About Us
Pormpuraaw United Brothers Sports Club (PUBSC) is a community-driven club dedicated to supporting the people of Pormpuraaw. We reinvest our profits into local initiatives that foster growth and development within our community. Our club is a welcoming space where everyone can come together, socialize, and enjoy a great atmosphere, strengthening the bonds that make Pormpuraaw unique.
Pormpuraaw is an Aboriginal community located on the west coast of the Cape York Peninsula in Queensland, Australia. Situated approximately 650 km by road from Cairns, the community lies between the Chapman River and Mungkan Creek. Pormpuraaw is 611 residents, primarily from the Thaayorre, Wik, Bakanh, and Yir Yoront peoples. Pormpuraaw is known for its stunning coastal location, breathtaking sunsets, and abundant fishing opportunities. The community is divided into two neighborhoods, known locally as Mungkan Side and Thaayorre Side, connected by schools, shops, administrative buildings, and various council housing.
Our mission
As the only pub in the community, our mission is to provide a welcoming space where people can connect, relax, and enjoy meaningful social experiences. We are dedicated to supporting Aboriginal communities by reinvesting our profits into local initiatives that foster growth and well-being.
Community engagement
We believe in bringing people together. Through our events we create opportunities for the community to gather, socialize, and strengthen connections in a fun and inclusive environment.
Sustainability
We are committed to the long-term sustainability of our initiatives, ensuring that our efforts continue to benefit the community for years to come. By reinvesting in local projects, we support cultural preservation, social well-being, and community-driven development.
Our history
Before 1968, the canteen operated from a simples cabbage tree shack, serving takeaway beer in containers. This shack was later relocated to another covered area, where it continued to sell beer at the time, known as DRAFT BEER.
As the years progressed, the structure evolved. An old church frame was repurposed as moved to its current location at Pormpuraaw United Brothers Sports Club (PUBSC), serving as the canteen. Initially, it was just an open space with a covering, where people could sit and take their beers home in containers. At the back of the covering stood an old-style boom box toilet, a simple but essential facility for patrons at the time.
The formal establishment of the Pormpuraaw United Brothers Sports Club dates back to 1968, marking a significant milestone in its history. Between 1968 and 1970, Mr. Finlay was brought in to gradually introduce beer on tap. During his tenure as Canteen beer. However, between the mid-1980s and 1990s, these services were phased out, and canned beer was introduced instead.
A major turning point came when the canteen transitioned from being under Council management to becoming a self-managed community enterprise. This shift empowered the local community to take onwership of the club’s operations. During this period the Canteen Manager also initiated training programs for local staff, focusing on bar management skill.
The Pormpuraaw Clubs journey reflects its deep roots in the community, evolving from a humble shack to a self-sustaining establishment (nonprofit) that continues to serve and support its community people.
Current management
Our journey from a simples social club to what we are today has been shaped by both progress and challenges. Sustaining and expanding the club has required resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to our vision.
One of the biggest hurdle has been operating as a fully functioning sports club, ensuring we can provide the services and experinces expected of us. Staff retention and training have been ongoing challenges, as well as introducing new products lkie wines and expanding activities to enhance our offerings. Meeting licensing requirements and adapting to new conditions have also been essential steps toward evolving into a true community club.
Beyond these, fundament operational challenges such as stock control, storage, and accommodation remain critical concerns. Withour proper facilities and necessities in place, the business is always at risk, leaving us in a constant state of uncertainty wondering whether we will make it through or not. The unpredictability of the wet season further compicates stock management, forcing us to prepare as best we can with the resource available.
Despite these challenges, from 2012 to 2025 the club has remained a pillar of the community, successfully hosting large-scale events year after year. Through the dedication og local indigenous staff and outsourced support, we have kept our doors open, ensuring that services continue especially in recent years.
As we move forward, we remain committed to overcoming these hurdles, growing stronger, and working toward the vision of becoming a thriving community club that not only entertains but also provides essential services, much lkie a mainstream club. With determination and the support of our communit, we will continue striving for a sustainable and successul future.
Anna Beni
Join us
Be a part of our mission to bring the community together and create a welcoming space for everyone. Your support helps us reinvest in local initiatives, host engaging events, and strengthen connections within our community.
Our place
Our pub is a welcoming space designed for the community to relax and connect. We offer a pool table, ping pong, and a large TV for entertainment. Guests can enjoy drinks from our tills, grab take-away options, or unwind in our open-air area with designated smoking space. With plenty of seating throughout the venue, it’s the perfect spot to gather, socialize, and enjoy a great atmosphere.
Pormpuraaw United Brothers Sports Club (PUBSC) 