Local solicitor celebrates 30 years in The Gap
It’s good to reflect on contributions made to our community.
To acknowledge achievements and congratulate businesses and individuals on significant accomplishments is important. Too often it’s the negatives in the community that take up media time.
What value is local business to me?
We don’t often consider the value a solid business brings to the local community. I think it’s far more than can be measured in economic terms and convenience to us.
True it encourages business to the location that has a flow-on effect to surrounding retailers. But success creates employment opportunities, a sense of continuity, trust, reliability, familiarity and stability not only for local residents but also commercially supporting a successful retail environment.
Statistically many new businesses fail within 2 years and those that do survive often struggle, particularly during the tougher economic headwinds.
To grow and thrive in a community undeniably indicates a business has the support of local residents and is reciprocating loyality by serving clients well.
We’re all aware of just how many changes occur within the small business world so to have consistency is refreshing and appreciated.
A true local
We’re time poor. (Or is that just me?) We seem to be leading what seems increasingly busy lives and all too often it’s with barely a whimper that key milestones are acknowledged either personally or professionally.
And so it was a privilege to be invited to join with some 120 guests at the Ashgrove Golf Club to celebrate a business that has become a cornerstone of The Gap community, Craig Ray and Associates, Solicitors.
How it began
It was interesting to hear how the business grew from a conversation between 2 locals to a thriving business. Sowing the seeds for this business began with a conversation between Craig Ray and Alan Sherlock* some 30+ years ago.
Alan was a local identity who some would remember fondly as the always helpful pharmacist at The Gap shopping centre during the ‘60’s, 70’s and 80’s. Alan also member of parliament for Ashgrove. Deeply rooted in the community, Alan identified a need for a solicitor’s firm within the growing suburb of The Gap all those year ago. Craig was keen to establish a business within a local community. And the rest is history.
It was evident at the event that the business is in integral part of The Gap and has loyal support from all areas of the community. The success the business has enjoyed from the support of residents and business has meant the community has benefited from offered pro-bono work and professional advice for not-for-profit organisations.
The growing business currently has a staff of 15.
Behind the scenes
There’s no doubt Craig is an active member of the community. He holds key roles with special interest organisations bringing his enthusiasm and expertise to the table.
The impressive list includes
- President and board member of the Child Accident Prevention Foundation of Australia
- Current President of Kidsafe Queensland
- Board member of Australian Resuscitation Council
- Along with Alan Sherlock, Craig established ‘Shed Happens for Men Ashgrove – The Gap’ and is the current president. This is a social group that meets monthly and enjoy interesting guest speakers at each meeting.
Craig has a long association with the scouting movement.
- Former President of Scouts Queensland 2010 – 2016
- Chair of Scouts Australia Governance Sub-committee
- Assistant Scout Leader St. Johns Wood
- Admitted as a Life Member of Scouts Australia (Queensland) Branch June 2017
A family business
This truly is a local, family business in every sense. Living and working in The Gap, Craig Ray, (principal) and Jenny Ray, both practicing solicitors have welcomed son Matthew and daughter Louise Frear (nee Ray) to the team in recent years.
The future of the business appears bright and capable.
Our congratulations and thanks for serving The Gap community over these years goes to the team at Craig Ray & Associates and we wish the business continued success.
Where are they?
The Gap Village Shopping Centre, 8/996 Waterworks Road, The Gap
Phone: (07) 3118 5088
Addendum
*Alan Sherlock (OBE, OAM) was elected to the Qld parliament and represented the seat of Ashgrove from 1986-89. He was an integral part of the scouting movement and served as Chief Commissioner of the Qld branch of the Scout Association of Australia from 1981 to 1986.