This year, local business Bills Marine marks 50 years as a leader in the North Queensland marine industry. Founded in 1975 by Cairns local Bill Woodbridge, the business quickly grew into a powerhouse, earning national recognition for its commitment to quality, customer service, and community support. Today, under the leadership of Scott and Kiah Heinemann, Bills Marine remains locally owned and dedicated to delivering the best in marine products and expertise, as evidenced by a slew of awards in recent years.
Scott Heinemann, who took over the business alongside Kiah following the retirement of long-term partners Paul Comino and Neil Heinemann, is proud to continue the Bills Marine legacy. “This milestone is not just about our history – it’s about the passion and hard work that have driven Bills Marine forward for five decades. We’re honoured to carry that tradition into the future,” he said. Bills Marine has built a reputation for excellence, consistently ranking among Australia’s top Yamaha and Quintrex dealers and earning numerous industry awards. In Scott and Kiah’s first year as directors in 2012, Bills Marine was awarded the Quintrex Australian Dealer of the Year and one of Yamaha’s Top 3 Dealers in Australia. Bills Marine have maintained a top three Yamaha position all these years later, landing number two in Australia for Yamaha in 2024.
This stellar history has earned the business a place in the Yamaha Elite 20 group, comprising the top 20 Yamaha Marine dealers as of 2023. This recognition led to a trip to Japan to visit and tour Yamaha’s headquarters in Outboard Factory in Japan, an experience Scott said was an honour. Their success is driven by a highly experienced team, some of whom have been with the company for over 30 years, and all of whom know the joys of buying your first boat and of living life on the water. “Experience, trust, and a customer-first mindset have always set us apart,” said Kiah Heinemann.
“We’re incredibly grateful for our team and the support of the Cairns community.” Beyond business, Bills Marine has long supported local initiatives, including the Cairns Area Fish Stocking Group and various volunteer organisations. Their strong ties to the community reflect a core company value: giving back to the region that has supported them for half a century. Looking ahead, Scott and Kiah are focused on continuing to grow the business while maintaining the same high standards that have defined Bills Marine for 50 years. “We love what we do, and we’re excited for what’s next,” said Scott. “Boating is more than a business for us – it’s a way of life.”
As Bills Marine celebrates this milestone, they extend their thanks to the customers, team members, and community that have made the journey possible. Here’s to the next 50 years!