SOPBiz # 17 July

NSW Hall of Champions Induction of Honourees

Cricketer Belinda Clark AM, Roosters coach Brad Fittler AM, swimmer Ian Thorpe OAM and water polo player Elizabeth Weekes OAM were honoured as the latest inductees into the Hall of Champions at a luncheon at the Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre on 30 June.

Included in the list of sponsors were SOPBA members Sydney Olympic Park Authority and Gema Catering.

WatervieW Convention Centre-World Youth Day 2008

A gathering of over 400 priests and parish workers from the Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay, Parramatta, Sydney and Wollongong gathered at the Waterview Convention Centre in June to further discuss arrangements for World Youth Day 2008. It was the first time ever that the four dioceses had held a conference together.

'A Little Ray of Sunshine' - Novotel, supports our community

Novotel Sydney Olympic Park recently welcomed two very special employees into the fold.

For the last 10 years, our sister hotel Novotel Brighton Beach has opened its doors to Michelle, Amanda, Mara and Geoffrey from Sunshine Home (an organization for people with mental and physical impairment). These delightful staff members added great spirit to their back of house food and beverage department, polishing cutlery with great gusto and smiles.

Due to their transport difficulties the guys were unable to continue travelling from western Sydney to Brighton each day. Novotel Brighton Beach approached Novotel Sydney Olympic Park to carry on providing casual employment for two of these hard working, cheerful individuals, which we had no hesitation in assisting.

The Lorna Hodgkinson Sunshine Home enhances the quality of life of their clients through the provision of a comprehensive spectrum of critical support and services to many in our local area. It is important that we all show support to them, by providing an opportunity for two of their people to get out into the community and share their sunny personalities.

Novotel Sydney Olympic Park has warmly welcomed our two new friends, and promise them plenty of jobs to keep them busy.

Famous faces at Novotel

The last month has been a very busy one at Novotel Sydney Olympic Park with some large hotel and Park events bringing a number of famous faces to the hotel.

It included a week where celebrities from Rove MacManus to Miss Anita (Playschool) and high profile politicians, including the acting Prime Minister, visited the hotel to meet with His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

We were delighted with the positive feedback from all on both the Park and the hotel.

The Brewery and Arena Bar

Just as Sydney Olympic Park really is proving to be the event capital of Sydney, Arena Restaurant and The Brewery are proving to be 'the' meeting place before major events.

Large crowds gathered in the hotel before the Socceroos game against China. Similar crowds are expected for the upcoming Rugby tests, a Swans AFL game and the rugby league State of Origin decider.

During the first league State of Origin game, the hotel had 142 staff working for a total of 1147 hours. They served 916 meals throughout the hotel and in The Brewery, staff served 17648 beers to a crowd of 11466 over the course of the night!

Into the mix you can also add several NRL games each weekend and the Swifts home games in the netball.

Arena Restaurant and The Brewery are looking to beat those numbers during the upcoming rugby tests and the State of Origin decider.

From Mao to Now Chinese Art Exhibition at the Armory

One of the world's finest collections of Chinese modern art was unveiled at Sydney Olympic Park this month by the NSW Minister for the Arts, Frank Sartor MP.

Called From Mao to Now, the exhibition showcases contemporary artworks and actual political posters spanning from the Mao Zedong era to today.

The exhibition is part of a cultural exchange program between Olympic Games host cities.

It features 65 historical posters from the Mao era from the Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre as well as works by international artists including George Gittoes and William Yang.

Interactive cultural workshops, including the ancient Chinese art of paper cutting and calligraphy, will also be held during the school holidays.

From Mao To Now will be held at the Newington Armory Gallery every weekend until September 28. It will also be open every day during the school holidays.

Entry is free.

For more information call 02 9714 7888 or visit www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au

Pictured is Planning Minister Frank Sartor and Curator Catherine Croll

Pullman Hotel is almost there

Sydney's newest 5 star hotel is racing towards completion with the opening date of September 1st well on track.

While the exterior painting is fully underway, the inside of the hotel is really taking shape with painters and tilers working full steam.

