Bamaga Enterprises Ltd (BEL) is taking training to the next level with a new program offering local youth the opportunity to upskill through a six-month, full-time traineeship in Certificate l in Hospitality.

The Queensland Government is funding the program as part of its ‘Skilling Queenslanders for Work’ initiative that equips young people in the Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) with lifelong professional skills to develop their future careers. This exciting opportunity is designed to give the trainees a taste of different areas of hospitality that Cape York Peninsula Lodge (CYPL) and Bamaga Tavern offer.

Trainees experience regular work duties from serving food and drinks to taking customer orders and clearing tables. At the end of the six-month course, the trainees receive certificates in Food Hygiene, Responsible Service of Alcohol and First Aid in addition to a Certificate I in Hospitality.

Eccles Tamwoy
on duty at Paperbark
Restaurant.

Eccles Tamwoy and Vilisi Wasiu, both 21-years-old, are among the first locals to begin the traineeship this year. They both aspire to work in hospitality in the future.
Trainee roles include Chef Apprenticeship and Housekeeping Supervisor as well as Restaurant Manager and Tavern Duty Manager training.

Mr Tamwoy says he has learned many new skills in hospitality having worked across Bamaga Tavern’s Drive Thru and the kitchen at Regina’s Bistro and Lounge and enjoys being able to earn a regular income.

Meanwhile, Miss Wasiu says she applied for the traineeship to set her mind to completing a course and gaining a certification in hospitality to get a step closer to her dream career.

“I enjoy working in Paperbark Restaurant’s kitchen and restaurant as well as attending to the Lodge’s housekeeping chores,” Miss Wasiu says.

BEL offers the young people support by organising the pickups for their shifts and providing mentoring throughout their traineeship.

Since the program began in March, the Lodge has taken on four new trainees.

BEL General Manager, Tom Kelly, says that even if trainees decide that hospitality is not for them, they will still gain valuable skills for any job in the future.

“From the discipline of getting up early or getting to work on time, having a positive outlook on work, to improving communication skills, learning teamwork, and developing a ‘don’t give up’ attitude, these traineeships are a practical way to encourage local talent,” Mr Kelly says.

In support of Queensland Small Business Month in May, CYPL hosted a Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council (NPARC) event to encourage local small business owners to connect, learn and network.

Small businesses and their contribution to Queensland’s economy and communities across the state are celebrated during the month of May.

According to the Queensland Government, the 473,000+ small businesses in the state account for 97% of the business sector, contributing around $117 billion annually to the state’s economy.

BEL sponsored $1,500 to cover a luncheon, appetisers and drinks for the networking portion of the event.

BEL General Manager, Tom Kelly, was among a number of expert speakers at the event, sharing advice and answering questions from the interested audience about managing and operating a business.

Mr Kelly says the event was a success and the 50+ attendees valued the opportunity to network with other business owners from the region.

“For me personally, it was really beneficial to have a greater understanding of potential partners and opportunities for collaboration with BEL,” Mr Kelly says.

The other speakers were from Torres Strait Regional Authority, Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Partnerships, QBuild, Local Buy, NPARC and NPA Family and Community Services (Community Development Program).

In February, Northern Peninsula Area State College (NPASC) Year 12 students began their final year on a high note, with inspiring guest speakers sharing their wisdom with the future leaders of Bamaga.

BEL Chairperson, Robert Poipoi, was one of the presenters at the event and spoke about his own education at NPASC, providing invaluable advice for current students.

NPASC’s Senior Campus English, Humanities and Art Teacher, Clare Haslop, says the entire school was grateful for Mr Poipoi’s contribution.

“It was amazing to have someone who went to the NPASC, graduate, study further and now still work within the community, come and talk to the students about their opportunities,” Ms Haslop says.

Mr Poipoi made such an impact that the school has invited him back for another visit with the school’s senior students to help them complete a biography on an inspirational person within the NPA.

BEL General Manager Tom Kelly (far right) stands beside BEL Chairperson Robert Poipoi with NPASC’s Year 12 students.

