Max Fonte

Café Owner, Max Fonte has called the Territory his home now for over 9 years. Originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina he moved to Australia 11 years ago before making his way to Mparntwe Alice Springs.

“I was supposed to be in Alice Springs for only two weeks. But I just never left.”

“The sense of Community, the culture, the amazing nature that surrounds us and the abundant opportunities helped me make the decision to stay”

Max now owns his own business called Yaye's Café in Mparntwe Alice Springs. He is a valued member of his community and is grateful of what the town has offered him.

“My experience working in Central Australia has been very positive. The Territory has given me the opportunity of staying in Australia and becoming an Australian Citizen.”

“There are plenty of job opportunities in a wide range of industries and you have the possibility of growing professionally. In my case, I've mostly worked in Customer Service and Hospitality, gathering a lot of ground experience in many different areas that led to where I am today: running my own hospitality business. I'm very grateful to all the resources available for small businesses and entrepreneurs in the industry.”

Aside from running his own business Max also is a member of the Board of the MCSCA (Multicultural Community Services of Central Australia).

“The sense of community that you experience from participating in any of the many activities that happen here is unique.”

When asked about his highlights of living in the Territory Max described the beauty of nature and the community.

“A big highlight is the contact with nature. A short drive out of town and you feel the immensity of the landscape. Nature is very powerful. I love camping, bushwalks, sunrises, sunsets, and the night sky.”

“The close contact with aboriginal culture is something that you won't experience anywhere else in Australia.”

In reference to how hard the move was to the Territory Max expressed it wasn’t easy but it was worth it.

“Distance makes it hard sometimes but building strong community connections makes it easier. After a while in Alice you build your home away from home and friendships that become family.”

“If you are curious about it, give it a go! And once here give yourself time to connect with the place, its culture and the community. Living in the NT it's a life changing experience.”