When a restaurant produces over 1000 meals a day, the kitchen has to run like a well-oiled machine and at Laffos, it does.  

Hailing from the Philippines, Laffos' head Chef, Michael Palamores, and his team operate a highly efficient kitchen, turning over huge volumes of stock and meals daily.    

From purchasing and rostering through to equipment maintenance, Michael’s dedication to excellence is a rare commodity.  

However, the kitchen staff at Laffos true passion is what they put on their customer's plates. It must be fast, and it has to be fresh.  

They thrive on the challenge.  

So, when Michael approached Mark (Laffo) about putting his own dish on the predominately pizza and modern Australian menu at Laffo’s, Mark was thrilled to accommodate him.  

Michael’s pork belly adobo was added to the menu last month and the dish has certainly been a crowd favourite.  

A traditional Filipino favourite, Pork Belly Adobo holds a special place in Michael's heart, evoking memories of family gatherings and shared meals. With a modern twist, Michael has elevated this beloved dish to new heights, presenting diners with succulent pork belly bathed in a rich and flavourful adobo sticky sauce that is simply irresistible.

Since its introduction to the menu last month, Pork Belly Adobo has become a crowd favourite, garnering rave reviews and leaving patrons craving more. Served alongside steaming rice and crisp greens, this dish embodies the perfect harmony of flavours and textures, a true testament to Michael's culinary prowess and dedication to his craft.

As the community continues to flock to Laffos for fast service and fresh meals, Michael stands proudly behind his new addition to the menu, a testament to the enduring power of home cooking and the artistry of a talented chef.

‍

‍

The verdant subtropical rainforest, wide open paddocks of sugar cane ruffled by the valley breeze, the moodiness of the mist shrouding the Eungella Range, the coolness under the tapestry of leaves, the invigorating creeks to take a dip in and the life of the valley itself, the Pioneer River.

Tucked away to the west of Mackay lies a region brimming with untapped potential and boundless opportunities for growth. The Pioneer Valley, with its lush foliage, cascading waterfalls, and boutique artisan businesses, is poised to emerge as a tourism hotspot, attracting visitors from far and wide seeking adventure, relaxation, and a taste of the great outdoors.

At the forefront of this transformation are the newly unveiled Finch Hatton Mountain Bike trails, weaving their way through the picturesque landscapes of Finch Hatton. These trails, meticulously crafted to offer an exhilarating experience for mountain biking enthusiasts, have captured the imagination of adventure seekers worldwide. But their impact extends far beyond the thrill of the ride.

Real estate agent Robyn Agius believes that the Finch Hatton trails are just the beginning of exciting growth that will reshape the valley's economic landscape. Having lived in Marian for more than 20 years, she has a passion for the valley’s potential. With international and interstate investors expressing keen interest in the region's potential, there's a sense of excitement in the air.

“From luxury eco-resorts nestled amidst the rainforests to world-class adventure parks and wellness retreats, the possibilities for our valley are endless,” she said.

Picture artisanal food markets springing up along the scenic routes, offering visitors a taste of the region's unique flavours and cultural heritage. Envision a vibrant arts and culture scene, with local artists showcasing their talents in galleries and studios dotted throughout the valley.

Robyn is excited for the growth of the valley with the progression of the mountain bike trails which are set to expand over the next few years.

“It’s an exciting place to visit for tourists and locals alike, and this will only grow stronger as more locals embrace our valley as a great adventure destination for the family,” Robyn said.

“A meal at the top of the range or a coffee beside the river. Unexpected five-star dining and art galleries which one would expect to find in a city. Yet they are in this incredibly quaint, untouched portion of paradise.”

Envision a community thriving in the wake of this tourism renaissance, with new businesses opening their doors, job opportunities abound, and essential services flourishing. The Pioneer Valley, with many delightful offerings known mostly to locals, is poised to take its place on the world stage as a premier destination for travelers seeking adventure, relaxation, and a taste of the good life.

