Celebrating Dalby’s Small Business Champions
As part of our 31 Faces of Small Business campaign, the Dalby Chamber is proud to spotlight 17 inspiring interviews with the people who make our town thrive.
These stories capture the spirit of what it means to be local — the passion, the perseverance, and the pride. From skilled artisans to ambitious entrepreneurs, each face represents the heart of our community. Dive in and discover the stories behind the storefronts.
Crafting Legacy: Mark Kirkby of Section 8 Guitars
In this episode of 31 Faces of Small Business in Dalby, we sit down with master craftsman Mark Kirkby of Section 8 Guitars. From his teenage years building instruments for music legends to founding a beloved local workshop with his late wife Aleta, Mark shares the heartfelt story behind his handcrafted guitars, his deep-rooted passion for quality, and what keeps him inspired in the world of strings, sawdust and song.
Driven by Diesel, Powered by Community
In this episode of 31 Faces of Rural Business in Dalby, we sit down with Gavin Bradford of Diesel Care Dalby—a local business with national reach. From its origins in 1947 to becoming a leader in diesel injection and mechanical services, Gavin shares how passion, innovation, and community have shaped the journey.
WJC Contracting – Building Dalby’s Future, One Project at a Time
From welding roots to running his own business, Will Campborn shares how WJC Contracting grew from a dream of being home to a trusted local name focused on quality, safety, and supporting Dalby’s next generation. His story is a testament to resilience, community, and doing what you love where it matters most.
Fox Mowing – A Fresh Cut on Local Business in Dalby
From mowing lawns as a kid to running a thriving business, Hayden Scott shares how Fox Mowing became a go-to for garden care in Dalby. With a focus on reliability, quality service, and building local connections, he’s helping keep the Western Downs looking its best—one lawn at a time.
Busy at Work – Connecting Dalby’s Future One Job at a Time
With a passion for empowering young people and bridging employment gaps, Georgina Hmer shares how Busy at Work helps build career pathways in Dalby through training, mentoring, and community collaboration. From apprenticeships to success stories, Georgie shows how small steps can lead to life-changing opportunities.
Newlands is Building More Than Just Infrastructure in Dalby
From local subdivisions to critical community projects, John Ryan shares how Newlands has grown into a cornerstone of Dalby’s development. With a focus on regional impact, local hiring, and projects that matter—like schools, hospitals, and water systems—John’s story is a testament to how business can build both towns and lasting community connections.
Glen from 4DDD Radio is The Voice Behind Dalby’s Airwaves
From spinning blues records to building a stronger community, Glen Hay shares how 4DDD Radio brings Dalby together with music, stories, and a mic open to anyone willing to try. As president and longtime host, Glen proves that local radio is more than background noise—it’s the heartbeat of a connected town.
Dalby Golf Club – Driving Community Connection One Swing at a Time
With a banking background and a vision for change, Gavin Pon has transformed Dalby Golf Club into a welcoming hub for all—from serious golfers to casual weekend players. Through upgraded facilities, a strong community focus, and an open-door approach, Gavin proves that great clubs aren’t just built on fairways, but on inclusion, pride, and purpose.
Donaldson HS&E Matters – Keeping Dalby Safe, One Workplace at a Time
With a career built on care, curiosity, and clear communication, Robyn Donaldson brings practical safety solutions to businesses of all sizes across Dalby. From renewable energy sites to local offices, her passion for helping people get home safe is shaping a stronger, more informed business community.
Southside Quality Meats – Local Butcher, Big Heart, Even Bigger Flavour
With a lifelong passion for the meat trade and a commitment to supporting local farmers, Rob and the team at Southside Quality Meats are keeping traditional skills alive while embracing creative flavours and community connection. From mentoring young apprentices to crafting Bundy rum sausages, this is local butchery done with heart, humour, and hometown pride.
Taking the Plunge: Mateship and Motivation Behind Radke Pools
Jamie and Savannah of Radke Pools are flipping the script on what it means to run a local business in Dalby. From cleaning pools to challenging stereotypes, these two mates bring grit, humour, and genuine community spirit to everything they do. What started as a strong friendship has grown into a business rooted in trust, tenacity, and a drive to make Dalby’s backyard pools better—one job at a time.
Keeping Dalby Rolling: The Local Drive Behind Dalby Tyres
Nigel of Dalby Tyres shares how a love for hard work, community, and old-school service keeps this family-owned business at the heart of Dalby’s roads. With decades of industry experience and a commitment to supporting local jobs, Dalby Tyres is more than a pit stop — it’s a trusted part of the town’s engine. From balancing leadership and friendship to navigating a competitive market, Nigel and the team keep things moving with patience, pride, and people-first service.
Montana Welding Builds with Precision in Dalby
Luke Heathwood of Montana Welding turned his passion for fabrication into a thriving business delivering tailored, high-quality solutions across Dalby and the Western Downs. With deep roots in the trades, a tight-knit team, and a commitment to reliability, Montana Welding is forging strong community ties—one custom job at a time.
Meet the team behind Hughes and Sons Builders
Melissa and Darren Hughes are the heart behind Hughes and Sons Builders, a Dalby-based family business built on passion, partnership, and a deep commitment to local trades. From apprenticeships to affordable housing insights, their story is one of resilience, regional pride, and building more than just homes—they're building Dalby's future, one project at a time.
Smart Security with a Local Edge: Lock & Watch Secures Dalby
Lock & Watch Security combines hands-on locksmithing with advanced tech solutions—from CCTV and alarms to Starlink and access control. With deep regional reach and a practical, no-fuss approach, they’re protecting what matters across homes, businesses, and remote communities.
Empowering Dalby's Next Generation of Skilled Workers
With a passion for mentorship and a wealth of real-world experience, Natalie Spencer helps young people in Dalby take confident first steps into trades and training. Through Golden West, she’s building career pathways, strengthening local businesses, and shaping the future of regional employment.