fter a decade in Sydney, Ben & his wife Amanda decided to return back to Townsville where they both grew up, to raise a family and now have 3 sons.

Ben gained more valuable experience working all over North Queensland for a business specialising in fabricating and building Shade Structures from the ground up for government schools, childcare centres, council parks & major shopping car parks.

After parting company in 2015, Ben couldn’t put his passion in textile fabrication to rest after a lifetime full of knowledge in this unique trade.  He made the decision it was time to go out on his own and obtained the necessary qualifications for his trade, such as a Business Management Certificate and a QBCC license in building small structures to go with his Cert 3 in Textile Fabrication.

He has now proudly established this business called Cheyne Shades & Canvas and enjoys creating unique shade covers for people’s homes, businesses, vehicles, machinery & watercraft, just to name a few.

I absolutely love being my own boss, Ben says!  My ideas, creativity and imagination can now be explored in greater detail, their is no holding back.  From designing and installing curved steel shade structures to a unique Ute Pet Shade cover that protects your fury friends in the back tray of your own Ute.  “My days are so varied”, from making or repairing a shade sail, to being called out with my machine to do onsite repairs on camper trailer covers.  Nothing is off limits, I can make a cover any size and shape, to protect the life of your goods from the elements, being so important in our harsh tropical climate.

Ben says, “with precise measurements, fabric type, sewing technique and the use of top quality materials, one of my Shade covers will last for years and years in our sun”.  “My customers are amazed with the results in heat and glare reduction and cooler temperatures when custom fitted and made by me”. “When sewn correctly, installed and the sail tensioned, a Shade Sail should look architecturally pleasing to the eye when created the right way from the very beginning to the end of the project, he says.  There is an art to getting your shade to look, sit and fit right, my experience using industrial sewing machines, has proven that.

Ben was awarded in May 2017, a Special Commendation for Product Innovation for his creative design, superior products used in the making of this product and the installation of our “Ute Pet Shade Cover”. This industry award is a career highlight which was awarded by Australia’s Specialised Textile Association. And again in May 2018, Ben was awarded the ‘WINNER’ 2018 Awards for Excellence in Shade Sails Domestic for a Riverside Shade Sail Project over a pool/entertaining area located in Douglas, Qld.

Ben’s wife Amanda also forms a vital part of the daily operation of the business whilst organising and maintaining a smooth transition of new jobs coming into the workshop and onsite projects. Amanda’s background as a PA in Real Estate Sales and Marketing also gives her great attention to detail in the promoting and production of our Shade Products. She will greet you with a smile and a giggle when you come into our workshop office.

• Over 25 Years Experience, Local & Interstate
• Trade Qualified Industrial Sewing Machinist
• Certificate 3 in Textile Fabrication
• Certificate 4 in Small Business Management
• Industry Award for Product Innovation in May 2017
• Award ‘WINNER’ 2018 Awards for Excellence – Shade Sails Domestic

• Qualified Builders Licence
• QBCC License for Installation Special Structures/Shade Sails
• Specialised Textiles Association Member
• Public & Products Liability