The Outlook Cafe owner Bill Fawzi fears for his cafe, as community support strengthens

‘I put everything into this’: A Central Queensland business owner says he has been forced to dismiss staff after being told by Council and an industrial body his leased cafe will be renovated and put up for tender.

The Outlook Cafe owner Bill Fawzi said he was fearful of not retrieving the cafe he has owned for seven years once Gladstone Ports Corporation finished renovations.

A Gladstone community stalwart is fearful that proposed renovations to his scenic cafe will force him out of business and out of town.

The Outlook Cafe owner Bill Fawzi, 73, said he was overwhelmed by the Gladstone community’s support having, owned the business for seven years.

An online petition is nearing 200 signatures from mainly Gladstone residents, who also know Mr Fawzi from when he owned a pizza shop in town for 27 years.

Mr Fawzi said the Gladstone Ports Corporation was set to renovate his beloved cafe with the Gladstone Regional Council to then pay him out and put a tender in for new management.

“I want them to renovate it, but I don’t have the option of taking it back after the renovation,” Mr Fawzi said.

“The Gladstone Regional Council are paying me out and I don’t know where my future is which makes me scared for me and my family.”

Mr Fawzi said he had been forced, in a showing of good faith, into giving staff dismissal notices so they could receive Centrelink benefits.

“I have got options, I am just sad that I put everything into this to make it work and somebody else might get it,” he said.

To his loyal customers, Mr Fawzi said they would have to accept GRC and the Ports Corporation’s decision and guaranteed they would see him elsewhere.

The Outlook Cafe owner Bill Fawzi said he was fearful of not retrieving the cafe he has owned for seven years once Gladstone Ports Corporation finished renovations.

“If I stop I drop. The only scary part is starting something else at the age of 73,” he said.

“I have to risk it all, put it on the line and start something else, I am scared.”

Gladstone Mayor Matt Burnett said the Gladstone Ports Corporation and Gladstone Regional Council had submitted an application to the Department of Resources for transfer of trusteeship of the reserve known as Auckland Hill from GRC to GPC.

“While the formal transfer of trusteeship is yet to take place, GPC and GRC are putting in place interim arrangements, in the form of a trustee lease, to allow GPC to take control of the site for the purposes of commencing the Auckland Hill redevelopment project,” he said.

“GRC and Mr Bill Fawzi have reached an agreement with respect to the Outlook Café and I have spoken with and supported Mr Fawzi throughout the process.

“Bill has done a fantastic job in serving the hospitality industry in Gladstone for many years and I wish him all the best.

“However, due to the confidential nature of the matter, council is not able to comment any further.”

A GPC spokesman said the trusteeship of Auckland Hill reserve including the Outlook Cafe currently remained with GRC.

“The Auckland Hill redevelopment project, funded by the Australian, Queensland and local governments requires Gladstone Ports Corporation to undertake works of the reserve once the transfer of the trusteeship is successful,” he said.

“Applications have been made for the tenure of Auckland Hill to be under the trusteeship of GPC.

“The transfer is subject of an agreement between several parties.

“The Outlook Café has provided an unforgettable experience for the community and for the tourism industry – GPC thanks the owner Bill Fawzie for his dedication to providing wonderful hospitality to the region.

“Due to commercial in confidence it would be inappropriate for GPC to comment further on this matter.”

To sign the online petition created by concerned community member Loretta Rhoden on behalf of the Outlook Cafe, click HERE. 

Originally published as The Outlook Cafe owner Bill Fawzi fears for his cafe, as community support strengthens