The Real YouQ
Meet Gatton campus treasure Regie Narara
“I like to play a mother role and I always tell the students I love them. Someone has to love them when they're on campus, because often they are living away from their families.”
If you’ve spent any time at UQ’s Gatton campus, chances are you’ve purchased a coffee or a bite to eat from Regie Narara at the Coffee Pod. And chances are you’ve left feeling brighter and more energetic – and not just because of the coffee.
Because nothing puts a pep in your step more than being told ‘I love you’, which has been Regie’s catchphrase since she began working at the Gatton campus more than 12 years ago.
We often hear the cliché of love being a secret ingredient, but for Regie, her caring nature and infectious laughter is the heart of her business.
“You have to love what you do, and I love my customers and meeting new people,” Regie said.
“I have a joyous energy and I feel happy when I’m able to help lift the spirits of students when they are feeling down and out from the stress of their uni work or exams.
“I like to play a mother role and I always tell the students I love them. Someone has to love the students while they're on campus, because often they are living away from their families.”
While everyone knows the Regie behind the coffee machine, who is the real Regie Narara?
Keep scrolling to find out.
What is your favourite UQ memory?
My favourite UQ memory is when I first met Peter Regenberg, who was the catering site manager of Compass Group. Peter was my boss when I began working at the Walkway Cafe at the Gatton campus. He cared so much for the workers and students, and made me feel so welcome.
Is there a place you feel most connected to on campus and why?
Yes, my Coffee Pod. It's helped me establish my own identity on campus. I've won 2 awards for customer service since taking on the Coffee Pod and I feel really happy working there and interacting with my customers each day.
Looking back to the day you first set foot on campus, is there anything you wish to tell that person now?
I couldn't believe how big the Gatton campus was when I arrived 12 years ago. Back then, nobody knew who I was. Now, most people on campus – and even people around the country – recognise me. I would never have imagined that so many people would know me at such a big university.
What’s the one fact that people wouldn’t know about you?
I am from Papua New Guinea and have travelled all over the world, including all around the United States.
Is there a skill you wish you had learnt, or one that you currently trying to master?
I wish I had learnt to play an instrument, like the piano. Both my sons play a range of instruments – piano, guitar, double bass, saxophone and trumpet – and my grandchildren are also musical. I love music and we sing a lot in church, but I just love it when my children and grandchildren play their instruments.
What are 3 things you can’t live without?
Family is very important to me. If I have my family, I can live without everything else.
What are you currently reading?
I only read the Bible or watch news on TV.
Who are your real-life heroes?
My family are my heroes. I was raised by my oldest sister and her husband after my father passed away when I was 2 years old. Their relationship was so nice and I always looked up to them. My in-laws were also such lovely people – we always called them 'lovebirds'. They were all role models for me on how to form loving relationships.
What is your go-to coffee order?
My coffee order is simple: a flat white.
What’s the strangest coffee order you’ve ever received?
A half-strength, dirty chai with caramel syrup and soy milk. Very strange.
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