Spa treatments at the Daintree Ecolodge incorporate Aboriginal healing wisdom. Picture: Supplied Source: National Features
ONLY a few months after their luxury Daintree lodge was toasted as the best on the planet, founders Terry and Cathy Maloney are in a desperate fight to keep the doors open.
As liquidators arrived at the Daintree Eco-Lodge and Spa yesterday, the Maloneys said closure of the lodge would be a terrible blow for the region's tourism offerings and would spell a tragic end to an Aboriginal employment program pioneered at the lodge 13 years ago.
Mr Maloney said running that program called Aboriginal Champions out of their own pockets has landed the couple in dire financial straits and their repeated calls for a lifeline from governments and big business have been rejected.
"More than 130 people have gone through the program and gone on to fantastic jobs after we taught them how to make money, save money, go to see the bank manager, buy a house or a car," Mr Maloney said.
"It's an employment program for Aboriginal people that actually works. No other program is getting outcomes like this, certainly not the ones the Federal Government is putting money into."
The Daintree eco lodge is facing liquidation. Picutre: Daintree eco lodge
The lodge, nestled on the Daintree River about 40 minutes north of Port Douglas, was named the leading eco-resort and spa at the World Travel Awards in December.
National Australia Bank appointed receivers KPMG yesterday and it is assessing how long the lodge can run under current conditions. Mr Maloney is optimistic about keeping the business afloat, but it would take a partnership with a government or philanthropic business to do so.
He has appealed to the Commonwealth's Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin seeking a grant for the Aboriginal Champions project, without success.
An eleventh-hour bid for clemency from the NAB was also rejected.
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