on TikTok in February helped bring even more attention, gathering crowds and followers. A dream came true for Cameron and his wife Cristel recently when they opened their own shop next to Pier Village Café in Urangan, creating jobs for seven locals and giving the business a solid base.
Their TikTok efforts paid off too—they’re now finalists for TikTok’s “Live Creator of the Year” award, with the ceremony set for late November at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion. Cameron and his 15-year-old son Angus will make the trip with their trailer in tow. RAD Rolled Ice Cream also won “Best New Business” at the Fraser Coast Business and Tourism Awards—a rewarding outcome for the hardworking couple.
Brisbane-born, Cameron grew up on his family’s 300-hectare farm in Boonah, where he spent weekends mustering cattle with his dad and working with prized Limousin cattle for shows. After leaving school in grade ten, he studied at Longreach Pastoral College, where he focused on wool classing and shearing and spent time in the bush doing woolshed work. But city life called, and he returned to Brisbane, taking a wool classing job and eventually setting off on an eight-month European adventure with his brother.
They worked at Belushi’s Bar and Grill in Shepherd’s Bush, London. The job interview was lively—the manager asked if they’d take a shot with a customer, and Cameron cheerfully said, “Why not!” Then, when asked if he’d jump on the bar to dance when the Belushi theme song played, Cameron eagerly agreed. They got the job, learning to toss bottles to make cocktails and loving every minute of the high-energy, fun environment.
Back in Australia, Cameron built a sixteen-year career in security, working locally and abroad. He has also run an earth-moving business and served as an Auxiliary Firefighter. Over the years, he’s worn many hats, but one of his favourite roles was as a radio announcer with Triple M in Hervey Bay. During his time there, tragedy struck when his best friend Scott Cabrie, an Uber driver and radio colleague, was murdered on an Uber job. The loss devastated Cameron and the whole community and Cameron still hopes that justice will be done.
This tragedy became a turning point. Cameron and Cristel had already been considering a rolled ice cream business, a concept they found both fun and unique. After Scottie’s passing, Cameron focused on RAD Rolled Ice Cream which gave him a positive outlet and a fresh start. The venture was a success and a chance to bring something new to the Fraser Coast. They have even named an ice cream after Scottie who is never far from Cameron’s thoughts.
Family is at the heart of Cameron’s life. His wife, Cristel, has been his unwavering support through everything. “We’ve been through so much together, and everything we do is for our kids’ future,” he says. Cameron has a 23-year-old stepson, Baily, a 15-year-old son, Angus, and a 7-year-old daughter, Gracie, all of whom he’s incredibly proud of. He and Cristel hope the business will one day be something their children can take over, creating a lasting legacy.
Eleven years into their life in Hervey Bay, Cameron and Cristel feel a deep love for the Fraser Coast community and gratitude for its support. Together, they’re building not just a business, but a future for their family.
By Kim Parnell
From What’s On Fraser Coast Magazine
