The Dream, Believe, Achieve (DBA) program by the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys has been transforming lives for over a decade – offering accredited training and hands-on experience to help participants build confidence, gain qualifications, and secure long-term employment.
Since 2016, The Ville has proudly hosted over 100 student placements through DBA, providing real-world learning across our operations. Today, eight of our team members are proud graduates – including our 2024 F&B Team Member of the Year, Leeanne Sariman.
Leeanne joined The Ville in 2018 after completing the program, choosing us as her first hospitality experience because of our “good reputation and big venue size.” She quickly made an impression during her placement, securing a role in Event Operations – and hasn’t looked back since.
As her team shared during the awards: “Leeanne has outlasted three venue managers, numerous duty managers, COVID-19, and the integration of TECC – a tribute to her adaptability, flexibility, and dedication.”
“She’s now a natural mentor for new team members, DBA students, and trainees, and a vital part of our Events family.”
Her impact doesn’t stop there with her legacy continuing into the next generation. Both of Leeanne’s daughters, Marcella and Jamie, now work alongside her at The Ville. Marcella began as a School-Based Trainee and went on to earn a nomination for the Queensland Hospitality Awards in Brisbane. Jamie followed soon after — a beautiful example of family, belonging, and the power of opportunity.
Programs like DBA can spark a career — but it’s the care and support from people like Leeanne within our teams, that help it flourish.
We’re proud to have the following DBA graduates embedded in our teams:
Event Operations: Richard O’Brien
Spin Café: Sina Seumanu & Michelle Dolan
Casino Bars: Terence Cooper & Mugar Tekelupaiwan
Housekeeping: Baby Kabedi & Alana Harris
