Located approximately 250 kilometres north of Brisbane, the Fraser Coast region encompasses the historic city of Maryborough and the coastal hub of Hervey Bay. Known for its beautifully preserved heritage buildings, the area once held the title of Queensland’s largest port. It played a vital role in Australia’s early development, welcoming thousands of immigrants while exporting wool, meat and timber to Britain and other global markets.
Today, Hervey Bay is internationally recognised for its whale watching experiences and as the gateway to K’gari (Fraser Island), making the region both a lifestyle destination and a growing residential centre.
Meet Stephen and Kay Ross – Elite on the Fraser Coast
Stephen Ross and his partner Kay operate the Fraser Coast franchise of Elite Maintenance Services Group, delivering trusted professional carpet cleaning and restoration services across the region.
Stephen joined Elite in 2003 after spending 26 years as a fitter and turner, working in sugar mills and later in the railways on the construction of Queensland’s tilt trains. Moving into professional cleaning was a true sea change — but one that quickly proved rewarding.
Over more than a decade, Stephen has witnessed the Fraser Coast go from strength to strength. Population growth surged from around 78,000 in 2001 to nearly 97,000 by 2013, making it one of Queensland’s fastest-growing local government areas at the time.
Changing Demographics, Growing Demand
When Stephen first started, many of his clients were retirees who had relocated to the area for a relaxed coastal lifestyle. Today, the demographic has diversified significantly. The region is now home to many mining industry workers, including those on FIFO (fly-in, fly-out) rosters.
With population growth has come an increase in rental properties and a corresponding rise in demand for end-of-lease carpet cleaning, particularly for real estate agents and property managers. While the number of carpet cleaners in the area has grown, so too has the number of residents who value and can afford regular professional cleaning.
Satisfaction That Comes from Doing the Job Right
“While there are some jobs I’m not overly keen on — 3am cleaning jobs aren’t exactly my favourite,” Stephen says, “there’s real satisfaction in being congratulated on a job well done.”
Stephen and Kay specialise in real estate rental work, where properties can often be left in extremely poor condition. Using professional-grade products and years of hands-on experience, they consistently restore carpets to a condition that exceeds expectations.
“When we finish those tough jobs, the looks on our customers’ faces make it all worthwhile,” Stephen adds.
More Than Cleaning – Helping When It Matters Most
Although Stephen admits he occasionally misses the four weeks of annual leave he enjoyed as an employee, owning his own business more than makes up for it.
Running an Elite franchise allows Stephen and Kay to help people when they need it most — whether that’s responding to 24/7 emergency water damage restoration after flooding, or delivering specialist services like curtain and blind cleaning that remove the hassle for homeowners and achieve superior results.
And if there’s one thing Stephen would change? A lighter dry cleaning machine — current models still tip the scales at around 38 kilograms.
Trusted Local Service, Backed by a National Brand
As part of Elite Maintenance Services Group, Stephen and Kay combine local knowledge with the strength of a trusted national brand, delivering reliable, professional outcomes across the Fraser Coast.
Need Professional Carpet Cleaning or Restoration on the Fraser Coast?
Whether you’re managing a rental property, refreshing your home, or dealing with unexpected water damage, Elite is ready to help.
Request a quote online at https://elite.com.au/quotes/
Or call 131580 via https://elite.com.au/call-now/ to speak with your local Elite team today.
Experience the confidence that comes with Experts Since 1984.
