Dream, Believe, Achieve: serving up hospitality workers
The Cowboys’ Dream, Believe, Achieve (DBA) Hospitality training and employment program, presented by Maurice Blackburn Lawyers continues to transform lives and strengthen the hospitality workforce.
The most recently completed cohort achieved outstanding employment results, with 18 of the 22 enrolled students having secured employment, including 9 who were hired by their DBA work experience venues.
Head of Human Resources – Licensed Venues at Cowboys Leagues Club Anita Poorta said DBA sets the employer and employee up for success.
“The DBA program connects us with people who are driven to work in our industry and having them complete work experience during the program phase makes it easy to identify a great match for our team,” she said.
“Students come to us because they want a chance to grow their skills or get their foot in the door. DBA gives them the basic skills and compliance certificates employers require, plus the confidence to thrive.
“We currently have 10 employees who came through DBA, and many others have started their hospitality careers with us over the years.”
DBA is open to underemployed or disadvantaged participants over 15 years of age.
It is funded by the Queensland Government’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative and delivered in partnership with training provider, Allara Learning. The program uses a unique and proven combination of in-class training, mentoring, and work experience to generate excellent results, a win-win for the participants and the 16 local industry partners.
Since 2015, it has helped over 800 participants gain nationally recognised qualifications and new careers. Moesha Marama, 20, is a member of the recent successful cohort and a proud employee at Cowboys Leagues Club.
“Being part of DBA has helped me a lot because it encouraged me to get back in the workforce and it’s definitely boosted my confidence, I’m normally very shy but I get to meet and interact with a lot of people at work now.”
Another success story is Lincoln Stone, who is one of 3 students from the same cohort to complete their work experience requirements at The Beach Hotel and now have ongoing employment there.
“DBA has been life-changing for me. Hospitality wasn’t even on my radar before, but now it’s the best job I’ve ever had. The program built my confidence and gave me the skills to succeed. For the first time in years, I’ve completed something from start to finish – and it feels amazing.”
Cowboys Community Foundation CEO Fiona Pelling said Lincoln and Moesha’s success reflects the program’s broader positive impact on individuals and industry.
“The secret to DBA’s success really is true collaboration. Without the commitment of our Program Partners, and ongoing involvement of our Industry Partners, these outcomes wouldn’t be possible.
“Our current course just wrapped up on Friday with many also having secured jobs, and we have already opened expressions of interest for the first cohort of 2026 which will get underway in January. We invite more hospitality businesses to join us in creating opportunities for North Queenslanders and strengthening the local workforce.”
For more information or to become an industry partner, visit cowboys.com.au/DBA.
