SOPBiz #13 March 2008

Sun continues to shine on Newington with BP Solar

Community and business interest in solar power has been growing rapidly in recent years, thanks to increased environmental awareness. However, talk stopped long ago for the suburb of Newington which was Australia's first solar suburb.

Originally the Athletes' Village for the "green" Sydney 2000 Olympics, Newington has grown rapidly to become a vibrant, thriving community which is a number one choice for buyers who are concerned about environmental issues.

In partnership with the developer of the Newington community, Mirvac Lendlease, Sydney Olympic Park-based BP Solar has installed solar electricity systems on more than 1,000 homes in the precinct. BP Solar is Australia's only commercial manufacturer of solar panels and produced the solar panels for Newington at its factory in Sydney Olympic Park.

In the last ten years, BP Solar has installed 780 one-kilowatt systems and 234 of its 500 watt systems on homes in Newington, with another 24 in the pipeline. The systems are integrated into the roof of the homes and are connected to the electricity grid. By generating their own electricity, residents will not need to import as much from their electricity retailers and can rest easy in the knowledge that they are contributing to a cleaner energy future.

BP Solar has around 250 people employed at its Sydney OIympic Park site; the manufacturing plant operates 24 hours a day. Of course, BP Solar offers solar for a range of applications, including commercial systems for office buildings and warehouse roofs. Last year BP Solar won the Western Sydney Industry Award for Global Excellence (large business) and it is the leader of the consortium delivering the Blacktown Solar City project as part of the Australian Government's Solar Cities initiative.

For more information about BP Solar, visit www.bpsolar.com.au

TAFE NSW-South Western Sydney Institute

TAFE NSW - South Western Sydney Institute offers programs that are innovative, hands-on and reflect current industry and business needs; developed through strong partnerships with both. Over 550 programs are delivered to almost 75,000 students each year across nine TAFE colleges, in workplaces and overseas.

TAFE NSW - South Western Sydney Institute is proud to be one of the many Sydney Olympic Park business partners through its Faculty of Tourism, Hospitality, Primary Industry and Arts. It can help develop pathways for students within TAFE programs and from TAFE to university, and is able to offer flexible delivery options to support customers' learning goals.

Offering customised, flexible and responsive training, South Western Sydney Institute can work with your company to build a highly skilled workforce, creating organisational sustainability and a competitive edge in the global marketplace. Training solutions include specialist industry programs, delivery on worksites, recognition assessment and gap training.

For more information about courses please contact Bernice Mills on 4620 1770 or E-mail Bernice.mills@tafensw.edu.au or log onto www.swsi.tafensw.edu.au

ACPE introduces industry first Degree

The Australian College of Physical Education and TAFE NSW have joined forces to offer the new Bachelor of Applied Fitness.

In an industry first, ACPE in conjunction with TAFE NSW will be offering students the opportunity to gain a Bachelors qualification to work in the Fitness industry. Degree students have traditionally needed VET qualifications to work in the fitness industry. From 2008 students will be able to study a degree at ACPE and gain VET qualifications at the same time. The program will be based at the ACPE campus at Sydney Olympic Park with TAFE teachers delivering the VET component. Students may leave after 2 years with an Associate Degree plus qualifications to be industry ready for immediate employment. For TAFE students, advanced standing can be granted with relevant industry experience.

At the completion of the degree, students will be qualified for work :
-as Fitness Facility Trainers
-as Qualified Personal Trainers
-in the management of Private Fitness Gyms
-in Corporate Fitness
-as a self-employed Personal Trainer

Introducing Saxon-Special Olympics Australia

Hi, my name is Saxon, you may have already seen me around Sydney Olympic Park.

I am an ambassador for Special Olympics Australia and work every Tuesday in the National office based in the precinct.

Special Olympics is an International organisation which was established in the mid 1950's by the Kennedy family in the USA.

Our mission is to provide year-round sports training and athlete competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with an intellectual disability. This gives us opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and build friendships with other Special Olympic athletes and the community.

Through hard work and dedication, I have been fortunate to represent Australia in Golf at the 2007 World Summer Games held in Shanghai where I received a Silver medal. Team Australia came home with 35 personal bests, 51 Gold Medals, 53 Silver, 28 Bronze and 50 place ribbons.

I would welcome the opportunity of talking with you. I am passionate about Special Olympics and our journey over the next four years to Athens.

It would be great if we could meet and I could outline the role that you or your organisation could play in assisting us on our journey to Athens in 2011.

If you would like more information please call Fran on 0418 476 866 or email frane@specialolympics.com.au.

Remember if you see me around the park, please come over and say hello.

Saxon

OUT 'N ABOUT

Ralph Norris opens Commonwealth Bank's first building at Sydney Olympic Park

On Tuesday 26 February 2008, Ralph Norris, CEO of the Commonwealth Bank, officially opened 10 Dawn Fraser Avenue with 200 people from the organisation in attendance.

