Top End Mobile Contracting owner Sireli Volavola discusses his plans for the workshop with Aurukun Shire Council acting chief executive officer Juanita Warner. Photo: Supplied.
Aurukun once again has a fully functional mechanical workshop for motor vehicle, plant and equipment servicing and repairs in the community following the appointment of a Cape York business to operate the council’s workshop.
Aurukun Shire Council Mayor Barbara Bandicootcha said the council had previously operated the workshop but had been unable to get qualified staff for the past two years.
That all changed from 1 July after Top End Mobile Contracting (TEMC) entered into a two-year contract with the council to provide a local workshop service.
“I’m pleased that residents, council and community stakeholders will once again be able to get vehicles serviced and repaired in Aurukun without the expense of bringing subcontractors into the community or sending vehicles elsewhere,” Mayor Bandicootcha said.
“Top End’s commitment to our community really stood out in the tender process as they will be engaging with the community at multiple levels, including providing employment for locals.”
TEMC owner Sireli Volavola has he was excited by the opportunity the contract with 12-month option would unlock for the western Cape York community.
“We were very fortunate to have the assistance of Denise Cosmetatos from Activator Business Advisors, who have been our advisor and consultant through this whole contract negotiation,” he said.
“I first lived and worked in Aurukun in late 1998, and was blessed to develop close family ties within the community and build a very close relationship with many people, so I’m looking forward to returning and giving back to the community.
“I am very passionate about working and helping in the communities, especially if it means assisting one or two youngsters achieve their dream of not only becoming a mechanic, but to build themselves to become a better people and future leaders of Aurukun.”
Mr Volavola said he was hopeful a permanent workshop operation would allow interested local students to pursue a homegrown mechanical trade.
“I’m planning on visiting the school to discuss setting up come and try days for older students in the hope of attracting them when they return from boarding school during the holidays,” he explained.
“As the work increases, we hope to train local people and get their interest through the trade, and I am talking to council about helping one of their workers to complete his diesel fitting apprenticeship.”
Mr Volavola and his wife, Tina, an Angamuthi Traditional Owner from Injinoo, founded the business in 2022 to further develop it after three years of operation as a sole trader.
He and his team have arrived in Aurukun to set up the workshop, so they can start their first repairs from 8 July with two full-time staff, and a third rotating into the community as needed until the work becomes regular.
“There is a lot of potential for the workshop, and it will take a very committed team to get it off the ground, but we are looking forward to the challenges while providing these services to everyone living and working in Aurukun,” Mr Volavola said.
