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It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Founder, Chairman, and guiding light, Chris (CJ) Garrard OAM.

Chris passed away in the early hours of Monday morning, July 14 2025.

Together with his wife Maureen, Chris founded Garrards in April 1985. What began as a family business has grown into a proud legacy now spanning three generations. 

Chris took immense pride in this journey and in every person who has contributed to shaping Garrards into the company it is today. A man of unwavering integrity, generosity, and dedication, Chris was a hard worker

who embraced life fully and gave his all to the Pest Management, Horse Racing and Greyhound Racing industries.

CJ’s word was his bond. His handshake meant trust, and his presence meant strength. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Chris was a beloved husband of Maureen, loving father and father-in-law of Daren and Gayle, Rodney and Sally, Ashley and Elizabeth, Pop of Tahleia, Angus, Charlyse, Sienna, Kiana and Liam, brother of Delma, brother-in-law and cherished uncle.

Chris Garrard’s light will never fade from our hearts.

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Electric ants are a serious invasive pest that have the potential to impact our outdoor lifestyle, unique environment and profitable tourism and agriculture industries.

They can inflict a painful, long-lasting, venomous sting. The reaction from their sting can range from moderate to severe pain and, in rare

cases, may cause a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). For these reasons, electric ants are category 1 restricted matter under the Queensland Biosecurity Act 2014. 

Under the Act, all Queenslanders have a general biosecurity obligation to manage biosecurity risks and threats that are under their control,

they know about or they are expected to know about.

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The exotic Macao paper wasp, Polistes olivaceus (Hymenoptera: Vespidae), also called yellow oriental paper wasp, was first detected in the Cocos-Keeling Islands in 2015.

The Cocos-Keeling Islands (CKI) are an Australian external territory in the Indian Ocean, midway between Australia and Sri Lanka and close to Indonesia.

The islands consist of two atolls made up of 27 coral islands, of which only two are inhabited with a population of around 600 residents, plus visitors. The islands are a tropical oasis of white-sandy beaches and coconut palms and are known for their pristine oceans and azure waters, attracting tourists from around the world.

The Macao paper wasp (MPW) is a large social Polistine wasp exotic to Australia and its territories. The wasp is up to 26mm long, deep yellow in colour, has yellow antennae and legs and wavy black abdominal bands that can distinguish it from other Polistine wasps.

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North Queensland pest control expert Eddie Pearce knows pests – and has the photos to prove it!

Eddie conducts Absolute Aussie Pest Management at Tolga, a rural town in the Tablelands region, home to about 3200 people and about 8km from Atherton.

The centre of the region’s peanut industry, Tolga is home to the Big Peanut, which has stood tall for more than 40 years.

Go to pg 5 to read the entire article.

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It has been said that diamonds are a girl’s best friend…but for Maureen Garrard, it’s something else! Maureen’s ‘diamond’ and best friend is her husband, Chris, with whom she recently celebrated a 60th diamond wedding anniversary.

Chris and Maureen are pleased to see a third-generation member of the Garrard clan working in the family business, as it celebrates 40 years of operation in 2025.

The Garrards were surrounded by family and friends to celebrate the milestone.

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