The Commonwealth Bank's world-class workplace has been designed to foster collaboration and interaction among employees. An open plan design and innovative meeting spaces feature prominently throughout.

Providing a work/life balance was another key factor for the Commonwealth Bank's newest workplace. Every Sydney Olympic Park-based employee enjoys access to the Lifestyle program and Kids Company - Parkview, the organisation's newest childcare centre. This convenient service is also available to local residents and the Park's business community.

Incorporating the Commonwealth Bank's approach to a sustainable environment was also important. Aiming to reduce energy and water usage by 50 per cent compared to conventional commercial buildings is a high priority.

10 Dawn Fraser Avenue is the first of three bespoke workplaces being developed by the Commonwealth Bank in Sydney Olympic Park. Almost 1,000 employees are already enjoying their new beginning and will welcome a further 2,200 colleagues into Sites 6 and 7 by April 2009.

Official opening of Kids Company

The brand new , state of the art, child care facility is now officially open.

Kids Company Parkview operates from 7.30am - 6.30pm Monday to Friday.

Nine staff are currently employed by the centre whilst the number of children grows. Staff to child ratios across the service are currently one staff to every three chirldren.

Employees looking to utilise this facility should contact the centre directly on 9763 5555 to organise a tour and meet the fantastic staff.

It's showtime!

With Easter just around the corner, the RAS is gearing up for another Show. Celebrating over 10 years in custom-built facilities at Sydney Olympic Park, the Sydney Royal Easter Show is an iconic event that continues to draw visitors from far and wide. This year's Show will run from Thursday 20 March, the day before Good Friday, to Wednesday 2 April.

Each year, the Show attracts around 900,000 visitors, making it the largest agricultural show in Australia and one of the top 10 shows in the world. It is also the richest show in the country with an impressive cash prize pool of $750,000 and a staggering 15,000 prizes in the form of trophies, medals and certificates.

Injecting nearly $500 million into the NSW economy annually, the Show is a fantastic asset to the state. The RAS is also committed to positive environmental outcomes and as a result, the Show has once again been nominated as an official Green Date by the Environment Protection Authority. On average, over the last three years, the Show has diverted 98% of all its waste from landfill and over 70% of Showgoers use public transport rather than cars to get to the Show.

Look for the offers associated with the Show later in this newsletter.

When good Neighbours become good friends at The Waterfront

Friday night drinks and Community BBQs are not new to residents at The Waterfront in Homebush Bay. From Friday 29th February, the ownership and running of the Community BBQ has moved from Payce Consolidated - the developers of The Waterfront - to the resident run Waterfront Kayak Club. They will re-launch this community concept with a spectacular prize giveaway including an LCD TV, a gourmet BBQ feast, and live music.

The award-winning waterfront estate is unique in Sydney and has a number of resident-run clubs including the Kayak Club, Mothers Group, Photography Club and many more as well as first class facilities such as a new gym, pool and tennis courts.

The Waterfront Kayak Club, a community club with approximately 58 active members, is constantly encouraging its fellow members to get involved in their local community. And leading by example is their latest initiative-taking over The Waterfront's Friday Community BBQ.

Lifestyle's 'Sole' Mates

Lifestyle recently promoted the Adore Shoe Party - a summer shoe sale in the Visitors Centre. A further 20% discount off the entire summer range was given to Lifestyle Members on presentation of their membership card.

Remember to check out all the member discounts and offers on www.lifestyleatthepark.com.au or call Tom Farrar, Lifestyle Memberships Manager, to come and see you and your staff about membership.
T: 9714 7344
M: 0488 904 575
E: tom.farrar@sopa.nsw.gov.au

2008 Medibank Tennis International

Russia's Dmitry Tursunov won the 2008 Medibank International, defeating Australia's Chris Guccione in straight sets (7-6 7-6) at Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre, Saturday January 12 .

In the womens final Belgium's world No. 1 Justine Henin defeated Russian world No. 2 Svetlana Kuznetsova to claim the Medibank International crown in a three set thriller (4-6 6-2 6-4).

Off court there was an array of winning food and beverage options for patrons attending the event. Pictured is Tennis NSW General Manager David Eland (far right) who entertained a number of key partners during the event.

SOPBA NEW FACES

New Silver Member- Transpacific Waste Services

Transpacific Waste Services (a division of Transpacific Industries Group Ltd) operates Australia's largest third party industrial liquid treatment plant.

Located in Sydney at Homebush Bay, the plant is a key component of the overall management of liquid wastes in the greater Sydney area.

The Homebush plant is capable of treating a variety of waste liquids, including contaminated ground waters, oily waters, waste acids and alkalis. With a capacity of over 100,000 tonnes per year and an on-site liquid waste collection fleet, Transpacific Waste Services effectively meets the industrial liquid waste needs of Sydney and NSW.

The liquid waste that is treated at the plant is primarily delivered to the site in Transpacific Waste Services Department of Environment and Conservation licensed tankers. The majority of the remaining volume is delivered by pipeline from the Sydney Olympic Park Authority facilities and ground works remediation in the Homebush area. Along with operational and customer services, the Transpacific Waste Services transport fleet is based at the Homebush Site.

