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On behalf of the Board of Sydney Olympic Park Business Association I would like to wish all members a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and prosperous 2008.SOPBA NEW FACES
Peter King new Chief Executive at the RAS
Mr Peter King commenced in the role of Chief Executive for the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) on 19 November.
An experienced Chief Executive, Mr King has a strong background in branded product sales and marketing, across a diverse group of sectors in Asia and the Pacific.
Between 1984 and 1997, Mr King worked in a number of senior sales and marketing roles in the sporting goods industry at Puma Australia, both in Melbourne and Sydney. He then took up an appointment to run the Coleman business for this US multi-national company, in the Outdoor recreation market. Mr King was the CEO of Asia Pacific for nine years, with offices in four cities around the region.
Growing up in Melbourne, Peter King graduated from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in 1984 with a Bachelor of Business (Economics).
Mr King also represented Victoria in the Sheffield Shield cricket competition in the mid 80's and played professionally in the UK.
Welcome to the Park Peter!
Picture: Peter King (right) in conversation with SOPA CEO Brian Newman at the recent SOPBA General Meeting and Christmas Drinks.
OUT 'N ABOUT
The Brewery - Last Drinks 2007
To kick off the Christmas break, head on down to The Brewery on Friday 21 December. There will be live entertainment from 3:30pm, extended Happy Hour from 4pm-6pm with complimentary nibbles, $7 cocktails from 6pm-8pm and $15 steaks! So bring your team or meet up with friends and family.
The Brewery is located on the Lower Ground Floor of the Novotel Sydney Olympic Park.
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Record-breaking effort for Australian Special Olympics Team in Shanghai.
The Australian Special Olympics team returned home recently following their record-breaking competition at the 2007 World Games in Shanghai, China.
Minister for the Arts and Sports, Senator George Brandis, was on hand at Sydney International airport to welcome the athletes, all of whom have an intellectual disability.
The 2007 World Games were Australia's most successful to date with the team bringing home 51 Gold, 53 Silver and 27 Bronze medals in a tremendous effort for all involved. The 130 Australian athletes competed in eleven sports, including athletics, swimming and tennis against 169 other countries and regions.
Special Olympics Australia CEO, Catriona Barry, was delighted with the results and said our Australian representatives should be extremely proud.
'It is truly remarkable what these athletes have achieved. Not only have they succeeded on a global stage, but they have done so with sportsmanship and humility and Australia should be extremely proud of their efforts,' Ms Barry said.
'The World Games provide a unique opportunity for all our athletes to show their strength and courage and it is clear they have all passed with flying colours.'
The Australian team had several extraordinary results throughout the Games including Gold in both the women's and men's basketball competitions. The Gymnastics team was also impressive, winning 51 of Australia's 126 medals, whilst the Australian softball team achieved a remarkable victory, coming from a 10-1 deficit to clinch the gold medal, winning 15-14.
Gymnast Tristan Howard was one Australian athlete extremely pleased with the result and grateful to have been given the opportunity. With a personal tally of four Gold and three Silver medals, Tristan was a stand out performer in the 2007 Games.
'To represent Australia is a dream come true. Standing there with the medals around my neck - I can't describe it,' he said.
With over 7,500 athletes, 40,000 volunteers and 3,500 officials from 169 countries and regions around the globe, the Shanghai World Games will be the largest sporting event of 2007.
For further information on the opportunities Special Olympics Australia provide, please visit www.specialolympics.com.au or call 1300 225 762
SOPBA General Meeting and Christmas drinks
At the recent General Meeting and Christmas drinks a number of members finished off their working day by hitting a few balls at the Golf Centre driving range and having their swing video-taped and analysed by golf pro James Comerford AAA PGA.
This opportunity is available for corporate functions and team building exercises. Contact the Sydney Olympic Park Golf Centre located on
Olympic Boulevard on Tel: 97646300 Fax: 97646262 or visit www.sopgolf.com.au.
Novotel Baristas are the Best of the West!
Two of the baristas from Novotel Sydney Olympic Park's Arena Bar and Restaurant have won the Western Sydney division of a national Barista competition.
The contestants are scored on personality, presentation, coffee taste, coffee making technique and theory. They are required to make four coffees in five minutes (3 chosen by the judges) and one original coffee. While doing this they must answer a range of questions about the machine and where coffee is grown and at what altitudes.
Jamie, who finished in top position, will now battle baristas from around Australia in the final.
Good luck Jamie from everyone in the Park!
Picture: Jamie being congratulated by his manager Alex
The Year of the Scout 2008
As 2007 comes to a close, Scouts Australia says goodbye to its 'One World, One Promise' international celebrations.
The Australian Government declared 2008 as the Year of the Scout and on December 2, an official exchange from the Year of the Surf Lifesaver to the Year of the Scout occurred at Bondi Beach.
Scouts Australia NSW looks forward to celebrating through events such as the Australia Day Spectacular, where Scouts will put on a pre-fireworks display for more than 150 thousand people who will line Darling Harbour. Other programs such as 100 Good Turns, Scarf Up for Scouting, and Centenary Celebrations in Martin Place will ensure that Scouting continues to engage the wider public.
'This is a fantastic year to promote and celebrate Scouting in Australia, to connect our local communities, and promote the value of Scouting to young people and adults,' said Bob Baker Deputy Commissioner Major Events. More than 16,000 young people and adults in NSW enjoy fun, outdoor adventure and friendships that Scouting offers.
