Bama Cleaning Services reaches one year milestone.
One year ago, Bama Services turned a simple idea into real opportunity. A cleaning business that helps women, especially young mothers, rebuild careers, learn new skills and support their families. Today, that idea is thriving.
Initially backed by the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation through a WISE (Work Integration Social Enterprise) grant, Bama ran a Working Women’s Focus Group to explore better ways to support women seeking flexible work. The cleaning service was born from that process, offering jobs with flexible hours, hands-on training and clear pathways for growth.
The team started out cleaning Bama’s own head office, Cape York Partnership’s Baninh Yeeum office in Cairns and facilities in Aurukun and Coen. Within months, they secured their first external contract with QBuild for new build cleans of government modular homes. They have since expanded into specialty cleaning jobs and earlier this year appointed a Cleaning Supervisor to help lead the growing team.
Sharon Thomas, who took on the role in March, now leads a team of six to eight women.
"So far, it’s been challenging but very rewarding," she says. "I’m proud to see our team growing and supporting each other."
Timekka Hunting, one of the first to join and a member of the original focus group, says the flexibility has been life changing.
"I’ve been enjoying working and it is flexible, being able to choose my hours and days so I can still care for my family," she says. "My experience has improved from normal household cleaning to learning chemical cleaning. I’ve developed good skills and Bama provides for us. Some of us have been able to get our white cards and we also have access to a cleaning program if we want to upskill."
Ramona Davou, a single mother of four, moved from Bama’s gardening maintenance into cleaning.
"With gardening, it’s always a 6am start and being a single mother, it left me feeling fatigued when I got home," she says.
"But cleaning has helped a lot. With a 9am start it’s a great balance for me and my kids."
After one year, the impact is clear. This cleaning crew is supporting families, creating local jobs and opening doors for women who need flexible, meaningful work.
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