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MEMBER PROFILE
Parking is SECURE at Sydney Olympic Park
Secure Parking has been awarded a new contract to manage the massive parking facilities at Sydney Olympic Park (SOP) following a recent formal retendering process.
Secure Parking will continue to manage 14 Sydney Olympic Park Authority parking sites for event patrons, in addition to more than 15,000 people who work in the park each day and the millions of visitors each year.
'Past performance was a key factor in the decision to reappoint Secure Parking, as they have consistently returned increased revenue from the Sydney Olympic Park Authority's (SOPA's) parking operations over the past five years,' explained SOPA's Manager for Parking Steve Norcott.
'With an increase in events held at SOP and improved cost effective management of SOPA's car parking operations, we expect the trend to increase revenue and usage for Sydney Olympic Park.'
Secure Parking has found truly innovative management solutions for major event parking and has streamlined customer service options. For example, the Secure Parking team played a key role in developing and implementing a fantastic event management solution for the 2003 Rugby World Cup , pre-paid parking.
The pre-paid parking solution (in conjunction with Ticketek), has continued to play a significant role in major event planning at the Park, with pre-paid ticketing becoming a favoured option for major event customers. More than 83,000 pre-paid tickets sold in 2007.
Secure Parking's winning tender contains a strong commitment to integrated marketing and promotion with a particular focus on the major events calendar. More of these events seem destined to come to the Park, with the recent appointment of Australia's major sporting event guru John O'Neil, as chair of the new Sydney Major Events Corporation.
Secure Parking's CEO Garth Mathews welcomed the continuing relationship with the park.
'We have been working with the team since planning began for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games in 1998. We have served the growing needs of the community as the site has successfully staged the 2000 Olympics and Paralympics, the 2003 Rugby World Cup and major annual events such as the Easter Show.'
Mathews also highlighted Secure Parking's on-going parking infrastructure works in the area. 'Our technology upgrade will include 24 hour monitoring of all parking within the precinct. Like their sporting, business and entertainment events, Sydney Olympic Park's parking infrastructure is at a world class level.'
The new five year agreement provides the framework for Secure Parking to implement further customer service solutions, which include:
-24 hour monitoring facilities using 'Secure Vision' from the central national control room.
-A significant recruitment increase of the on-the-ground team.
Currently the team extends to 102 people for major events.
-Implementation of an ISO accreditation, including regular customer satisfaction surveys.
-An upgrade of the public parking information signage at the precinct.
-GPS navigation applications for parking within the precinct.
-The introduction of MMS, mobile web and SMS communication for customers.
-Targeted revenue generating parking offers.
-Building stronger relationships with the sporting organisations that use SOP facilities and their membership bases.
-Night Owl Parking.
Visit www.secureparking.com.au
The Gema Group serves up an Ace in Sydney Olympic Park
From humble beginnings over 20 years ago with Belhaven Manor wedding reception venue, the Gema Group is now one of the most prominent, award winning catering companies around in Sydney.
The Gema Group has contracts for a diverse range of high profile Sydney venues and corporate events around the country run by a highly qualified team providing flexibility, creativity and personal attention to ensure the success of every event.
At Sydney Olympic Park Gema provides the catering services for Sydney Olympic Park State Sports Centre, Golf Centre and now have launched a new functions & events centre at the Tennis Centre called 'Courtside.'
Courtside Function & Event Centre consists of five function rooms which are pillar free , with additional breakout and lawn areas. With plenty of onsite parking and public transport close by, the new centre is easily accessible for local and interstate visitors.
The function centre is innovative and most recently held the Medibank International Tennis Tournament in January.
From the intimate boardroom meetings and lunches, cocktail parties and school formals to team building days and week long conferences, nothing is too great or too small.
The Gema Group can organise meetings in the morning and team building in the surrounding grounds in the afternoon with a game of Tennis. Dining can be seated in the function rooms or in a more casual BBQ environment down by Court 1.
'The new facility and new kitchen will be able to provide a sit-down dinner for 400 people' continued Yasmin, Gema's- Function & Events Consultant for Courtside.
