It is Saturday night. After a busy day running around, a casual dinner with family is in order. Somewhere the kids are entertained by an enclosed outdoor playground, you can grab a drink at the bar, have a flutter on the pokies and enjoy some live music.
It is a relaxed ambiance here. One where all ages are welcome, and you can simply enjoy the company you keep.
In terms of watering holes, The Waves is relatively young – serving the Bundaberg community for about 50 years. Opened in 1968, the club was used for social gatherings around bocce and soccer by Italian farmers and was aptly named to record how they arrived in Australia – across the waves of the Indian Ocean.
In recent years, The Waves has dominated the industry awards circuit. They’ve been recognised for their redevelopments, services and facilities. They’ve been awarded Club of the Year and Chef of the Year. It is not hard to see why. Redevelopments of personal amenities, expanded bistro seating, outdoor kids area and the Horizon’s Bar have all served to cement The Waves’ reputation as a modern venue, serving some of Bundaberg’s best meals.
All-day dining at the Sticky Fingers Coffee Shop, lunch and dinner at Rock Salt Bistro, coupled with excellent customer service and live entertainment, and you have everything you need for a great entertainment experience.
It all comes together to support The Waves core purpose – sporting, family and bringing the community together, directed by the business’s not-for-profit philosophy.
The Waves CEO Brendan Royall said as there were no owners or shareholders of The Waves. all profits were reinvested to benefit members and the community, by improving facilities and services.
“We invest about $1.2 million each year, having invested about $6 million in the past five years, back into the community through our affiliated sporting clubs, non-affiliated sporting organisations and non-affiliated community groups,” Brendan said.
The popularity of The Waves is a reflection of their commitment to keep moving forward.
“We have a ten-year master plan, which incorporates numerous stages for our sporting facilities, our Caloundra venue and adding to The Waves food and beverage offering,” he said.