JUST in time for the Easter long weekend, the kiosk at Reflections Lake Keepit has had a major makeover, with a fresh interior, a bigger range of food supplies and a new name – The Canteen.
The Canteen is a popular food and supply hub for day-tripping tourists, campers and locals and now has a check-in desk for Reflections guests.
Previously, guests checked in at the park entrance.
The new name of The Canteen is a nod to the history of the site – it was a canteen for workers who began constructing the Dam in 1938.
Construction was halted by the Second World War before resuming in 1946 and being completed in 1960.
Recently-appointed Reflections Lake Keepit manager, David Begg, has invited locals to pop in and enjoy The Canteen’s hospitality, reminding them to book a day pass on Reflections’ website.
“We want the community to know we’re open seven days a week, so come out and have a coffee or a bite to eat on the weekends at an indoor or outdoor table and enjoy this beautiful location,” Mr Begg said.
The Canteen menu has been updated to include more meals, including gluten-free options.
It opens daily from 9am to 5pm, for coffee and light refreshments. From Friday to Sunday it will serve hot food, such as burgers and fish and chips.
Meat packs will now be available to take away and cook at barbecues in park. An ice machine is now on site.
It now stocks a more diverse grocery range and new providore section with an array of salts, spice rubs, jams, relishes, dressings, cheese, meats and crackers, with a focus on produce from regional and rural New South Wales.
The Reflections team has worked hard to revitalise The Canteen, ripping up tired old vinyl to expose beautiful timber floors, painting the interiors a rich olive green and adding tables and chairs inside and on the sun-drenched deck with lake views for visitors to enjoy with a coffee or cuppa.
Member for Tamworth, Kevin Anderson, said the upgraded canteen is a great new addition to the facilities at Lake Keepit.
“People have been travelling to Lake Keepit for a day on the water for generations, and it’s always been handy to have the kiosk there to pick up a cool drink or a snack on a hot day,” Mr Anderson said. “With the new canteen open over what has always been a busy the Easter Long Weekend, I know that visitors will be lining up to see what’s on offer,” Mr Anderson said.
Minister for Lands and Property and Minister for Jobs and Tourism, Steve Kamper, said the canteen upgrade follows the recent opening of the $4 million Wilderluxe Lake Keepit star gazing glamping precinct at Reflections Lake Keepit which was supported by NSW Government grants.
The precinct of eight luxe star-gazing tents is set high on the ridgeline of the lake, each with its own private deck and bath to soak up the night sky.
“Reflections Holidays manages 41 holiday parks on Crown land across the State on behalf of the Government to give NSW residents quality nature-based holidays, with profits reinvested back into the reserves to benefit regional tourism and support local jobs and economies,” Mr Kamper said.
Mr Begg, his wife Morgan and their young son are settling into their roles at Reflections Lake Keepit after stints managing parks and resorts around Australia – and their arrival is somewhat of a homecoming.
“We love it here and my family has a long history in the region – my mother has been here for 22 years and I have brothers, nephews and nieces here, and I’ve also managed properties in the New England area,” Mr Begg said.
“We love Lake Keepit and we want to make this place even better. We’re building the team and making it the place to be in the New England. Come out and see what we’ve done so far and come and have a chat.”
Morgan, a qualified childhood educator and jill of all trades, has been managing parks, resorts and hotels with husband David for the past five years.
At Reflections Lake Keepit, she will be working in The Canteen, housekeeping and the front office.
