Mossman Gorge Centre continues stunning success
MOSSMAN GORGE
MARK Twain’s famous quote – “Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life” – has stood the test of time despite the numerous challenges employees face in an ever-changing workforce.
And here in the Douglas Shire and particularly in Mossman, this quote could not be more appropriate for the 100-strong staff who work at the Mossman Gorge Centre.
Before you’ve had the opportunity to explore the centre itself, the art gallery and shop, the gorge or sample the outstanding fare at the Mayi Café, you’ll be struck by a host of people who want to make you welcome. This hospitable and refreshing approach will continue until you leave, when you will be left with long-lasting memories of people who simply love and are passionate about what they are doing.
General Manager for the past 18 months, Ben Pratt, is at the helm of the Indigenous-owned centre with an employee base comprising 90 per cent Indigenous people from the local community. And during his tenure, he has not only experienced exceptional growth, but accolades which have enhanced a facility and tourist attraction which was once a mere dream and vision among the community.
His success was recognised when he received the Young Achiever Excellence Award at the TNQ awards industry excellence.
And at the recent Tourism Queensland Awards, the Mossman Gorge Centre won Gold for the Qantas Award in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Tourism Category; Silver in the Cultural Tourism Category and Bronze in the Major Tourist Attractions Category.
“The employees have a strong sense of ownership. There are endless training and learning opportunities. The Centre is part of them and this, I believe, is what has made us a standout in terms of how we go about our business,” says Pratt.
When the new $20 million Centre was opened in June 2012, it was a 20-year dream-come-true for Kuku Yalanji elder Roy Gibson and his people.
The centre was constructed by the Indigenous Land Corporation (ILC) in collaboration with Mossman Gorge Aboriginal Community on land purchased through the ILC’s Land Acquisition Program.
Operated by ILC subsidiary Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia, it provides Indigenous employment and training, including a residential training facility located at the centre.
“I can safely say that among the local community, a job at the Centre is highly sought after. For this reason we have had a high retention rate over the past few years and I expect this to continue,” says Pratt.
Well suited to the position, Pratt began his career with Voyages Indigenous Tourism at Kings Canyon in 2006, before moving to Ayers Rock Resort and Home Valley Station.
Pratt is also seeing other significant financial benefits, which includes contributing $3.5million annually to the local community.
“We are highly regarded by the tour operators and in the 2015/16 financial year, we had more than 350,000 visitors; and on any given day, we can host 1,800 people.
“This speaks volumes for the Centre which we were in murky waters when it was built, and is now viewed as one of the jewels of the community and as a tourist destination,” says Pratt.
To learn more about Mossman Gorge Centre vis the website.
