From this week, Cheshire Machinery will be the new name for McDonald Murphy Machinery Bundaberg with local couple Ross and Donna Cheshire at the helm of the business.
The well-known residents are embarking on an exciting new chapter, assuming sole ownership of the dealership.
Ross said having their name on the signage of the Bundaberg business was a proud moment for the couple.
“Farming is in my blood. I’m a third-generation farmer with a lifelong connection to this regional community and the local agriculture industry,” he said.
“Both sets of my grandparents were farming pioneers in the region, my parents are still on land, and we had our farm at one time, too, so agriculture and agricultural machinery is part of my DNA.
“It’s an exciting move for us and we’re looking forward to introducing a dynamic, new-look business to the Bundaberg community, a community who has been so supportive of this business over so many years.”
McDonald Murphy Machinery was opened by Andrew McDonald in Bundaberg in 1999, one of four McDonald Murphy Machinery dealerships in North Queensland.
A diesel fitter by trade, Ross started working for the business as a technician in 2000 before becoming a 50 per cent shareholder, alongside Andrew, in 2016.
New Holland part of Cheshire Machinery changes
As part of their business venture, Ross and Donna will be bringing back New Holland’s distinctive yellow and blue machinery to the Bundaberg Region after a five-year absence.
Ross said the brand had not had dealer representation in the region for many years and he was excited to be offering customers access to a wider range of machinery.
“Stocking New Holland specialty tractors recognises the agricultural diversity of this region, where the orchard market is an increasingly-dominant segment,” he said.
“We’re also making the whole New Holland range available to meet whatever requirements our customers have across the Bundaberg and North Burnett region.
“This is an exciting development for our business and we look forward to working with both New Holland and the Case IH brands to maximise the opportunities and benefits that come from access to a wider CNH Industrial offering.”
Bruce Healy, General Manager of New Holland Australia and New Zealand, himself raised in Bundaberg, said the region was in good hands with Cheshire Machinery.
“Ross, Donna and their dedicated team of 18 employees have been a fixture of the local business and agriculture community for many years; they have deep roots in the region and truly understand their customer’s requirements,” Bruce said.
“The addition of the New Holland range to the full range of Case IH products means the region’s farmers are the big winners. There’s more choice for local farming operations with our machines known across the industry for their innovation and market leading capabilities.
“The Cheshire’s and their team’s commitment to excellence in customer service and technical expertise across all our products guarantees the ultimate experience for every farmer.
“It’s great to see Ross and Donna put their name to the dealership and to bring back the New Holland brand to the Bundaberg and North Burnett regions as approved local resellers. We look forward to working with them, and to keeping the local farming community productive and profitable.”
