Operations Update – September 2023

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WHAT’S NEW AT THE TAVERN

As the NPA’s favourite spot for entertainment, delicious food and footy, Bamaga Tavern has brought more fun to town this year. Wednesday night pool competitions, introduced in February this year, have already become a regular fixture in the community’s social calendar. Bamaga Tavern and Regina’s Bistro Manager, Zananda Foord, says the weekly competition has been a hit.

chef-scott-mundy-holds-a-delicious-plate-of-the-best-steak

Chef Scott Mundy holds a delicious plate of what visitors are calling the “best steak” you’ll ever taste.

“It brings locals together and encourages people to make new friends. It’s great to see everyone having a good time,” Ms Foord says.

The Tavern has also hosted a number of talented musicians, including Townsville country singer Cameron Cusack, who performed at the Tavern for two nights to a full house in June.

“After his performance at the Tavern, locals took Cameron for a fishing trip and sightseeing, which really represented the best of Bamaga’s warm hospitality.”

Blaik Koral performed live at the end of July to celebrate Bamaga State High School’s 50th-anniversary fundraising event. Bamaga Tavern has more gigs planned in the coming months.

In addition to the deadly entertainment, Ms Foord says customers have also been enjoying the tasty dishes on offer by the new Bistro chef, Scott Mundy, with lots of praise from locals.

The Tavern’s range of delicious drinks, from iced coffees to pots of tea, are best enjoyed alongside the house-made cakes and tarts, available all day.

Make sure to drop by Bamaga Tavern and experience all of this fun, as well as electrifying discos. Remember to follow the Tavern’s Facebook page to make sure you don’t miss out on these unforgettable nights of entertainment – @BamagaTavern.

SAY ‘HELLO’ TO THE NEW BP BAMAGA ROADHOUSE

Bamaga’s one-stop shop has been refreshed with new branding but the same great services.

BP Bamaga Roadhouse

BP Bamaga store manager Bewan Idai.

BEL has strengthened its partnership with the BP company to transform BP Bamaga into ‘BP Bamaga Roadhouse’ to reflect its extensive offering of fuel, food, groceries and Wi-Fi, plus much more.

Store Manager, Bewan Idai, says additional services are also planned for BP Bamaga Roadhouse as it continues its evolution into the most convenient spot on the Peninsula to get everything you need.

“The café will continue to offer delicious hot food and coffee along with freshly baked sweet and savoury snacks,” Mr Idai says.

The Roadhouse also employs 20 employees, 95% of whom are Indigenous, according to Mr Idai.

Locals and visitors can continue to re-fuel right around the clock with a 24-hour outdoor payment terminal, offering access to unleaded petrol (ULP 91), premium unleaded (PULP 95) and diesel. The day and night services also include the 24-hour ATM for additional convenience.

Mr Idai says the best way to keep up with updates and promotions at the roadhouse is by following their Facebook page @BPBamaga.

BP Bamaga Roadhouse is open daily from 6.30 am to 8 pm, including public holidays.

BEL’S NEW ADMIN MEMBER PROMOTED WITHIN ORGANISATION

One of BEL’s longest-serving employees, Layli Idai, has taken the next step in her career, joining the BEL office in February as Administration Officer, after working 10 years at the BP Bamaga Roadhouse.

The former BP Café Supervisor says she wanted to expand her knowledge in administration and grow her skillset to achieve her career aspirations.

Mrs Idai says making the decision to leave BP was “bittersweet” as she enjoyed working alongside her husband and Store Manager, Bewan Idai.

“But I knew this was an opportunity that couldn’t be missed,” Mrs Idai explains. “As I enjoy multitasking, I felt that completing numerous tasks and requests in the office would be a great way to test my knowledge. From understanding payroll, creating invoices, to coding, sending invoices and organising bank statements, I enjoy learning these new roles and improving my skills.”

Mrs Idai says she is happy to be working for an organisation that gives back to the community and makes a difference to the lives of the people of the NPA.

“I was proud to help BEL organise the International Women’s Day event where we provided gifts like handbags for the amazing, hardworking women who attended as a way to recognise them and thank them for their contributions to our community.”

BEL is also assisting Mrs Idai in gaining qualifications, funding her Payroll Master course and supporting her TAFE course in Certificate III Business Administration by allowing her to direct four hours a week towards her studies.

“It personally feels like the admin position came at the right time.

“Over the past decade, BEL has looked after me and I hope to continue to work hard and contribute to better the organisation and become a role model for the community,” Mrs Idai concludes.

MEET THE MANAGER

BEL’s new Operations and Administration Manager, David Tyson, is driven by his passion to serve the community and fuelled by the thrill of new challenges.

A seasoned adventurer, David has spent a lot of time immersing himself in the challenges and rewards of working in rural towns across developing countries.

“I’ve spent several years working overseas as a volunteer and contractor with various NGOs [non-government organisations] around the world,” Mr Tyson says.

“I enjoy the challenges of working outside of cities.”

Driven by a deep sense of purpose and an unwavering desire to make a positive impact, Mr Tyson moved to Bamaga two years ago from Cloncurry, where he was the local council’s work health and safety advisor.

After working for 18 months at NPARC, Mr Tyson finally joined the BEL team as Operations and Administration Manager in January 2023.

“I saw the role at BEL would give me an opportunity to further assist directly in community work,” he says.

Mr Tyson currently supports BEL in improving planning and processes with his extensive experience in customer relationship management, problem solving and business analysis.

With a qualification in training, Mr Tyson says he enjoys assisting workers to improve their skills and guide them towards achieving their career goals.

When he’s not working, the father of one enjoys hitting the tracks and camping with his wife and 10-year-old daughter.

Mr Tyson says at BEL he is motivated by the organisation’s commitment to supporting and assisting the NPA community.

“As we head into the busy tourist season, I’m most looking forward to working with our talented teams on whatever the next challenge is and implementing processes to help the various operations within BEL achieve the vision and goals of the Board.”

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