Our Family
We are proudly a family owned and operated local indigenous business. In 1986 Betty & Les Groom brought the water taxi business as a sea change The business quickly grew and there two sons John & Alan joined them in the daily operations. A few years later Johns wife Sharon joined their team, and as Betty & Les went into retirement Alan’s wife Tanya came onboard. Over the years as their families grew the John & Sharon and Alan & Tanya’s children have joined their parents in running the business, from weekend juniors, to administration and deck hands on the boats. We have been blessed to be supported by such a wonderful community and our amazing staff who we think of as family.
Meet the Team
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Katherine
DECKHAND
Meet Katherine, a veteran of the sea who has been working as a deckhand since she was a teenager. Before committing fully to the deck, she spent years honing her skills as a chef, bringing a level of precision and heat-of-the-moment focus that serves her well on the water.
When she isn't offshore, Katherine is a total beach lover, happiest with her toes in the sand alongside her partner, Michael (the team’s go-to maintenance man), and their son. For Katherine, life is the perfect blend of hard work on the waves and sun-soaked family time on the shore.
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Chloe
DECKHAND
A true Straddie local, Chloe has been a vital part of our team since her high school days. Over the years, she has grown up alongside our business, becoming a well-loved fixture known by name by many of our regular local travelers.
Life on the island stays busy for Chloe; she lives here with her partner and is now a proud mum of two boys. Whether she’s navigating the school run or greeting you with a familiar smile on your commute, Chloe’s deep roots and island spirit make her a cornerstone of our community.
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Christopher
SKIPPER
Meet Christopher, a familiar face on the water who has been part of the team since his teenage years. Having started his journey as a deckhand, he has since worked his way up the ranks to take command as a skipper. When he’s not at the helm, Christopher trades the bridge for the break, heading straight to the waves to indulge his passion for surfing. On land, he keeps the rhythm going by playing guitar, proving he’s just as much at home with a fretboard as he is with a ship's wheel. From a keen teen to a confident captain, Christopher brings a relaxed, coastal energy to the crew.
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Ashley
DECKHAND
Meet Ashley, a multitasker both on and off the water. As a dedicated deckhand, she knows exactly how to handle the rigors of the sea, but she also keeps us connected to the shore as our social media manager, capturing the best moments of life on board. When the work is done, Ashley heads straight for the sand. A true beach lover at heart, she spends her downtime soaking up the coastal vibes with her two young daughters. Whether she’s navigating the deck, curating our next big post, or enjoying family time along the shoreline, Ashley brings a bright energy to everything she does.
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Lizzy
DECKHAND & ADMIN
Meet Lizzy, the welcoming face and organizational powerhouse behind the desk as an administrator/customer service representative. A recent newlywed, Lizzy balances her professional life with a deep love for the outdoors and the arts. When she isn’t keeping things running smoothly at the office, you’ll find her capturing coastal landscapes in watercolour, hitting the trails for a hike, or tackling new routes at bouldering. A true beach lover at heart, she’s happiest spending her downtime by the ocean with her loyal sidekick, her Cocker Spaniel, Potato. Whether she’s assisting passengers or scaling a climbing wall, Lizzy brings a creative and energetic spark to the team.
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Michael
MAINTENANCE
Every smooth operation needs a backbone, and for us, that’s Michael. As our go-to maintenance guy, Michael is the man behind the scenes keeping everything in tip-top shape and running like clockwork. No matter what project we’re working on, it’s always a good time with Michael around. Known for his easy-going nature and genuine warmth, he’s a firm believer that there’s always room for a chat—making him just as handy with a conversation as he is with a wrench. When he’s not fine-tuning our gear, Michael is a dedicated family man, living here with his partner, Katherine, and their son. After a long day of keeping the props turning, he enjoys the simple things—usually a well-earned cold beer and some quality downtime. Reliable and always approachable, Michael is the engine that keeps our team spirit high.
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Jamee
BUS DRIVER
Meet Jamee, a true cornerstone of the Stradbroke Flyer team who has grown up with us over an incredible 20-year career. Starting out as a deckhand when she was just a teenager, Jamee eventually moved into the office to master our admin, and today, she is the familiar face behind the wheel as our dedicated bus driver. Outside of work, Jamee’s greatest joy is spending time with her two kids. She also loves a good mental challenge and a creative outlet, whether she’s focusing on a difficult Sudoku puzzle or relaxing with her latest crochet creation. From the deck to the driver’s seat, Jamee’s journey is a huge part of our story, and she brings a wealth of experience and a warm, creative spirit to everything she does.
