Installing a Retractable Flyscreen 

Russco’s Glazing Delivers Custom Vertical Retractable Flyscreen Solution for Mackay Turf Club

As one of the region’s most well-known and frequently visited venues, the Mackay Turf Club needs to balance function, presentation, and practicality across all its facilities. Whether it’s race day, a community event, or a private function, the club’s spaces must remain clean, efficient, and compliant with food service standards. That’s why, when the team at the Turf Club needed a solution to protect their servery area from insects and debris, they reached out to the professionals at Russco’s Glazing.

Our team was engaged to measure, supply, and install a vertical retractable flyscreen, a practical and discreet way to protect the serving area without compromising airflow, accessibility, or visibility. The flyscreen measured 1200mm wide by 2450mm high and was custom-fitted to the servery opening. The end result was a durable, easy-to-use screening solution that blends seamlessly into the club’s operations and enhances hygiene across events.

Project Overview: Servery in Need of Protection

The Mackay Turf Club’s servery plays a key role during race days and events, where food and beverages are served to hundreds of patrons. However, open serveries also come with challenges, particularly in a tropical region like North Queensland, where insects such as flies and mosquitoes are ever-present.

The club required a flyscreen solution that would allow the servery window to remain open for ventilation and communication, but also protect the interior from pests and meet hygiene regulations. Because the servery is used frequently throughout the day, the solution also had to be easy to operate, low-maintenance, and robust enough to handle regular use.

Russco’s Glazing recommended a vertical retractable flyscreen, a modern, space-saving solution that offers all the benefits of traditional flyscreens, with the added advantage of retractability.

Step 1: Site Inspection and Accurate Measurement

Our first step was to conduct a thorough site inspection at the Mackay Turf Club to assess the servery opening and determine the best type of flyscreen system. After discussing the club’s needs and how the space was used on race days and events, our team carried out precise measurements of the opening.

The final dimensions came to 1200mm wide by 2450mm high, a tall, narrow opening that suited a vertical retractable flyscreen. This style allows the mesh to be drawn downwards from a discreet top cassette and retracted when not in use, maintaining a clean, uncluttered appearance and avoiding interference with counter operations.

Step 2: Supplying a Custom Retractable Flyscreen

Once the measurements were confirmed, Russco’s Glazing sourced a custom-built vertical retractable flyscreen specifically designed for commercial use. The flyscreen system featured:

• High-quality insect mesh for optimal airflow and visibility while keeping insects out
  
• A durable aluminium frame, powder-coated for weather resistance and colour coordination
  
• A smooth-glide spring-loaded mechanism that allows the screen to be easily pulled down and retracted
  
• Magnetic catches or locking clips at the base to keep the screen secure during use
  

The flyscreen was made to match the aesthetic of the servery and to withstand Mackay’s humid climate and frequent usage during events.

Step 3: Professional Installation

When the custom screen was ready, our team returned to the site to carry out the installation. We mounted the cassette system at the top of the opening, securing it in place with corrosion-resistant hardware. Side channels were then fixed to guide the screen smoothly up and down and to keep the mesh tightly sealed at the edges.

The bottom of the flyscreen was fitted with discreet fasteners to hold the screen in place when extended. This ensured the screen stayed taut and secure during service hours, creating a full barrier against pests while still allowing visibility and ventilation.

Our installation process was efficient and minimally disruptive to the Turf Club’s operations, completed with all safety protocols in place.

A Seamless and Practical Finish

The finished installation provided a clean, streamlined look for the Mackay Turf Club’s servery. When not in use, the flyscreen retracts fully into the top cassette, remaining out of sight and allowing unobstructed access to the window. During service hours, staff can quickly pull the screen down to protect food and drinks while maintaining visibility with patrons.

The 1200mm x 2450mm retractable flyscreen offers a perfect balance of convenience and protection, ideal for commercial environments where functionality, hygiene, and efficiency are paramount.

Why Businesses Choose Russco’s Glazing

At Russco’s Glazing, we offer more than just windows. Our team specialises in custom screening and glazing solutions for both residential and commercial applications across Mackay and the surrounding region. Whether you need to screen a servery, secure a workspace, or upgrade your glass fittings, our solutions are built to suit your exact needs, with expert installation and quality products guaranteed.

If your venue, café, or hospitality business requires discreet insect protection without compromising service, contact Russco’s Glazing today. We’re proud to help Mackay’s best venues stay sharp, sanitary, and ready for anything.