Our promise

A family owned, Cairns removals company… and beyond

Name: Greater Northern Removals and Storage
Price range: $$$

We move families not just homes. Each move is tailored and handled with care to alleviate stress and allow you to focus on your exciting move. We pride ourselves on being responsive, flexible and approachable.

A family owned and operated business in North Queensland, we’ve been moving families across Australia and beyond since 1986. In addition, we have expertise in safe storage solutions to protect your household possessions wherever you are in Australia, with purpose built, secure and managed storage facilities that meet the highest government agency requirements.

Greater Northern Removals and Storage is an accredited supplier to many Federal and State Government Departments including Defence Forces, Queensland Police, Queensland Health and Queensland Education.

Greater Northern Removals Boy running with ball and boxes after moving city

Les

As Managing Director, my role is to ensure I am fully across the business. I have a keen eye for detail and am always looking for ways in which we can continually improve. It’s important to remain at the top of our game and that can only be achieved by keeping abreast of all aspects of the business, from the fleet, to our staff and the procedures which we have developed and refined over the decades.

Kirsten

As the Financial Director at Greater Northern Removals, I take care of the smooth running of the business from not only a financial perspective, but also Human Resources, OH&S and compliance. We are all very ‘hands on’ so being fully across the administrative side of the company means that we can look after our staff and customers with confidence.

Terry

My main role is to develop the business in terms of striving to continually improve on the service we offer to our customers. I am continually reviewing how we communicate to make sure we consistently deliver an efficient, reliable hassle free experience from start to finish.

OUR MISSION

As part of our company’s mission, we exceed our clients’ expectations by providing unparalleled value and service delivered by our highly skilled and trained team, who safely and efficiently move our customers throughout Australia and overseas.

OUR VISION

Our vision is to become Far North Queensland’s most trusted and reputable relocation and storage specialists, proudly delivering stress-free home moving to our community.

OUR STORY

Greater Northern Removals Established

Les and Kirsten Forrester established Greater Northern Removals in Cairns in November 1986. The company started with a converted horse float and operated out of Les’ backyard in Aeroglen.

With word of mouth travelling almost as fast as the kilometres their vehicles were clocking up during moves, Les and Kirsten realised that their new business, filled a gap in the market for a friendly, family-run business that works hard to get the job done.
Fleet expansion

The first long-distance truck was introduced, taking the fleet at Greater Northern Removals to three.
Move to Sheridan Street Warehouse

Greater Northern Removals moved to a warehouse in Sheridan Street to accommodate a fleet of six trucks and storage facilities to meet the growing demand generated by the business.
Working with Government

Greater Northern Removals secured work assisting Queensland Government and the Department of Defence with employee moves.
Greater Northern Removals became a PTY LTD company
Containerisation

The company moved towards containerisation, as running trucks was a thing of the past. As such Greater Northern Removals introduced containers and forklifts as they utilised the rail system for long distance work.
The company’s first commercial office move

Greater Northern Removals supported the Department of Transport and Main Roads with their move from Abbott Street (along with 6 other offices) to their current office in Lake Street.

This was the first commercial move the team facilitated.
The relationship with Chess Moving began.
The company joined AFRA

The company joined AFRA, the official body of removals experts that helps regulate the removals industry.
Expansion into Brisbane

The purchase of Brisbane Removals helped the organisation expand operations into South Queensland, which has since been integrated into Chess Moving.
Moved to purpose built premises

The company moved to their purpose designed and built head office and depot at Hollingsworth Street in Cairns to help support the continued expansion of the company.
Expansion in to Townsville
The team won the AFRA Safety Management Award.
Partnership with Chess Moving Group established

Whilst the organisation had a longstanding relationship, in 2015 the company became partners with the Chess Moving Group.