Designed by the renowned and multi awarded Melbourne interior designer Joseph Pang, the hotel furniture and carpets are now all waiting in a warehouse ready to be installed.

With modern clean lines and design elements that will appeal to all the senses, Hotel General Manager Marcus Hanna cannot wait to showcase this design masterpiece to the Park.

SOPA NEWS

The profile of Sydney Olympic Park continues to grow

$20 Million Quest Development at Sydney Olympic Park

Australia and New Zealand's largest serviced apartment operator, Quest, will build a $20 million complex at Sydney Olympic Park. Sydney Olympic Park Authority Chief Executive Officer Alan Marsh said Quest will enter a 99-year lease agreement for the 1,264 sm site located on Edwin Flack Avenue.

The eight-storey, 77-apartment complex will include three retail shops, conference facilities, a gymnasium and underground parking.

'The Quest apartment complex will be a great addition to Sydney Olympic Park and will cater for the many business travellers at the Park,' Mr Marsh said.

'Sydney Olympic Park hosts more than 1,500 business events each year with thousands of business people requiring accommodation for conferences and meetings.

'Quest will offer a home away from home for business travellers and will add to the many accommodation options already offered by traditional hotels at the Park.'

Quest has more than 120 serviced apartment complexes in Australasia with a value of more than $2billion.

WATPAC development approved

Construction on a new $32.5 million office and retail development at site 8A will begin in September following approval by the Minister for Minister for Planning, the Honourable Frank Sartor MP.

Owned by WATPAC, the 1400 sm site is located on the northern side of Murray Rose Avenue, opposite Jacaranda Square.The new six-storey building will include more than 7,200 sm of space with five levels of commercial space and ground floor retail.

Construction will require the prior removal of an electrical substation with completion expected in late 2009.

The development will help change the face of Sydney Olympic Park's new town centre and will create a new urban layer between the Olympic Park train station and the Sydney Showground's exhibition facilities.

World Youth Day Comes to Sydney Olympic Park

Sydney Olympic Park will host thousands of Christian pilgrims during World Youth Day from 15 to 20 July.

Pilgrims will be accommodated mainly in the indoor venues of the Sydney Showground and the Sports Centre. World Youth Day Coordinating Authority said the new arrangements will ease demand for sleeping spaces at the Sydney's state schools.

Catholic schools will sleep and feed 77,000 pilgrims while around 12,000 pilgrims will stay at the Sydney Showground.Consolidating sleeping places across fewer venues will be more efficient, improve transport arrangements and provide a better experience for pilgrims, World Youth Day Coordinating Authority said.

Special road closures are planned for the Park during World Youth Day.

From Tuesday, 15 July to Monday 21 July 2008, Showground Road will be closed at the northern side of Dawn Fraser and Grand Parade, and Murray Rose will be closed between Showground Road and Park Street.

World Youth Day Coordinating Authority and Sydney Olympic Park Authority will hold a business briefing about World Youth Day 2008 at 7 Figtree Drive at 3pm on Monday 7 July - see separate article in this edition of SOPBiz.

TRAFFIC TRANSPORT UPDATE

Objection to DFO application

In SOPBA's continuing effort to improve traffic and transport in and around the Park, an objection was lodged with Strathfield Council on 16 June for the 'Proposed Bulky Goods Warehouse 1-5 Underwood Road, HOMEBUSH DA 2008/087/rs.

A copy of the letter appears in the News section of the SOPBA website.

Council Objection response

FUNDRAISING SUPPORT FOR MEMBERS

Paws for Celebration: The Musical

It's Glitz and Glamour for everyone, and all in an excellent cause!

That's right ,it's the RSPCA annual black tie gala ball, and this year the theme is "Paws for Celebration: The Musical."

The Paws For Celebration Ball is a major fundraising initiative of the RSPCA NSW and by attending you will be supporting our ongoing commitment to the protection and care of animals.This year we're transporting you to the bright lights of Broadway with a floor show that includes some of Australia's most talented musical theatre stars.