What's in a name
Look out for a name change of Bennelong Road to Bennelong Parkway. As this is a council road and not a SOPA road, Auburn Council lead the consultation process.
SOPA NEWS
Management changes at Sydney Olympic Park Authority
The Chief Executive Officer of Sydney Olympic Park Authority (SOPA), Brian Newman, will be leaving the role this Friday, 7 December after almost six years at the helm.
Mr. Newman guided Sydney Olympic Park through the difficult transition phase from being the site of the Sydney Olympic and Paralympic Games into a thriving event and commercial precinct with major residential and education development soon to follow.
As the precinct begins to accommodate large numbers of residents, a rapidly increasing workforce and an expanding number of sporting and cultural events, the role of the Sydney Olympic Park Authority will change. The Chairman of the SOPA Board, the Hon Michael Knight AO, thanked Mr. Newman for his contribution and his efforts to prepare the area for the next phase of its evolution.
A comprehensive search will be undertaken to select a candidate with the applicable qualifications and experience for this new role.
The current General Manager, Commercial and Corporate, Nick Hubble, will be the Acting CEO.
Mr Newman said that his involvement with Sydney Olympic Park since 2002 had been a challenging but extremely rewarding experience. 'Sydney Olympic Park stands as a new model for other Olympic cities and I'll look forward to observing the precinct's evolution in the years ahead ' . Mr Newman said.
Sydney Olympic Park signs $60m office agreement
Sydney Olympic Park's string of new property development deals continued recently with the signing of an agreement between the Sydney Olympic Park Authority and development partners A.V. Jennings and Ashe Morgan Winthrop, to construct a five-level complex on the corner of Olympic Boulevard and Sarah Durack Avenue, at the southern end of the Park's expanding urban core.
The proposed building will feature 15,000 m2 of office and ground-floor retail space. The building is expected to house around 750 workers, accommodate parking for 120 vehicles and have an end value of around $60 million.
Sydney Olympic Park has become one of Sydney's most sought-after destinations for commercial development. This recent announcement follows on the heels of a similar agreement between SOPA and Watpac Ltd to develop a $32.5 million commercial development on the
corner of Murray Rose and Australia Avenues, and a recently approved $63 million residential development by Multiplex and Babcock & Brown on Australia Avenue.
'This newest agreement takes the value of private sector commitments for new property development at Sydney Olympic Park since the Games to $1.15 billion', noted Mr Newman.
Design plans for the new development are expected to be submitted to the Department of Planning early next year for assessment, allowing possible start of construction in late 2008.
Sydney Olympic Park zaps this summer's mozzies
Sydney Olympic Park Authority is taking positive steps to reduce summer mosquito numbers with an active program of environmentally-sensitive spraying.
As part of the Authority's wetlands management program, a combination of aerial and ground-based spraying will be undertaken within the Park's estuarine wetlands, commencing in November and continuing throughout the summer months.
The program will comprise early morning helicopter spraying, and ground-based spraying during the day, using an environmentally-sensitive control agent specially formulated to be toxic to mosquito larvae only. It is safe for people, pets, other wildlife and the environment.
'Mosquito breeding times and treatment days are highly dependent upon tides and rainfall,' said the Authority's Manager, Environment and Ecology, Kerry Darcovich.
'The Authority works cooperatively with scientists from Sydney University's Department of Medical Entomology, who regularly monitor mosquito numbers, weather and tidal conditions, and advise when treatment should occur. Typically, between four and eight treatments are needed each season.'
Now in its tenth year, the Authority's spraying program has been successful in reducing mosquito numbers by up to 90% over the summer months.
Mosquitoes can travel up to 5 kilometres from their breeding sites, so not only will management efforts benefit Park workers and visitors, but also the residents of areas surrounding Sydney Olympic Park.
The first of this season's spraying commenced on Monday 26 November and Tuesday 27 November.
OFFERS
Medibank International VIP corporate hospitality opportunity
As member of SOPBA, The 2008 Medibank International is delighted to offer you the following exclusive hospitality opportunity;
Benefits to this exclusive package include;
-Premium reserved centre court seats behind the southern base-line in your choice of shade or sun filled seats
-Lunch or dinner inclusive of beverage in the dining marquee, air-conditioned and live television link to centre court
-Access to the Coopers Corporate bar, air-conditioned and live television link to centre court
-Official tournament cap
-Official tournament programme and daily draw sheet
-Car parking
-Return Shuttle service to the CBD at the end of play for your guests
-Business card draw - daily prizes
Session Price*
Monday - $205 per person
Tuesday - $205 per person
Wednesday - $205 per person
Wednesday night - $205 per person
Thursday - $230 per person
Thursday night - $250 per person
Friday - $330 per person
Friday night - $350 per person
Saturday - $395 per person
*These prices are at 20% discount exclusive only to members of SOPBA.
For more information or to book your package please contact Justine Lai by phone on 02 9260 2315 or 0433 829 442 or email Justine.Lai@imgworld.com. Visit www.medibankinternational.com
| For more information contact Sydney Olympic Park Business Association |
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| PO Box 6239 | ||
| Silverwater NSW 1811 | ||
| Tel +61 2 9746 1200 | ||
| sopba@bigpond.com.au | ||