BEL Chairperson Robert Poipoi has a vision for Bamaga and the Northern Peninsula Area (NPA): to nurture Indigenous business development and promote local talent to create more Indigenous employment opportunities.

This passion has seen Mr Poipoi establish his own business and work in roles at the former Bamaga Island Council, in addition to being a founder member/director of Bamaga Enterprises Ltd.

Born and bred in Bamaga, Mr Poipoi has a diverse background with his mother’s parents being some of the first pioneers from Saibai Island; his great grandfather’s side has Sri Lankan with Indian heritage; and he has Scottish ancestry from his father’s side.

He completed a motor mechanic apprenticeship between 1986 and 1989 and worked for the DCS and DAIA State Government departments until 1993. While completing his apprenticeship, Mr Poipoi enlisted with the Australian Army Reserves in 1990, and he currently still serves in the rank of Sergeant as a Patrol Commander – 51st battalion Far North Queensland Regiment.

Mr Poipoi was elected as a Councillor for Bamaga Island Council and became its Deputy Chairman from 1997 to 2004 as well as being the Workshop Manager. During that time, Mr Poipoi helped set up Bamaga Enterprises Ltd (BEL).

“Around 1997/98, we had the initial talks about setting up the enterprise we have today beyond the scope of the Local Government Act because we knew in the future there would be a council amalgamation,” says Mr Poipoi.

“We did that early to make it sustainable for, and to support, the community to stand up on our own – as a separate entity from local government. Self-management and self-determination, was, and still is, very important to our communities.”

Around the same time, Mr Poipoi bought his first backhoe and established a business as a sole trader, eventually growing into a company with multiple trucks and graders. ‘Rob’s Earthmoving Hire’ today employs a total of 16 staff including drivers, operators and office staff.

“It’s 100% Indigenous employees including the accountant and engineer,” Mr Poipoi says proudly.

“I’m very tough with my employees, especially to drum in the word “efficiency” while still being skilful and productive. This is to avoid wasted time, effort and money, so they end up thinking business smart – our overall success has taken teamwork.

“I’m very passionate about Indigenous people in jobs and looking towards the future, especially the support and development we encourage at BEL regarding education. This includes TAFE and university scholarships for NPA community members and school leavers, including two free school uniforms for all students across the NPA at a cost of more than $80,000.

“It’s great that BEL can give back to the community from our profits, providing sponsorships, donations and valuable infrastructure.

“In the last eight years, BEL has struggled to create a partnership with our local Council but with the election of a new Council, that’s looking good now. We’re looking forward to working together to reinvigorate community development.”

On the home front, Mr Poipoi has seven grown-up children: two daughters and three sons from his previous marriage; one stepdaughter and stepson with current partner and registered nurse Hylda; and an impressive 14 grandchildren.

Mr Poipoi loves fishing and purchased their boat two years ago. As well as keeping active by going swimming and kicking a ball with his grandchildren, he enjoys watching rugby and basketball. Other interests include watching documentaries and movies.