QHA_March 2018_Electronic_s

FEATURE
bit of an art form on whether to take that road. So
yes, this plays a part in the logistics of keeping the
hotel well stocked. From this perspective, there are a
great deal more challenges with running a hotel here
as opposed to Cairns south but it’s part and parcel of
business on the Cape.”
We gathered this would necessitate a substantial
storage facility as well.
“We have a well-worn system developed over
decades. Our supply chain is coupled with a
tremendously large storage capability at the hotel.
Over time we have built and custom built and added
on so physically, it is an enormous venue. We have
the capability to store a huge amount of stock on the
site, which can be necessary if you have a cyclone that
stays around for a while and the roads are shut.”
No doubt the abundance of fresh, local produce at
least helps with keeping the restaurant well stocked as
well as providing a healthy source of inspiration. Mark
enthusiastically agreed.
“You bet. We have terrific seafood. Indeed, if we
changed the menu totally we would never take off
a terrifically cooked fillet of Barrimundi because it is so
well regarded here, as are the mud crabs. We have
terrific local chefs who can prepare some beautiful
OUR TEAM UP THERE, THEY ARE LIKE A FAMILY
AND WE OPERATE IT LIKE A FAMILY. WE CATCH UP
IN WEIPA, BRISBANE OR CAIRNS TO DO THINGS
TOGETHER QUITE REGULARLY, INSIDE AND
OUTSIDE OF THE BUSINESS.
seafood. People will even come in after a few days of
fishing and we will cook up their fish for them as well.”
Mark’s reference to his chefs raises the issue of staffing
and the importance of recruiting a great team.
“There wouldn’t be a business in Australia who
wouldn’t say that people are the most important
component. Our team up there, they are like a
family and we operate it like a family. We catch up in
Weipa, Brisbane or Cairns to do things together quite
regularly, inside and outside of the business.
“We are very involved in the day to day life of our
team ensuring they are motivated, challenged and
enjoying what they do. It is important when you are in
an isolated part of the world to also get out every now
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