Other 'Gema' venues include Parramatta and Oki Jubilee Stadiums, Cropley House, Rosehill Gardens, Paddington Town Hall and the Overseas Passenger Terminal.
Notable events Gema has been involved with include Floriade Tulip Festival in Canberra, Davis Cup, Beach Cricket, 2003 Rugby World Cup, Sydney Olympics 2000, the Prime Minister's XI cricket and the Golden Slipper, to name but a few.
Contact details for Courtside Function & Events Centre are:
Yasmin Barnes- Functions & Events Consultant, Gema Group
Courtside Functions & Events Centre, Rod Laver Drive, Sydney Olympic Park, Homebush Bay NSW
Contact number: 0488 296 726. Visit www.gema.com.au
OUT 'N ABOUT
Telstra Sadium now ANZ Stadium
On 12 December ANZ announced a new seven-year naming rights sponsorship with Stadium Australia Group resulting in the renaming of Telstra Stadium to 'ANZ Stadium' from January 2008.
Pictured (centre) is ANZ Chief Executive Officer, Mike Smith , who made the announcement on behalf of the bank, with Australian Socceroo, John Aloisi (right) and former Wallabies Captain, John Eales (left)
Becks tops ANZ Stadium Poll
In the latest edition of the Stadium's newsletter Boots 'n' All the December Poll asking members what their favourite ANZ Stadium event in 2007 was produced the following results:
62% David Beckham's visit with LA Galaxy
18% Swans' nail-biting 1pt loss to West Coast
16% Storm's NRL Grand Final win
4% Wallabies' late comeback against Wales
NRL Fan Day
Around 15,000 fans braved at times torrential rain in the lead-up, to witness a once in a lifetime opportunity that brought together all 16 NRL squads at ANZ Stadium for The Harvey Norman Centenary Fan Day.
Supporters queued shoulder to shoulder for autographs and team memberships and finally for a kick on the field that will stage the 2008 Grand Final.
Before and after the photograph they continued to arrive for the chance to meet their heroes in the stalls around the ground and to take part in the on-field activities.
There was a special moment, too, for the Bulldogs who won the sharpshooters goal-kicking challenge without an injured Hazem El Masri.
"I'm putting Hazem under pressure," Daniel Holdsworth joked after landing four from the sideline to win $1,000 for charity.
NRL Chief Executive, Mr David Gallop, added: "It was a really positive day all round."
"The players really got a lot out of it and you can tell they enjoyed being together throughout the day as much as the fans did.
"There's a big year ahead for the game and today has certainly reminded everyone of what a special time it is for Rugby League."
SOPBA NEW FACES
New ACPE CEO
Dr Phil Hamdorf was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Australian College of Physical Education in December 2007.
With a long career as an exercise scientist and sports administrator, he brings to the role both practical and academic achievements in this field.
His previous positions have included Executive Director of the Office for Recreation and Sport (Government of South Australia), Chief Exercise Physiologist for the Royal Adelaide Hospital and Head of the Centre for Physical Activity in Ageing (which he established in 1984).
Dr Hamdorf has been President of the Australian Association for Exercise and Sports Science and Sports Medicine Australia (SA Branch).
He is well published with over 35 papers (articles, abstracts and book chapters) to his credit and has presented more than 100 papers at conferences and community functions.
Dr Hamdorf is a Churchill Fellow and currently holds fellowships with the Association for Exercise and Sports Science and Sports Medicine Australia.
Marton Jakeb sets a new Payce at The Waterfront
Marton joined Payce in October 2007 to head up its marketing department who are located within the residential Mediterranean estate - The Waterfront at Homebush Bay.
His experience and knowledge spans over 17 years with exposure to over a dozen various property businesses. 13 years of which were spent on the advertising side with his most recent agency role as General Manager for a boutique branding and communications business.
Before joining Payce, Marton ran the marketing department of Meriton Apartments, one of the largest property developers in Australia.
