Lake Vermont village, located in Dysart, Queensland, supports a bustling mine site community with capacity for over 600 residents and staff. And like any space that sees constant use, the dining room had served its people well, but it was ready for a refresh.
Our goal was to modernise the space, create more opportunities for remote workers to connect, and make it feel more welcoming and inspiring for everyone spending long stretches away from home.
“Coming into dinner is a pretty big part of someone’s day,” —Mitchell “Mitch” Hendy, Relief Village Manager. “Having a nice place to sit down, relax and eat your dinner definitely makes their day ten times better.”
Regular upgrades like this help ensure remote sites remain inspiring. It’s with functional spaces like this that we can support wellbeing and productivity, which is a reflection of our long-term partnership approach.
For mine site catering companies like Cater Care, mealtime is a cornerstone of wellbeing and connection on remote sites. Renovations that improve dining spaces make a real difference, creating environments that meet workers’ needs and lift morale.
“Investing in spaces like this…is about improving the lifestyle and experience our guests enjoy while they’re at work,” says Arnaud, COO for Cater Care Remote. “We spend so much time away from our families, we want to enjoy a comfortable, livable space, even while at work.”
At Cater Care, we’ve worked on numerous remote catering projects that demonstrate how a thoughtfully designed dining space can transform everyday life on remote sites.
We know thoughtful design plays a major role in people’s perception of where they live and work. Lighting, colour palettes, seating, and flow all influence mood, social interaction, and the sense of welcome. With the right approach, a dining room becomes more than a place to eat—it becomes a moment of comfort, connection, and care. Yes, we bring fresh food cooked on site through our remote catering teams, but we also deliver full, tailored remote facility management and catering solutions that support the entire village environment—from dining spaces to housekeeping and site services.
Like any large project, collaboration was key to this transformation. Our Cater Care operations team, design partner, and client partner worked together to create a modern, flexible environment that encourages people to gather, linger, and unwind after long shifts.
“This transitions our business into a new world of opportunities,” said Neil East, Cater Care CEO. “Working in partnership with our client to achieve this fit-out in a remote dining room…sets a standard for the future of Cater Care.”
Because a large part of our remote facility management and mine site catering services are tailored to each client’s needs, the renovation was planned closely with the site’s leadership and incorporated design cues from their offices, creating a convivial space that aligns with the tone of the wider site.
Executing a fit-out in a remote location comes with its challenges, but our team’s experiences in remote facility management and the logistical hurdles that comes with it ensures every project is delivered safely, efficiently, and with care.
“Everyone loves the dining room upgrade. Everyone’s happy with it. Definitely a better atmosphere.”
—Mitch
The transformation has not only enhanced comfort and morale but also strengthened our partnership and reinforced the shared values that define how we work. Residents now have a space where they can comfortably sit, socialise, and enjoy a moment of calm before heading back to work or resting for the night.
“I really like the back seat – the bench style seating. It’s really comfortable. A good place to sit down, end your day on a good note.”
—Mitch.
The refurbishment has enriched the resident experience and created a warm, modern space that genuinely feels like a home away from home.
“This refurbishment is a demonstration of our longstanding partnership…to make a home away from home for the guests we care for and give back to the community.”
—Arnaud.
Even in the most remote corners of Australia, projects like this show what’s possible when every part of the team pulls in the same direction to turn a vision into a space people love coming back to.
“Our team has done an amazing job…to be able to do a fit-out in a remote dining room so many hours flying from Brisbane, working in partnership with our client to achieve this…thank you.”
—Neil.
That spirit of collaboration is what makes transformations like Lake Vermont possible, and it’s the same approach we bring to every remote facility we support. If you’re looking to enhance connection and comfort on your site, download our guide to long-term operational success or get in touch with Hayley or Brad directly.
And stay tuned for the upcoming video capturing the Lake Vermont transformation!
