Cape York Peninsula Lodge marked its 20th anniversary with a special commemorative dinner and a traditional dance performance at its Paperbark restaurant on 13 November.

Reg Williams, who originally opened the property – formerly known as Resort Bamaga – dedicated a new plaque at the auspicious occasion, with community Elders and locals in attendance.

Robert Poipoi, Chairperson for Bamaga Enterprises Ltd (BEL), which operates the Lodge, said the event was a great opportunity to highlight the importance of the business for the community.

“In 2000, the old Bamaga hospital was being demolished, so Bamaga Island Council purchased the building and moved it to the corner of Lui and Adidi streets. Council spent more than $1 million converting it into the Resort Bamaga,” Mr Poipoi said.

“Before that we only had a hostel-type accommodation known as the ‘Purple Palace’ in Bamaga so no suitable accommodation was available for government, corporate and tour group travellers. By developing Resort Bamaga, it meant more government services could be provided to the community and we could develop our tourism market.”

The same location, which was a coconut plantation at the time, also historically housed a picture theatre, an office for the now defunct Bush Pilots Airways, and for the Queensland State Government.Cape York Peninsula Lodge is now used for seminars, workshops, community functions, celebrations and graduations, in addition to being a quality dining destination in the Northern Peninsula Area (NPA).

Since BEL took over the management of the Lodge in 2002, it has constructed new rooms and facilities at the property and developed the services provided such as hire cars and transfers, investing $2 million in the last three years alone. Most recently, the Lodge revamped its gardens investing $20,000 in plants to beautify the property.

The Lodge has 44 rooms and directly employs up to 15 staff.

“It was a really lovely evening enjoyed by everyone after a difficult year. People commented that it was so good to enjoy a friendly, social occasion,” Mr Poipoi commented.

Bamaga Enterprises is requesting the community bring in or email photos of Bamaga and surrounds that BEL can copy electronically to build an important, historical collection.