New Affiliate Member Australian Paralympic Committee

The Australian Paralympic Committee is the latest addition to the SOPBA fold.

Originally formed by its members in 1990 as the Australian Paralympic Federation, the Australian Paralympic Committee (APC) is the peak national body responsible for Australia's elite athletes with a disability. The original members were Australia's National Sporting Organisations for the Disabled (NSODs).

The primary goal in creating the APC was to establish a unified body to control corporate representation (domestically and internationally), participation at summer and winter Paralympic Games, marketing (sponsorship and fundraising) and public awareness. A support goal was to assist members to develop disability sport in Australia.

In 2000, APC membership was expanded to include generic national sporting organisations and it presently comprises seven NSODs and eight National Sporting Organisations (NSOs).

Welcome aboard and we look forward to learning more this organisation through its involvement with SOPBA.

New 'players' in the Novotel and Hotel Ibis teams

Novotel and Hotel Ibis Sydney Olympic Park have started the year with some fresh ideas, some of them driven by the new faces in key roles. One of the changes involves the dual hotel complex going completely smoke free indoors from 1st April 2008.

Neil Paterson joins the team as Director of Sales & Marketing for Accor Hotels Greater Sydney from his previous role as General Manager at Mercure Hotel Parramatta. Prior to that he was the Director of Sales & Marketing at Sofitel Gold Coast. Neil is responsible for the Sales and Marketing focus for the Novotel and Hotel Ibis Sydney Olympic Park, the new Pullman Hotel at Sydney Olympic Park and the Mercure Hotel Parramatta.

Victoria Deak joins the team as Director of Conference & Catering Sales from her previous role with Sofitel Gold Coast as Conference & Catering Sales Manager. Prior to that Victoria worked at the Grand Mercure Gold Coast as Conference & Catering Manager.

John Timson joins the team as Director of Food & Beverage Greater Sydney from his previous role as Food & Beverage Manager Novotel St Kilda. John has worked within the Food & Beverage industry for over ten years in a variety of roles. The Food & Beverage Department also welcomes Brett Skinner as Manager in The Brewery from his previous roles at the Menzies and Novotel Brighton Beach.

Lynda Rowan joins the team as Human Resources Manager Greater Sydney from her previous role as Human Resources Manager with Novotel Brisbane.

Kevin Starr joins the team as Technical Services Manager Greater Sydney from his previous role as Chief Engineer with Star City. He has worked in a number of 4 & 5 star hotels in the city.

NEWS FROM 7 FIGTREE DRIVE

Traffic and Transport Consultative Committee Update

The most recent meeting of this group was held on 14 February. An update on the matters discussed is available to read in the attached pdf. David Young from SOPA will be in attendance at the General Meeting on Thursday 6 March and will be available to discuss any of these issues.

Through SOPBA we are happy to table any of your traffic and transport issues not discussed in this update.

Action list 14 Feb 2008

OFFERS

2008 Royal Easter Show Offers

SHOWLINK DISCOUNT FOR SOPBA MEMBERS

As a valued member of SOPBA, you can purchase your ShowLink tickets for 25% off the normal entry price. Tickets will be available from Monday 3 March up to and including 19 March at the convenient location of the Sydney Olympic Park Visitor Centre, on the corner of Showground Road and Murray Rose Avenue.

The Visitor Centre is open daily between 9am and 5pm. Members must show proof of their place of employment to receive the discount. This offer is limited to 10 tickets per member. Tickets can be used for single entry any of the 14 Show days.

ShowLink Prices
-Adults - $24.00
-Child - $16.10
-Concession $19.10
Price includes GST.

Tickets are subject to availability. Conditions apply. Please see www.eastershow.com for further ticket terms and conditions.

Become an RAS Member

Alternatively, to enjoy unlimited Show entry for 14 days, plus access to reserved seating in the NAB Arena and The Footy Show Woodchop Stadium, become a RAS Member.

If you sign up during the Show, the RAS will waive the joining fee ($95), so make your way to the Members' Card Collection Centre, located on the corner of Showground Road and Murray Rose Avenue, opposite the railway station, any day of the Show.

With limitless access to the Show, you can enjoy all the great food on offer in your lunch hour, or after work. With prices starting from $5.50, the Sydney Royal Garden Cafe, is a great place to enjoy award-winning produce from the prestigious Sydney Royal Wine, Dairy & Fine Food Shows. The Common Ground Cafe will be dishing up their famous barramundi burgers and other tempting delights, or take your taste buds east with a visit to Yai Thai to experience authentic Thai cuisine.

Live music fans will be spoilt for choice with a stellar line-up of talent at the Show. Don't miss Kate Miller-Heidke, Seany B, Ricki-Lee and The Potbelleez all live on stage in The VB Shed, with an assortment of other pop, jazz, soul and acoustic acts every day of the Show.