Marton says "I look forward to working with SOPBA and the members within. We are all neighbours and should work together to ensure that this part of Sydney continues to grow as it has been - making this an attractive area to live, work and play in. In fact we do have a large selection of luxury apartments to choose from here so you can live, work and play in this area and enjoy the lifestyle that has been created and continues to be developed."
RSPCA joins SOPBA
The RSPCA, Australia's largest animal welfare organisation, caring for all creatures great and small has joined SOPBA as an Affiliate Member. The RSPCA is a charity, not a Government agency, and relies on donations from our supporters to continue our life-saving work.
The RSPCA has nine shelters in NSW which provide comfort, shelter and the best possible care to lost, abandoned, surrendered, neglected, unwanted, sick or injured animals. Each year, the RSPCA offers shelter to almost 40,000 animals in New South Wales.
RSPCA inspectors investigate complaints against all kinds of animals in all kinds of situations. The most common complaint is about people who don't feed their animals properly, do not provide them with veterinary treatment, leave them without water or allow them to suffer extremes of temperature without adequate shelter.
One of the RSPCA's most important priorities is in educating the community about kindness to animals. Their specialist staff and volunteers are devoted to teaching children to develop empathy with animals and become responsible pet owners. Each year RSPCA humane education staff visit hundreds of schools and community groups and provide educational resources for teachers.
In the weeks ahead you'll be hearing more about the Million Paws Walk at Sydney Olympic Park on 18 May. Details about the event are available by visiting www.millionpawswalk.com.au
SOPA NEWS
New CEO and Board Members for Sydney Olympic Park Authority
The former CEO of the Darling Harbour Authority and current Deputy Director General of the Department of Commerce, Alan Marsh, commenced as the new CEO of the Sydney Olympic Park Authority on 1 February.
Mr Marsh's previous positions include delivering the Government's logistical support for the Rugby World Cup and a senior executive role with the Arena Management Group of Companies.
Minister for Planning, Frank Sartor, described Mr Marsh as having the right blend of skills and experience to lead the Sydney Olympic Park Authority (SOPA) into the future.
"A new phase of commercial development has recently commenced and will accelerate in the coming years, along with substantial residential development." Mr Sartor said.
"With a mixture of private and public sector experience and a diverse background including event management, precinct management, construction and development, Alan Marsh is well-placed to lead the Sydney Olympic Park Authority through its new challenges."
As well as the new CEO who automatically joins the Board, the Sydney Olympic Park Authority has another new Board member. Liz Ellis, who recently retired from competition after captaining the Australian netball team to victory at the World Championships, has joined an expanded SOPA Board.
"Liz Ellis is a great Australian sporting champion, a lawyer and a successful businesswoman," Mr Sartor said.
"Ms Ellis is already on the Boards of the NSW Institute of Sport and the State Sports Centre, which are both based at Sydney Olympic Park."
Sydney Olympic Park - the destination
Sydney Olympic Park Authority (SOPA) is making significant headway to promote the Park as a destination distinct from Homebush Bay, the Park's former place name and site of the 2000 Olympics, and to establish a single identity as Sydney Olympic Park.
Building on the success since the Games - such as being granted the place name of Sydney Olympic Park by the NSW Geographical Names Board and the changing of all arterial road signage leading into the Park - efforts have continued to build community understanding and acceptance of the Sydney Olympic Park name.
This is similar to the success of the Darling Harbour Authority to build its place name "Darling Harbour" over that of its geographic location, Cockle Bay.
Recent SOPA successes to promote the Sydney Olympic Park place name include:
-Updating the central database used by taxi companies to reflect the correct "call out" address when taxi drivers come to the Park
-Updating records at the NSW Ministry of Transport, thereby reinforcing the name change with public-transport organisations such as bus companies, chauffeur services and water taxis
-Changes to the location-finder feature on the Telstra, Vodafone,AAPT and Optus mobile telephone networks
-Updating the services provided by the Weather Company, the organisation that supplies suburban weather details to, among others, the Sydney Morning Herald.
| 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 | ||