Big Melon comes alive after dark

Local business lights up Chinchilla's biggest attraction.

UP IN LIGHTS: Jye Hartwig, Beau Jakins, Ross McQuaid, Luke Scarlett and Ben Lindenberg from MPC Contracting. Picture: Kate McCormack

IT MIGHT not be Times Square in New York but thanks to local company, MPC Contracting, Chinchilla's Big Melon will be a beacon of light turning heads day and night.

Last week saw the completion of eight LED up-lights in front of Chinchilla's biggest attraction, as well as four pathway lights along the brand new walkway.

MPC Contracting business partner Luke Scarlett said the local family-run business was extremely proud to have worked on the project ahead of the 25th anniversary of the Melon Festival.

"Over the years, MPC Contracting have completed many projects but our most recent involving the Big Melon lighting for the council has been one of the most rewarding and satisfying yet,” Mr Scarlett said.

"We're looking forward to being involved with the Chinchilla Melon Festival this year. We are one of the proud sponsors of the 20/20 Big Bash cricket game and we will also have two machines nominated in the street parade.”

Chinchilla's Big Melon will is now up in lights thanks to MPC Contracting. Picture: Kate McCormack

MPC Contracting is a homegrown electrical and civil contracting business established back in 2000 by Chinchilla man Ross McQuaid.

Mr McQuaid began his electrical apprenticeship with Ergon Energy, forging a career spanning 18 years before deciding to start his own business.

Since then, MPC Contracting has evolved to offer an extensive range of services comprising of domestic, commercial, industrial, underground and overhead supply, airconditioning and solar installations.

During the past 19 years, the business has grown to become a competitive force throughout the district and beyond with current work being completed at the Brisbane Airport, Chinchilla Botanical Gardens, Highfields housing development and the local solar farms.

"We employ a workforce of around 15-20 people with most of our employees coming from Chinchilla. Some of our team members have been involved with the company for over 15 years,” Mr McQuaid said.

"We value all our workers immensely. We believe loyalty is the key to success.

"Even though we have grown as a company we still enjoy completing Western Downs work the most and rely on our local customers and community significantly.

"No job is ever too small and we will always be happy to help Chinchilla businesses and locals out.”

MPC Contracting will also be installing 26 pathway lights, 19 security cameras, a 30kW solar system comprising of 98 solar panels throughout the Botanical Parklands in the coming weeks.