Thomas Reuben’s dream of starting his own plumbing business is now one step closer to reality thanks to a $1000 donation from Bamaga Enterprises Ltd (BEL)

The funding will be used for IT hardware to help with business administration.

Thomas Reuben is looking forward to starting his own plumbing business

Currently completing the fourth and final year of his plumbing apprenticeship with Thurgate Plumbing Contractors, Mr Reuben is determined to kickstart his own small business in the construction industry and work within the Northern Peninsula Area (NPA).

“I’ve had a lot of experience working in the NPA; this has included working on a number of different sites and contracts, but I really want to give it a go by myself,” Mr Reuben said.

He can see the finish line, with only weeks left before he becomes a fully qualified plumber.

“Once I’m done, I’ll be taking more steps towards completing my certificate IV, obtaining my gas licence and everything else that goes into starting a business.

“I’m very thankful for the sponsorship from BEL and it will play a pivotal part in my future endeavours,” Mr Reuben said.

Local gym manager, Tanu Poipoi, will soon be a qualified CrossFit trainer after receiving a $1000 sponsorship from BEL.

From left: Lea-ann Mears, Leandra Newman and Tanu Poipoi

Passionate about exercise, Mr Poipoi decided to undertake his CrossFit Level 1 Certificate Course so he could help train others in the community to live a fit and healthy life.

CrossFit is a form of high-intensity interval training that involves a wide range of strength and conditioning exercises to improve fitness, power and strength.

“We incorporate all sorts of exercises, which can include carrying water bottles, throwing heavy boulders over our shoulders, climbing over walls or simply just running,” Mr Poipoi said.

He will complete the online course in September, which involves 22 different modules such as practical video coaching, planning and instructing his own class.

“I would like to say a big thank you to BEL for their support, which allowed me to undertake the course.”

Cape York Peninsula Lodge and Bamaga Tavern have welcomed fresh additions to their kitchens with the new staff members having extensive Australian and international cooking experience.

ROGER
Roger is the new bistro chef at Bamaga Tavern after a long career working on different sides of the food business, including as cook and restaurant owner.

Growing up in Singapore, Roger’s first Australian cooking job was in Melbourne with the Merchant Navy in the ‘80s where he prepared and served 1000 meals per day. He has also worked on King Island (Tasmania) and in Cairns since 1992.

“The weather here is similar to Singapore and I thought I’d come up to the Outback and try it out.”

New chef Josh putting his cooking skills on show in the Paperbark Restaurant

JOSH
Josh joined the Lodge team as Sous Chef in May this year after moving back to Australia following more than four years living and working in Europe.

Josh grew up in Weipa and completed his chef apprenticeship in 2009 on the Gold Coast. From there he moved to the Sunshine Coast gaining more experience. His most recent role was working as Head Chef for the restaurant of an event venue in The Netherlands.

Josh really loves being close to his family again in Bamaga. He says his work at Paperbark Restaurant is different to other kitchens he’s worked in, being so remote.

“There are various challenges, such as only having one delivery each week, but it keeps things interesting,” he said.

In April this year, BEL commissioned a creative production company to visit the Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) to photograph and film the region.

Justin Meneguzzi (middle) and Liam Neal (right) interview Jeffrey Aniba, whose organisations are supported by BEL

Photographer Justin Meneguzzi and videographer Liam Neal from Unscrambled stayed a week at Cape York Peninsula Lodge to visit key shooting locations, such as The Tip, Thursday Island and Horn Island. They also interviewed prominent people in the community, such as BEL Chairperson, Robert Poipoi, and the Head of Learning – Senior Campus at NPA State College, Phebe Moore.

The photographs taken during the trip will be used to help promote tourism to the NPA region. Unscrambled will also create a series of videos for BEL, including a marketing video for Cape York Peninsula Lodge as well as a mini-documentary about BEL’s Socio Support policy, highlighting the various ways BEL is providing funding and opportunities for the community.

“Cape York is one of those place to which you dream of travelling. When the opportunity came to visit and help promote the region, we jumped at it,” said Mr Meneguzzi.

“Meeting members of the community who have directly benefited from BEL’s support was heartwarming, and we want to do our best to help spread the word about the good work BEL is doing.”

Follow BEL on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube to see the photos and videos captured from the shoot in the coming months.