As the Finch Hatton trails pave the way for increased visitation and investment in the region, the future looks brighter than ever for our Pioneer Valley. With its natural beauty, cultural richness, and entrepreneurial spirit, this hidden gem is ready to shine. So pack your bags, hit the trails, and prepare to be swept away by its magic.

Your adventure awaits.

‍

A collaboration of past experiences intricately combined together, creating a unique but brilliant idea, where Matthew, raised on a cattle farm met with Jem who previously had a career in hospitality. Thus, Eden Hills was born.

A beautiful secluded farmland café on the Mackay Hinterland green hills of Eungella, adding a touch of fine dining to the natural surrounding elements. Where you can immerse yourself within the breathtaking 360 views between national park and state forest, reconnecting with nature whilst enjoying a delicious treat! Menu options include; barista made coffee, breakfast, lunch and snacks.

Customers who are wanting to experience an on farm alfresco dining experience, are encouraged to keep an ear out for exciting future events, with plans to incorporate tours, walks and animal encounters.

Locals are advised to check opening hours online frequently as the outdoor venue closes throughout rainy weather conditions.

‍

In the shadow of the mighty Mt Jukes, a mountain forged from ancient volcanic rock, lies Mt Jukes Eco Retreat—a sanctuary where nature's strength and beauty converge to inspire and rejuvenate. As the sun traverses the sky, casting shifting hues upon the rugged landscape, visitors are drawn near, captivated by the mountain's majestic presence and magnetic allure. At its base, a pristine spring water creek flows ceaselessly, adding to the enchantment of this natural wonderland.

Offering a sanctuary for those seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life, this retreat embodies a harmonious blend of sustainability, tranquillity, and rejuvenation. Organic products and food nourish both body and mind, while a range of healing classes help those escaping a hectic lifestyle to soften the noise in their head.

Once you arrive, just breathe. The silence is sublime.

Surrounded by the beauty of the natural environment, Mt Jukes Eco Retreat offers a range of luxuriously rustic rooms to recharge after each blissful day.

Supreme Lodge: Where Luxury Meets Natural Beauty

The Supreme Lodge greets guests with an air of rustic charm and understated luxury. Crafted from high-quality earthy materials, this accommodation option exudes warmth and elegance. The true highlight of the Supreme Lodge lies in its unique design feature—Selenite crystals adorn the walls, casting a spell of peace, clarity, and well-being throughout the space. The private outdoor bath and shower provide a sense of serenity to be at one with nature.

Deluxe Cabins: A Haven of Elemental Harmony

The deluxe cabins offer a serene retreat amidst nature's embrace. Designed in the shape of a half-moon, each cabin symbolises fertility, intuitiveness, and empowerment. Adorned with hand-painted Mandalas representing the five elements, these private sanctuaries with ensuites invite guests to reconnect with the elements and find inner harmony.

Glamping Tents: A Natural Oasis of Comfort

For those seeking a closer connection to nature, the glamping tents provide the perfect blend of luxury and wilderness. Spacious and inviting, each tent features a private ensuite and offers stunning views of Mount Jukes. The highlight of the glamping experience? The cast iron baths, where guests can indulge in a moment of pure relaxation while soaking in the natural beauty of Mount Jukes.

What makes this retreat truly remarkable, is that it was conceived and constructed by one man, Dave Deakin. What started as a bare block of land has been lovingly crafted into Australia’s only purpose-built retreat that is fully off-grid eco and organic. The wooden yoga shala is a masterpiece in itself with perfect acoustics for sublime sound healing.

Dave's journey from a high-flying entrepreneur to teaching tranquillity and wellness is nothing short of extraordinary. After building a successful empire spanning seven different industries, Dave found himself at a crossroads when a tragic car accident claimed the life of his brother.

This pivotal moment marked the beginning of a profound spiritual awakening, a transformative shift from a life driven by ego and wealth to one centred on inner peace and well-being.

"It was a typical Good Friday morning, and my brother was coming over for lunch," Dave recalls.

"That morning, I was sick like I had never been before.

