FRONTLINER
Tables made from 180-year-old recycled Queenslander homes, wooden walls made from an old train track in Lismore ... Kate has a passion for creating a homely atmosphere
KATE BENNETT, 45 OWNER, MUDJIRA VILLAGE EATERY MUDGEERABA
How did you get this gig?
We bought this place 18 months ago and we’ve come from the hospitality industry, from pubs. We’ve been here 15 years. We live in Mudgeeraba and we bought this place because we knew it had potential, it’s such a beautiful setting. We renovated it and wanted to keep it in the Mudgeeraba theme – so very community and country orientated. We just wanted to create an environment that’s comfortable for customers, not intimidating ... we take real pride in our ingredients as well.
What do you love about the Gold Coast? I love the diversity, being able to have the choice of going to the Hinterland or be at the beach in 10 minutes. I love that type of lifestyle.
If you weren’t working here where would you be? Nowhere. This is truly my dream job - the best job I’ve ever had in my whole entire life. I love the people, I love what I do, I love the staff. I’ve lived overseas, lived in America, I’ve been a hairdresser, we’ve had pubs most of our lives during our careers, we’ve been in north Queensland, central Queensland. But right now, right here is where I want to be.
If not here you can find me... Out on an adventure driving through northern New South Wales Hinterland with my three kids and husband looking for new produce.
Future plans? We’re hoping to make the back area a place where people can bring their dogs and bikes along and sit outside. We’d like to open up at nights soon too. Hopefully in the future expanding as well but as long as the location suits.