The historic 86 year old Binna Burra Lodge in the Gold Coast hinterland was well known to locals and travellers alike as a refuge for bushwalkers, holiday makers and school camps. Sadly, the Lodge is now a charred ruin with an uncertain future, the recent fires devastating the heritage-listed building and the beautiful flora and fauna surrounding it. The fires have also left 50 of the former 70 employees of the lodge unemployed.
Earlier this week the community spirit rallied for the former employees, holding a Binna Burra Workers Transition Session in Beechmont. The session was attended by a group of local businesses, government and non-government organisations and community groups who were there to offer advice, support and employment opportunities for the former workers. Some of the representatives included Lifeline, Uniting Care, Novotel, TAFE, Spicers Retreat, HELP, Currumbin Sanctuary and BUSY At Work who are working closely with the 50 former employees to support them into work.
At the session the employees shared their daunting experience of the fire, the evacuation and the camaraderie that they witnessed on that fateful Friday. As well, their employment hopes for the future.
“It was an extremely humbling experience for our team to hear their first-hand account of the fire and BUSY At Work are rallying to support the former employees into new employment opportunities. We encourage businesses to contact BUSY At Work if they have any work opportunities that can assist the former employees of Binna Burra Lodge into work”, said Paul Miles, Managing Director of BUSY At Work. “BUSY At Work has donated $1000 to the Queensland Fires campaign this week in further support for community members affected by the fires”.
If your business has a vacancy or you would like further information on how you can support the Binna Burra lodge employees, please contact BUSY At Work on 13 28 79 or email busy@busyatwork.com.au