BEL demonstrated its commitment to the health of employees and the community at the end of last year, providing first-aid training for staff and installing defibrillators across its operations.

The first-aid course equipped 15 senior employees across BP Bamaga Roadhouse, Bamaga Tavern and CYPL with vital life-saving skills to handle emergencies. The training covered the importance of first aid, how to perform CPR, and when to use a defibrillator.

BEL General Manager, Tom Kelly, says the training is an important investment in the health and wellbeing of the community.

“We take our responsibility to serve the NPA seriously and defibrillators are essential, life-saving tools, especially in our remote location,” Mr Kelly says.

BEL purchased four state-of-the-art defibrillator units, now located at BP, the Tavern and the Lodge, plus its own administration office next to Australia Post on Adidi Street. The devices can send a shock to the heart to restore a normal heartbeat in a medical emergency. The total investment for training and the defibrillators was $6,000.

“By providing employees with the necessary skills, BEL aims to create a safer environment and increase the chances of successful medical interventions during critical situations,” Mr Kelly explains.

A group of BEL Directors travelled to Thursday Island in March to pay tribute to the Torres Strait Light Infantry (TSLI) who courageously fought for Australia during World War II, 80 years ago.

The anniversary event commemorated the Battalion that defended Australia’s northern lands from the threat of Japanese invasion during the war.

The Battalion, comprised of 880 men from across the Torres Strait Islands, was the largest First Nations unit formed in military history.

The BEL Directors said they were honoured to attend the emotional event, proudly sporting a series of custom-made shirts printed with historical imagery and detail of the TSLI operations.

Jean Williams, Ibuai Jacob and Clifford Wasiu along with Chairperson Robert Poipoi showed their support on behalf of BEL.

“It was a privilege to pay tribute to Australia’s first – and only – all-Indigenous unit and remember the contribution and sacrifices Torres Strait Islander men in the region made to protect this nation,” Mr Poipoi says.

A moving service and parade took place with veterans and descendants, including young children and families, among the attendees.

Mr Poipoi has been enlisted with the Australian Army Reserves since 1990 and currently still serves in the rank of Sergeant as a Patrol Commander – 51st Battalion Far North Queensland Regiment.

Far back row: Clifford Wasiu, Cr. Robert Tamwoy. Middle row: Karyn Sam, Gloria Wasiu, Cr. Mabelene Whap, Jean Williams, Reginald Williams, Ibuai Jacob, Robert Poipoi, Jenny Enosa. Front Row: Madam Mayor Patricia Yusia, Awatie Mau, Tailisa Yusia.

BEL continues to provide educational scholarships, assisting with course fees and study supplies, for local students taking the next step towards their dream.

Two of BEL’s recent TAFE sponsorship recipients share their career journeys so far.

Paul Williams shooting as an extra on a movie set.

Joyce Soki

Joyce Soki decided to progress her professional and personal development through a Diploma in Community Services – Online Course at Kirana College last year. BEL funded $1,500 towards Ms Soki’s studies, which she is continuing part-time.

Ms Soki says starting the course gave her the confidence to further her career and apply for the position of HR Advisor at NPA Regional Council, a role in which she is thriving.
Alongside her career, Ms Soki remains dedicated to her personal growth, and will soon approach the halfway mark of her online studies.

Paul Williams

Meanwhile, scholarship recipient Paul Williams has decided to further develop his performing skills by pursuing a Diploma in Performing Arts at the Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts (ACPA). This follows his successful completion of the Certificate IV in Performing Arts at ACPA last year. BEL has also sponsored his Diploma.

“The sponsorship from BEL has helped me pursue my passion. Since studying at ACPA I’ve worked in short films and have been cast as an extra in a movie. I have also been privileged to perform at corporate gigs and events around Brisbane,” Mr Williams says.

With the continued support and opportunities provided by the sponsorship, Paul’s dreams of becoming a professional performer are steadily transforming into reality.