"A couple of years before this, my brother and I were at the same café, not together, and we discovered that we had the same watches bought in two different cities.

“When he was labelled clinically dead after the accident, my watch stopped at that time and is still at that time today."

In the aftermath of the accident, Dave found himself grappling with profound existential questions, his sense of reality shattered by grief and loss.

"It was a pivotal moment, a stark reminder of life's fragility," he reflects.

"For the first time, I glimpsed the vast expanse of existence beyond the confines of my own ego."

As he stood at the crossroads of despair and enlightenment, Dave made a conscious choice—a choice to embrace the unknown, to surrender to the ebb and flow of life's unpredictable currents.

From the bustling streets of India to the serene landscapes of Bali and Thailand, he immersed himself in the ancient traditions of Tantra/Hatha yoga, Ayurveda, and Tibetan Singing Bowls. It was here, amidst the tranquil beauty of these sacred lands, that Dave discovered the true essence of yoga—not merely as a physical practice but as a pathway to infinite possibilities and inner harmony.

“Yoga gives us the tools to live an infinite life; it's not about form, it’s about function,” Dave said.

“Flexibility comes when the mind becomes flexible."

Dave's spiritual odyssey took a decisive turn when he faced a series of debilitating injuries, including multiple broken bones and surgeries. Yet, it was through these challenges that he discovered the true power of mind-body connection. As he delved deeper into yoga and mindfulness practices, Dave experienced a profound liberation—both mentally and physically.

"Free mind, free body," he reflects, a testament to the transformative potential of embracing adversity and letting go of control,” he said.

Today, Dave's journey has come full circle with the creation of Mt Jukes Eco Retreat—a sanctuary for the soul and a testament to the power of conscious living. Through his teachings, Dave seeks to inspire others to embrace the extraordinary potential within themselves and reclaim their innate sense of purpose and joy.

There are retreats to suit every need and lifestyle, from a half-day taster for those who are short on time but are intrigued by the allure of escaping the hustle and bustle, to what Dave describes as a life-changing signature six-day experience.

“If you want to do the extraordinary, you have to let go of the ordinary,” Dave said.

During the immersive retreats, the sublime begins with silence.

Discover serenity and renewal with the Rest and Recover Weekend Retreat, a 3-day, 2-night escape to a tranquil oasis. Let the stresses of daily life fade away as you indulge in much-needed relaxation and rejuvenation for your mind, body, and soul, surrounded by the beauty of nature, a seismic change for body and mind in a weekend.

Or, embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and inner peace at the popular Silent Retreat. In a world filled with constant noise and distractions, take a step back and immerse yourself in the profound power of silence.

For those seeking deeper healing, the six-day retreat is a completely holistic experience.

Throughout the retreat, you will have the opportunity to attend various workshops led by Dave on personal development and self-empowerment. These sessions will cover topics such as goal setting, mindset shifts, visualisation techniques, and strategies for overcoming challenges.

To boost your sense of empowerment and resilience, Dave uses lineage-based yoga, sound healing, yin or restorative yoga that push you beyond your comfort zone and help you tap into your physical and mental strength while feeling grounded and centred. Also, the power of the breath using many pranayama techniques is cultivated.

Finally, be prepared to be nourished in a way you may not have experienced before.

“We believe that food is fuel for your body, mind and soul, with delicious and nutritious, grounding meals that support your overall well-being,” Dave said.

Dave’s partner prepares flavourful dishes using fresh organic produce grown at the retreat or locally sourced ingredients from local farmers in season, offering a balanced and nourishing culinary experience.

With a heart as expansive as the mountains that surround him, Dave continues to share his wisdom and compassion, not only through his teachings but also through his commitment to community and philanthropy.

Once the Eco Retreat’s gardens reach an abundance of nutrition, Dave’s aim is to deliver his organic fruit and vegetables to local charities supporting homelessness and women’s refuge. His mission is clear, to serve others and nurture a world where wellness and peace prevail.

Ellwoods Rd, Mount Jukes

0400 599 570

mtjukesecoretreat.com.au

‍