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Willy
BUS DRIVER
A world traveler at heart, Willy has explored far and wide, but these days he’s happiest right here in Cleveland. Whether you’re a regular or a first-time visitor, you can always count on Willy to greet you with a genuine, trademark smile and a warm welcome. Willy is a firm believer that there’s always time for a good chat, but he’s just as likely to be found embracing his musical side. When he isn't busy connecting with the community, he’s often perfecting his craft on the bagpipes—adding a unique and soulful soundtrack to his time off. Friendly, adventurous, and always approachable, Willy is a true local character who makes every interaction a little brighter. -

Mitch
DECKHAND
Meet Mitch, an ambitious deckhand currently working his way up the ranks to become a skipper. A true sportsman at heart, he’s just as likely to be found mid-wicket on the cricket pitch as he is deep in the pack on the AFL oval. When he has some time off the clock, Mitch heads straight for the bush to go camping, trading the salt air for a swag under the stars. Whether he’s calling the shots on the field or learning the complexities of the helm, Mitch is a natural competitor who thrives on a challenge.
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Chris
SKIPPER
A true "gentle giant" of the sea, Chris brings a calm and welcoming energy to every voyage. As one of our dedicated skippers, his expertise is matched only by his kindness, making everyone on board feel right at home. Chris lives and breathes boats; when he isn't at the helm, he’s usually immersed in all things boats. He has a genuine passion for the craft and is always eager to share a bit of maritime wisdom with anyone curious enough to ask.
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Craig
OPERATIONS MANAGER
After years of navigating Moreton Bay waters as a Skipper, Craig has officially traded his captain’s hat for a strategic one, stepping into the vital role of Operations Manager. Craig brings a vast, firsthand knowledge of the marine industry to the heart of our daily business. His transition from the helm to leadership ensures that our entire fleet runs with the same precision he used to navigate the tides. A deeply valued member of the team, Craig’s expertise is the engine that keeps our operations moving forward smoothly.
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Steve
BUS DRIVER
With years of dedicated service under his belt, Steve is a true veteran of our team and a familiar, friendly face to everyone who boards his bus. He’s spent countless miles ensuring our passengers get where they need to go with a safe and steady hand. When he isn’t navigating his regular routes, Steve is still a man on the move. He has a passion for traveling, exploring Australia, and house-sitting, which allows him to see the country from a true local’s perspective. Whether he’s discovering a new town or looking after a home away from home, Steve loves the adventure of life on the road. Want to make sure you're his favorite passenger? Here’s a pro tip: the quickest way to Steve’s heart is through a Mars Bar. If you’re looking for travel tips or just a smooth ride, Steve is your man!
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Jonno
SKIPPER
As our longest-serving Skipper, Jonno is the heart and soul of the crew, bringing years of seasoned experience and a steady hand to every voyage. When he isn’t at the helm, you’ll almost certainly find him with a line in the water. A true fisherman at heart, Jonno is always ready to swap stories—so don’t be shy!
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Mary
DECKHAND
Meet Mary, a young deckhand who is just as comfortable navigating the open swell as she is tearing up the coastal backroads. When she isn’t mastering the lines and keeping things shipshape on deck, you’ll find her chasing the horizon on her motorbike or soaking up the sun at the nearest beach. Driven by a love for adventure and the smell of salt air, Mary lives for the thrill of the ride—whether that’s on two wheels or a rising tide.
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Dane
DECKHAND
Meet Dane, a former electrician who swapped the circuit breakers for the saltwater life as a deckhand. When he’s not keeping things shipshape on the water, he’s hitting the open road with his caravan in tow, headed for his next family getaway. A proud father of two daughters, Dane loves nothing more than unhooking the van and setting up camp for a weekend of adventure. When he isn’t busy with the lines, Dane is usually busy telling a Dad joke or two.
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Dave
BUS DRIVER/SECURITY OFFICER
If you’ve taken a ride on our bus lately, you’ve likely met Dave. A long-time islander, Dave brings a wealth of local knowledge and a steady, familiar hand to his dual role as our bus driver/security officer. Dave likes to spends his downtime cultivating a variety of crops on his fruit farm or lost in a melody on his guitar.

