Page 74 - Port Douglas Magazine 34

“The Bama (local
population) are
such caring and RACHAEL HODGES
giving people. GENERAL MANAGER MOSSMAN GORGE CENTRE
They provide me
with purpose and
drive me to push Respect is a two way street
forward through My fourth guest for this edition is Rachael Hodges, general manager of the
all the difficulties Mossman Gorge Centre. She has enjoyed a remarkable success story since
starting her role as operations manager more than 10 years ago, on day one
every new day of the opening of one of the regions’ biggest attractions.
can present.” Quickly recognised as someone exceptional by founding Father of the
Centre, Roy Gibson, he gave her the language name ‘Wawu Jirray’ which
means ‘person with a good heart, someone who respects others’. She
proudly shares that Roy is still a close mentor and friend, almost more a
brother than a traditional uncle. Along with this recognition, her career
aspirations were realised rising quickly through the ranks to assistant
general manager, acting GM and finally to her role as Mossman Gorge’s
general manager.
It’s a position she does not take lightly. Her business acumen recognises
the need to attain and maintain profitability and her passion for teaching
is evident as she continues to empower her local community. Keen to
increase the indigenous staffing levels with training and support, her goal is
to ensure there is a succession path for all.
You can feel her excitement, confident her current team has all the skills
required to achieve their potential. Leading by example, there is no doubt
she is up for the challenge and despite the current business environment
she remains assured that the Centre will continue to progress.
Her confidence stems from her knowledge that she has the support of her
community, proudly stating that: “The Bama (local population) are such
caring and giving people. They provide me with purpose and drive me to
push forward through all the difficulties every new day can present.”
I ask who she most admires, or has helped make a difference in her life?
She doesn’t hesitate in naming her younger sister, Renae. Though 10
years her junior, Rachael is proud of Renae’s work in Queensland Health
and says her unwavering support is second to none. “My sister is so level
headed and very strategic, just a really smart person. She is a wonderful
sounding board and I feel very fortunate to have Renae by my side to talk
anything through.”
In the Douglas Shire, Rachael calls the beautiful Cooya Beach home.
She openly admits her house is her most treasured possession, proud of
her achievement of owning her own home. However, what is her secret
indulgence? Well, that would be ‘Salty Plums’ which apparently are
available in the local service stations. Passion for these treats comes from
her childhood and her Chinese neighbours. The delicious way she describes
them makes them irresistible. I’ve simply got to try them and they are now
on my shopping list!
Like many living in our region, Rachael’s favourite time of the year is the
“wet season” when everything is regenerating and the flowers and fruits are
in abundance. She asserts that if tourists only come in the peak holiday
period (May to October), they miss out on so much the rainforest has to
offer and some of the wildlife that inhabits it. She reminds us, “After all,
the rain is so warm and comforting and without it we wouldn’t have a
rainforest … the clue is in the name!”
Any other parting thoughts? “One of the biggest lessons I have learnt in life
is to appreciate that respect is a two way street.” She certainly wouldn’t be
in her present position if she didn’t apply this lesson to her own pathway.
With this attitude to life and the formidable positivity that Rachael
conveys, I think we can safely say the uniqueness of the Gorge is in good
hands. As her journey continues, I look forward to seeing the Centre
flourish and develop over the next few years …. Respect!!
74 tourismportdouglas.com.au