Cherbourg Mayor Ken Bone cut the ribbon to “officially” open Yurri Muntha
James Hopkins working hard behind-the-scenes to prepare the morning tea

July 10, 2013

Yurri Muntha  … bread, meat … they’re some of the most important things in life.  But also important is a place where you can share them; a place where friends can meet over a coffee, enjoy a healthy snack or lunch …

This simple pleasure is taken for granted in most South Burnett towns, and now Cherbourg residents can also enjoy the same thing with the “official” opening of the town’s new café, Yurri Muntha on Tuesday as part of NAIDOC Week.

The café, managed by Sherree Strauss, is providing an opportunity for local residents to gain employment and learn new skills, and is also offering a catering service to the many functions held in town.

Yurri Muntha has opened in a building renovated with $20,000 funding from the Aboriginal Community Interest Consultative Committee (ACICC) and assistance from Cherbourg Council.

“Sitting down and eating with other people is the most natural thing to do but it was very hard to do in Cherbourg,” said Darren Schmidt, from the ACICC.

Yurri Muntha was now a place where people could sit together to enjoy good food and good coffee.

“It is wonderful that this is now available in Cherbourg,” he said.

Yurri Muntha was officially opened by Cherbourg Mayor Ken Bone and then “blessed” by local pastor Willie Moses.

The Wakka Wakka junior dancers and guitarist Steve Hart provided entertainment for the invited guests, who then mingled in the cafe to enjoy the treats that the staff had whipped up.

Darren Schmidt and Dave Barram, from Stanwell, were representing the ACICC

Nigel Williams and James Hopkins were serving up the coffees

The “high tea” treats on the café’s verandah proved popular

Working hard in the kitchen

Antonia Jacobs relaxes with a coffee
Yurri Muntha Café Manager Sheree Strauss with South Burnett Regional Council CEO Ken McLoughlin

Antwone Alberts, 2, was enjoying a sausage in bread

Doron, 1, and Boyboy Weazel, 3, were also enjoying the sausage sizzle
Irene Fisher takes a well-earned break behind the counter
The Junior Wakka Wakka dancers performed a series of traditional dances at the opening

Council CEOs swap notes … Warren Collins (Cherbourg) and Ken McLoughlin (SBRC)

Pastor Willie Moses performed a blessing at the official opening
Lewis Langton, who trains the Junior Wakka Wakka dancers, also performed a didgeridoo solo

Daure Moses was keeping the sausages sizzling

Steve Hart provided the musical entertainment

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