Hayman Island

Former Mackay resident, Bruce Illman was a partner in the old Mackay Architectural firm Crean and Illman. Bruce and myself were drinking buddies at the Austral Hotel, Mackay, Queensland. Richard Condon was then and is now manager of the Hotel.

During the 90's Bruce was commissioned to produce a design for the then Whitsunday Island, known as Royal Hayman. Every second weekend he had to travel out to the island in his capacity as consultative architect. Back then the island had their own Sikorsky helicopter. Security was at a premium. I tried hard to get a trip out to the island with him, to no avail. The Hayman Island is one of the 5 star resorts in the world. Was No. 1.

Bruce is in Mackay for a couple of days before returning to the Sunshine Coast. Bruce is retired now. He returns to Mackay in October to sail a yacht back to Brisbane. He has just returned from Cardwell, staying with the former Ngaire Morrow. Ngaire was the manager of the Bar at the Austral Hotel. She has a small business in Cardwell.

I have been commissioned by Bruce to produce a portrait of himself and his lady.

A well known Mackay entertainer, Sergio Pradis has a history on Hayman Island. Many years back when the island was under the management of Mr. Maestrianni. Sergio was the Musical Director and Band Leader. You can see Sergio playing at Porters Cafeteria every Saturday morning and at various clubs.Sergio Pradis