The Paws for Celebration Ball will be held at the Grand Harbour Ballroom, Star City, Sydney on Friday 18 July 2008.

An evening of fine dining, entertainment, auctions and surprises is planned. All donations and ticket sales are tax deductible.
Key features of the evening include:
-Sumptuous three-course meal
-Pre-dinner drinks and games to play - win a pamper prize for you and your pet!
-Entertainment - musical floor show and band
-Celebrity guests
-Live and Silent Auction items including many 'money can't buy' experiences
-The Money Tree Raffle

Once the ball has concluded, enjoy a post-event beverage at the VIP 'Cast Party' in the Astral Bar on level 17. The stunning outdoor terrace and 270 degree panoramic views of Sydney Harbour will take your breath away.

A glamorous and fun event, the funds raised through the our annual Paws for Celebration Ball helps us care for and shelter up to 40,000 animals each year.

Tickets cost $210 per person or $2,000 for a table of ten.

We look forward to seeing you there!

For further information, contact:
Britt Ruja
Events Manager
RSPCA NSW
DL: (02) 8666 0109
M: 0432 329 672
E: bruja@rspcansw.org.au

Special Olympics - SO, SportsFan 1000

SO, SportsFan 1000 is an exclusive club for generous donors.

The funds will directly benefit athletes from every region, from every part of the country, every year. Members will see their donations at work at all SO competitions including National and World Games for
years to come.

SO, SportsFan 1000 Club members commit to donate $1,000 annually for the four year period 2008 through to 2011 ($4,000 over 4 years). Donations are tax.deductible.

As an incentive, our SO, SportsFan 1000 Club members will receive:
-A limited edition SO, SportsFan 1000 Club Gold Medal Plaque to recognize your outstanding contribution
-Exclusive invitation to attend an annual Thank You
-Reception with other generous donors and World Games athletes
-A chance to win a travel and accommodation package for two people to attend the Special Olympics World Summer
-Games in Athens in June 2011 and support our Australian team (drawn at Thank You Reception in February 2011)

To become a member of the SO, SportsFan 1000 Club, please complete your details below and send to:
Special Olympics Australia
PO Box 62
Concord West NSW 2138 Or fax to (02) 8732.1629

They will confirm your membership and forward a receipt via mail.

For further information, please contact Fran Eustace on 02 8116.9839.
Special Olympics Australia
Sport for People with an Intellectual Disability

EVENTS

Save 15% on your Competitor Registration Fee ...

Register online as a Sydney 2009 World Masters Games competitor before the end of July 2008 and you will save 15% on the competitor registration fee thanks to our Early Bird offer.

The special deal represents a saving of AUD33 and, remember, there are many registration benefits over and above entry into a Games sports competition, including free public transport throughout Sydney, a goodie-packed sports bag, access to a range of social events and a seat at the Games Opening Ceremony in which Masters competitors and other participants will take centre stage.

To be eligible for our Early Bird offer all you have to do is complete your Games competitor registration, including paying all appropriate fees, on or before 31 July 2008.

Visit www.2009worldmasters.com and click on 'Registration'

Olympic Park venue for Beijing Announcement

The headquarters of the Australian Paralympic Committee (APC) is in one of the heritage buildings in Sydney Olympic Park, surrounded by the venues of the Australian Team's triumphs at the Sydney Games in 2000.

On Friday 27 June, the Park was the venue for the announcement by APC CEO Darren Peters of the cyclists who will represent Australia at the Beijing Paralympic Games, from 6-17 September.

Stacked with current Paralympic and World champions, the Australians will arrive in the Chinese capital eager to confirm their reputation among Paralympic cycling's leading contenders. Australia was the dominant force at the Sydney Paralympic Games in 2000 and again in Athens.

"Australia has proud record of success in cycling at the Paralympic Games, but since our performance in Athens four years ago, the world is catching up," said Mr Peters.

"The competition and the rivalry in Beijing will be fierce, but I'm confident the Australian cycling team will do their country proud."

