Bama Services Shines - Cape York Partnership

SUPPORTERS GATHER FOR CELEBRATORY BREAKFAST AND AWARDS CEREMONY

Bama Services continues to go from strength to strength. If the achievements of 2022 is anything to go by, 2023 promises to be another stellar year for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned and run business venture.

Bama Services board, staff and supporters, including Cairns Regional Council Mayor Bob Manning, recently came together to celebrate a year of achievements for the 100% Indigenous-owned civil construction, building and landscaping services contractor based in Cairns and now servicing throughout Queensland, including a significant project in Townsville.

Cape York Partnership Group CEO and Bama Board Member, Fiona Jose was joined by members of the Bama Board, including Chairperson David Stewart and Board Members Duncan Murray, Mark Mackay, Lisa Siganto and David Jones. CYP Board Members were also in attendance, including Co-Chair Danny Gilbert, Lisa Scurrah and Jonathan Nicholson.

The board welcomed and acknowledged the support from local businesses and government agencies, and the importance of forging relationships in sustaining the longevity of the business. Agencies included QBuild, Department of Housing and Public Works, Georgiou, Cairns Regional Council, Aurecon Group and Cairns Airport.

I’m really grateful to be doing what I’m doing and to be able to support others and pass on some of my knowledge." – Jono Coker

Bama Services General Manager Will Grayson welcomed guests and staff to not only celebrate the year’s milestones but acknowledge the hard work and dedication of staff members.

“I’m incredibly proud to be among a team of leaders that have committed themselves to creating a business that not only supports an Indigenous workforce but also the local community through the many projects we have undertaken throughout the year," said Mr Grayson. "2022 has been particularly busy and productive for us and we value all of the support we have received during this time.”

The quarterly Pride Awards are handed out to those who go above and beyond in service to their community and workplace. In the final awards for the year before a well-earnt break and closure period, the awards recognised outstanding achievement in four categories, including Pride of Person, Pride of Place, Pride of Plant and Outstanding Supervisor.

Pride of Place went to Jaison Dendle for his strict adherence to being on time, sharing knowledge with his fellow colleagues, showing respect to everyone he encounters and sowing strong work ethics and dedication to his craft.

Harley Mabo took out the Pride of Person award for his excellent skills in maintaining a safe workplace, keeping the work sites and vehicles clean and tidy, and for parking considerately and carefully.

Pride of Plant went to Kevin Akiba for his outstanding care of the work vehicles, trailers and regular maintenance of equipment and tools. Kevin also demonstrated strong and safe use of all equipment.

Manager’s Choice for Outstanding Supervisor went to Will Fauid for his continued commitment to supporting and mentoring other workers and being generous with his time and sharing his skills and knowledge.

Jono Coker is the longest-serving employee of Bama Services and has been with the company since its inception. He said that during that time he had seen significant growth and personal development in not only the company but the workforce as well.

“I’m really grateful to be doing what I’m doing and to be able to support others and pass on some of my knowledge," said Mr Coker. "We have had our challenges, but our strength is that we work together to create an amazing product and we always support each other to achieve our best.

“It’s hard to believe that I’ve been here with Bama for this long, but I love what I do, and I couldn’t do what I’m doing without the support I get from the managers and crew of Bama.”