Airlie Beach, nestled in the heart of the Whitsundays in North Queensland, is often described as paradise — and for good reason. With aquamarine waters, pristine white sandy beaches and vibrant coral reefs, it’s a destination that draws visitors from around the world. Perched among the hills are stunning homes, while the marina hosts everything from humble tinnies to impressive luxury yachts.
Earlier this year, Dave and Corrina Ross made the ultimate sea change, relocating from Townsville to Airlie Beach to take over the Elite Airlie Beach franchise from long-standing owners Rex Snowsill and Cathy Smith, who recently retired. The handover officially took place on 1 August, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the local Elite team.
A Strong Foundation of Experience
Dave and Corrina bring a wealth of experience from diverse industries. Dave is a qualified carpenter with a builder’s supervisor licence and over 30 years’ experience in the construction sector. Corrina spent more than a decade working in the mining industry as a site co-ordinator in a chemical laboratory.
The opportunity to take over the business arose unexpectedly. Close friends of Rex, Dave and Corrina were house-sitting for him last Christmas when the idea was first raised.
“Just before Rex went on holiday, he mentioned he was planning to retire and asked if we’d be interested in taking over the business,” Dave recalls. “We honestly thought he was joking — but when he came back, we realised he was serious.”
After returning to Townsville and giving the idea careful consideration, the couple recognised the potential.
“When we really looked at the business, we realised what a great opportunity it was,” Dave says. “Rex and Cathy have built something special. It’s now one of the biggest — if not the biggest — cleaning businesses in the Whitsundays.”
Supporting a Growing Region
Airlie Beach continues to grow rapidly, both as a tourism hotspot and a permanent place to live. Elite Airlie Beach services a balanced mix of residential and commercial clients, delivering professional carpet cleaning alongside a wide range of maintenance solutions.
A significant portion of the business also includes pest control services — an area where Dave’s technical and operational background proves particularly valuable. The team also supports rental properties and holiday accommodation with services such as end of lease carpet cleaning.
Specialist Services That Set Elite Apart
Elite Airlie Beach offers two highly specialised services that are perfectly suited to the local environment.
Firstly, the team carries out extensive work on luxury yachts berthed in the marina. These vessels are often floating holiday homes, fitted with high-end furnishings. Elite technicians are experts in maintaining carpets and upholstery onboard with minimal disruption, using low-moisture methods ideal for marine environments. This includes professional upholstery cleaning and fabric care.
Secondly, Elite Airlie Beach operates a specialist rug cleaning service, where rugs are transported to a dedicated facility for deep, controlled cleaning. While portable equipment can deliver good results onsite, in-house rug cleaning provides the most thorough and effective outcome — especially for valuable or delicate pieces.
Looking Ahead
“We’re planning on being here long term,” says Dave. “The lifestyle is hard to beat. Airlie Beach has a real buzz about it, and we love the outdoor lifestyle — boating, fishing and being close to the water. It’s the perfect fit for us.”
With new ownership, strong local knowledge and the backing of a trusted national brand, Elite Airlie Beach is well positioned to continue delivering high-quality service across the Whitsundays.
Need Carpet Cleaning or Specialist Services in Airlie Beach?
Whether you’re a homeowner, property manager, business owner or yacht operator, Elite Airlie Beach is ready to help.
Book with confidence today
Request a quote or call 131 580 to arrange professional carpet cleaning, upholstery care or specialist services with Elite Maintenance Services Group.