The announcement featured five-time Paralympian Chris Scott, who is seeking to add to his seven Paralympic gold medals, and Manly rider Lindy Hou, who narrowly missed selection in Sydney and then won four medals, including one gold, in Athens.

Blacktown resident and first time Paralympian Jayme Paris, who was discovered through the APC's Toyota Talent Search Program, couldn't hide her excitement at being named in the team. Also thrilled was Michael Milton, who has won 6 Paralympic Winter gold medals in alpine skiing and will now be just the fourth Australian to represent his country at both the Summer and Winter Games.

The Australian Team of 169 athletes and almost 120 coaches, managers, medical and other staff, depart Australia on 1 September and will return on 20 September 2008.

Image: L to R: Jayme Paris, Michael Milton, coach Tom Skulander and Lindy Hou are on their bikes to Beijing

NRL Super Pass for ANZ Stadium

Six Sydney NRL clubs have sidestepped their normal rivalry to give rugby league fans the chance to be a part of the Centenary Season's run to the finals through a revolutionary $25.00 Super Pass.

The Bulldogs, Rabbitohs, Wests Tigers, Eels, Dragons and Sea Eagles will allow fans to choose any two of their Superpass matches at ANZ Stadium for $25.00.

Each club will offer at least two Super Pass games at ANZ Stadium between rounds 17 and 25, with Bulldogs and Rabbitohs fans able to choose any two of four matches. A junior Super Pass will be offered to under 15's for $10.00.

"It's a great example of clubs working together to encourage fans," NRL Director of Marketing and Commercial Mr Paul Kind said today.

"ANZ Stadium not only provides the facilities that many fans demand at a match but it also gives clubs a real opportunity to grow their supporter base and they have played a key role in making this offer possible."

The $25 Super Pass applies to fans of both the home and away team in each of the specified matches but must include two matches involving the same team. It entitles a fan to nominate two of their club's matches at ANZ Stadium over the nine rounds.

While fans are encouraged to pre purchase through Ticketek the offer will be available at the gate on game days.

To purchase a $25 Super Pass, call Ticketek on 132 849 or go to www.ticketek.com.au/superpass. The $25 Super Pass will also be available at the ANZ Stadium box office at matches.

The $25 Super Pass Western Round Up matches:
7 July NRL - Round 17, Bulldogs v Rabbitohs
12 July NRL - Round 18, Rabbitohs v Parramatta Eels
20 July NRL - Round 19, Rabbitohs v Wests Tigers
28 July NRL - Round 20, St George Illawarra Dragons v Bulldogs
3 August NRL - Round 21, Wests Tigers v Bulldogs
TBA NRL - Round 23, Rabbitohs v Sea Eagles
TBA NRL - Round 24, Bulldogs v Parramatta Eels
TBA NRL - Round 24, Wests Tigers v Manly Sea Eagles
TBA NRL - Round 25, St George Illawarra Dragons v
Parramatta Eels

World Youth Day Briefing

The World Youth Day Coordination Authority and the Sydney Olympic Park Authority invites you to attend a briefing session for businesses on logistical issues related to World Youth Day 2008.

World Youth Day is a six-day celebration hosted and organised by the Catholic Church and supported by the NSW and Commonwealth Governments. Events will start on Tuesday 15 and finish on Sunday 20 July 2008.

These briefings will provide the latest information for businesses operating in Sydney Olympic Park about the impact of arrangements during World Youth Day celebrations. At the end of these briefing sessions, the business community will be given an opportunity to have specific issues addressed.

The briefing will take place on Monday 7th July , 3pm at the office of Sydney Olympic Park Authority, 7 Figtree Drive. There is no cost to attend these sessions.

RSVP by email to Chris.Bastic@wydca.nsw.gov.au

For further information, please contact:
Chris Bastic, General Manager Stakeholder Relations
World Youth Day Coordination Authority
T: (02) 9201 3334, E: Chris.Bastic@wydca.nsw.gov.au

Dragons make it six in a row

The St George Bank Dragons travelled to the Gold Coast and notched up their sixth victory in a row at Skilled Stadium, a feat not achieved since 2006. And they spoiled the Titans unbeaten run at home this season.

