What started out as a small training initiative to provide new skills for Indigenous people has grown into a mainstream, financially viable business serving the Mareeba community.

According to Alita Jennings, Manager of Indigenous Programs, the concept behind the activity was to train and develop skills in hospitality and to teach nutritional cooking.

“We wanted to teach CDEP participants many new skills – skills that can be used in the home kitchen and in a restaurant. 

“The idea was conceived after a three-day workshop with the CDEP participants working together to identify activities that would be beneficial to the Indigenous communities,” Alita said.

“It’s a great initiative that has been an overwhelming success because it responded to a need in the community while also providing hands-on training and experience for participants.” 

As Murri’s Delight developed, it was registered as a business and applied for a food licence through the local council. 

“It’s going so well. Over the past year we’ve expanded and moved into a larger premises; and renovated our kitchen at 50 Byrnes Street.” 

“Along with catering for community group events, we now provide services to the Tableland Regional Council and the Department of Mines and Energy. 

Murri’s Delight continues to build on its reputation offering a variety of menus that are healthy and affordable for a range of functions.  

What’s next? A qualified chef has been appointed to take the team to a new level and in the process enhance the Murri’s Delight catering experience and grow the business. 

“We are in the process of including traditional bush tucker in our menus. This should position us as a unique eatery with different options to other dining experiences in Mareeba,” Alita added.

“Our catering business is growing at an amazing rate, we have lots of functions booked for the coming six months and we’re receiving enquiries from all directions (including our first wedding. 

“What more could we ask for?”