Binna Burra takes over the operations of the Headmaster’s Café at the Old School Beechmont – Gold Coast Hinterland.
Since the heritage-listed ecolodge was devastated in bushfires in early September 2019, the single road access is still under repair so no business can recommence until (hopefully) April this year.
In the meantime, the remaining core team at Binna Burra have taken over the operations of the Headmaster’s Café located at the Old School site at Beechmont in the hinterland of the Gold Coast.
‘It will be about seven months from when we got hit by the bushfires until we can partially recommence trading at the Binna Burra site. However, now we have the opportunity to operate the Headmaster’s Café at Beechmont, that helps us to strengthen our connections with the local community, create some new jobs and show that at Binna Burra we are keen to return to providing our mountain hospitality services to all who visit the scenic Rim behind Australia’s Gold Coast’ said Steve Noakes, Chairman of the Board at Binna Burra Lodge.
The old Beechmont State School site is under the control of the Scenic Rim Regional Council (SCRC) which has had a management contract in place with the Beechmont Area Progress Association (BAPA). Binna Burra will now provide BAPA with a regular weekly rent which assists the not-for-profit community-based organisation to undertake is various volunteer activities.
The café will target the weekend visitor markets and, initially, Binna Burra will open the Café from 6 am to 6 pm on Friday and Saturday and from 6 am to 3 pm on Sundays.
‘Today marks a new era of Solidarity Tourism for Binna Burra Lodge’ said Noakes. ‘Solidarity tourism prioritises positive attitudes to nature as well as the traditions and the interests of the local communities. It gives locals and visitors the opportunity to connect and support a place like Binna Burra following the difficulties and challenges that have resulted from the bushfire destruction in our community and at the lodge within the Lamington National Park.’
‘The start of Binna Burra operations at the Headmaster’s Café sends a message of hope, revival and increased community connection in a public space. We plan for it to also stimulate new ideas for the sustainable models for local and regional development as we place interaction with humans at the centre of our current tourism.
Media enquires:
Steve Noakes. [email protected]