With Matt Cooper selected in Origin and Captain Mark Gasnier out with a back injury Coach Nathan Brown selected local juniors Josh Morris and Chase Stanley as his centre pairing with Michael Lett named on the wing to play his second NRL match of the season.

Dragons are back in the Park at ANZ Stadium on Monday, 28 July at 7pm for a local derby against the Bulldogs.

Contact David Perry, Management & Growth Executive - Partnerships on Ph. 9587 1966 or Mobile. 0418 588 229 to discuss hospitality options at this game.

John Mellencamp at Acer Arena 28 November

The Frontier Touring Company and Roundhouse Entertainment are delighted to announce that for the first time in fifteen years John Mellencamp will tour Australia and New Zealand.

John will bring with him his legendary touring band; Mike Wancic - his veteran guitarist of 30 years, Troye Kinnett on Keyboards, Miriam Sturm on violin, Dane Clark on drums, Andy York on guitar and John Gunnell on bass.

Joining John on tour will be special guest Sheryl Crow. Returning to Australia for the first time since 1997, Sheryl will also perform her hits; All I Wanna Do, If It Makes You Happy plus feature material from her album 'Detours' released earlier this year through Universal Music.

Finally we are thrilled to confirm Shane Nicholson will be the special guest at the Australian indoor shows. Shane first came to prominence with Brisbane band Pretty Violet Stain, he then recorded and has released two solo albums; 'It's a Movie' in 2003 & 'Faith & Science' in 2006. Most recently Shane co-wrote, performed and co-produced the number one Australian album 'Rattlin Bones' with his wife and music partner Kasey Chambers.

Tickets on sale for ALL events on Monday July 7th at 9 am local time.
Ticketek 132 849 www.ticketek.com.au

OFFERS AND SERVICES

Looking for childcare close to work?

Kids Company has opened a new state of the art long day care and preschool on the ground floor at Quad 4 (Samsung building), 8 Parkview Drive, Sydney Olympic Park.

The centre is Australias first five star energy efficient and environmentally constructed centre that also delivers five star service and an exceptional program for children.

For Corporates
Kids Company partners with leading employers such as Commonwealth Bank Australia and HSBC to assist them:
-Provide childcare centres that assist in retaining and attracting their employees through improved work and family balance solutions
-Become an 'employer of choice' to help attract and retain the best staff

Make an appointment with the Centre Manager for a personal tour and meet our dedicated team.

Phone:8014 7601
Email:parkview@kidsco.com.au

Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre Holiday Clinics

Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre is offering four, fun programs these school holidays!

Running from Monday 7 - Thursday 10 July / 9am - 3pm each day, they are suitable for children aged 6 to 15 years.The cost is $195 per child for the week

Bookings - (02) 9764 1999 / (02) 9024 7626. Open the attached pdf for more information

Tennis Camp Brochure

Tuesday nights at Bel Parco Ristorante - Tapas, Beer and Wine night

For only $29.00 per person enjoy Bel Parco's Tapas Tuesday night special, comprising 5 courses of tapas, a glass of beer or Pinot Gris.

Experience a Mediterranean style night out while relaxing and enjoying the great atmosphere and exceptional food and service.

To avoid disappointment contact Bel Parco now Tel: (02) 9763 7530 or E-mail enquiries@belparco.com.au *Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Conditions apply.

BULLDOGS LIFESTYLE OFFER

Female Lifestyle members get FREE tickets to the 'Women in a league of their own' game

As part of the Bulldogs "Women in a league of Their Own" game next Monday against the Rabbitohs they would like to offer FREE TICKETS to female Lifestyle members to attend the game at ANZ Stadium. The players will be wearing pink socks on the night to raise money and awareness for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

All they have to do is call or email our office to register for the tickets and they will be sent out.

Attached is a 1 page flyer with all the details. Support this great cause, enjoy a free game of footy and make some new friends through your Lifestyle Membership and the Bulldogs.

Bulldogs offer