SOPBiz #20 October 2008

Toll Personnel

Toll Personnel, a new recruit to SOPBA, is conveniently located at 5 Uhrig Road.

With a national database of over 35,000 candidates, Toll Personnel is the Personnel and Training division of Toll Holdings Limited (Toll) Australia's largest transport and logistics company.
Their services and disciplines include:
-Executive and permanent placement services into all levels including supervisors through to senior management.
-Contracting services for IT, accounting and management
-Placement of permanent and temporary personnel in to blur and white collar areas - Manufacturing, Warehouse, Transport, Office and Call Centres.

Contact Toll Personnel on telephone: 9091 6378.

Award winning new member Modemedia

Modemedia, based in Newington, is an multi award winning design and marketing studio, specialising in Web & Flash design, Corporate Branding, Print and Retail Concepts.

Most recently Modemedia was presented a Highly Recommended Award for excellence in Customer Relations and Service, by the 2008 Australian Achiever Awards for NSW Printing & Graphic Design Services.

The Australian Achiever Awards provides the community with a listing of businesses that have proved their commitment to customer service. Modemedia received excellent results 97.03%, showing that their customer service approach is one of the highest standards.Modemedia has also received numerous Platinum and Gold Awards for Web design and development.

Visit their website to view their Award Winning Showcase at www.modemedia.com.au

New RAS General Manager - Marketing & Sales

Ms Karen Bolinger is the General Manager Marketing and Sales, a new position created by the Royal Agricultural Society NSW (RAS).

Ms Bolinger is responsible for the development and implementation of strategic plans to support the growth of all brands across the RAS.

RAS Chief Executive Peter King says Karen Bolinger brings a wealth of industry knowledge to the position.

“Karen has more than 20-years of experience, along with strong industry relationships and high level marketing skills.With a strong background in branded sales and marketing across a diverse group of sectors Karen will be a valuable addition to the team,” said Mr King.

Ms Bolinger says she’s looking forward to growing all RAS businesses.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the RAS and am excited about working to position the Sydney Showground as a world class venue business. I plan to strengthen the RAS existing relationships with industry groups and commercial clients as well as rolling out effective marketing strategies for the many brands which make up the RAS”, said Ms Bolinger.

Prior to her appointment, Ms Bolinger was the Director of Marketing at Staging Connections Group Limited and also worked at the Sydney Convention and Visitors Bureau (SCVB), where she held the position of General Manager for seven years.

Other previous positions include Director of Sales and Marketing for the Sheraton on the Park in Sydney and Director of Sales for the Renaissance Sydney Hotel.

AND THE WINNER IS..

GPT wins 2008 Development Excellence Award for Commercial Development

The Quad Business Park, developed by the GPT Group at Sydney Olympic Park, has taken out the coveted 2008 Development Excellence Award for Commercial Development.

On winning the award Victor Georos, GPT's Head of Industrial & Business Parks said, "GPT is proud to be the recipient of the development excellence award from Urban Taskforce Australia. The award is a fantastic acknowledgement of the quality and sustainability of the QUAD development and recognises the unique urban design of the buildings and the amenity they provide to their occupants and the wider Sydney Olympic Park community. The buildings are 100% leased and have generated good returns for our investors."

The project was completed in 4 stages, with QUAD 1 opening in 2000 in time for the Sydney Olympics and the final stage in 2007 on completion of QUAD 4.This was the first speculative commercial building in NSW to achieve a 5 star Green Building Council design rating. It incorporates a 90 place child care centre and innovative design such as chilled beams for air conditioning and extensive sun shading systems to reduce energy consumption.

SOPBA congratulates Victor and his team on bringing yet another accolade to the Park for its environmental concerns and excellence in urban design and architectural distinction.

OUT 'N ABOUT

Gold medal winning breakfast at Sydney Sports Medicine Centre

Not only were the facilities and services available at Sydney Sports Medicine Centre (SSMC) professionally showcased at a recent SOPBA Breakfast, but the presentation by Physiotherapist Kingsley Gibson and Dr Donald Kuah was a Gold Medal winning performance in itself.

Their fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the recent Beijing Games was a great insight into the games from the perspective of being part of the medical team and sport enthusiasts themselves. However it was their use of humour that captivated the audience through their two presentations.

A great breakfast all round and many thanks to the team at Sydney Sports Medicine for an excellent morning of information and entertainment! Special thanks also to Vicki Evans for helping co-ordinate the breakfast with SOPBA on behalf of SSMC.

SSMC latest newsletter attached

SSMC newsletter

Parklands Foundation , Bulldogs, and Karonga House team up

Event organiser Parklands Foundation, along with the Bulldogs and their sponsor Maxim Home Loans, invited Karonga House - a facility for children with intellectual and physical disabilities, to spend some quality time with their favourite footy players recently.

And life changed for Billy, one of the students that day on the outing to the Parklands at Sydney Olympic Park. Billy, now 16, does not run, or so they thought.

Previously people the only movement people had seen from Billy was his awkward shuffle around the playground.

‘‘Suddenly, there he was, running around playing ball with the footballers,’’ Karonga Principal Sue Dennett said.

And Billy, along with school chums Samantha, Cyrus,Yasmin, Troy, Andrew, Arjuna, Amanda, Kathleen, Cassandra, Nathan and Joshua clearly knew their football – or at least the Dogs – if their interaction with skipper Andrew Ryan and stars Heka Nanai and Matt Utai was anything to go by.

The footballers said later they had had a wonderful time in the park with the disabled children. It was a special day for Utai who has a disabled nephew.

‘‘I wish I could spend more time with him; this day has been very special just to be with these kids,’’ he said.

Ryan came away not knowing who had enjoyed the day more – the players or the kids. ‘‘The visit made us realise how lucky we are,’’ he said.

Theo Fotopoulos, Executive Manager of Parklands Foundation says, “As part of our ongoing community enhancement opportunities, Parklands Foundation is helping to provide money can’t buy experience. Being outdoors with their favourite football stars, engaging in a safe park environment with their heroes, it's just a great day”.

Pictured is Andrew Ryan autographing a shirt for Bulldogs’ fan and student Cyrus, 14 from Karonga House.

New eateries in the Park

Sydney Olympic Park businesses can look forward to a further three eateries opening up soon.

A Thai restaurant is opening November next to Stockroute Park, an Italian-style Bistro/restaurant also opens November on the corner of Park Street and Herb Elliott Ave and another Cafe is due to open in February 2009.This follows the recent opening of Ribs and Rumps which is already proving to be a busy lunchtime place to be. Keep a look out for their special Melbourne Cup package to be announced shortly.

Picture from recent launch of Ribs and Rumps

Parklands Foundation celebrates Parks for Life with a Memory Walk for World Alzheimers Day.

Parklands Foundation at Sydney Olympic Park was a proud supporter of Parks for Life!

World Parks Day as they join forces with Alzheimers Australia for their first ever World Memory Walk on Sunday, September 21st, 2008.

The Alzheimers Sydney Memory Walk is a leisurely two or five kilometre walk through the Parklands at Sydney Olympic Park, starting from Newington Armory. Past the heritage listed Armory Buildings, Heritage Railway and the Newington nature Reserve along the Parramatta River walking to support the 220,000 Australians that have been diagnosed with dementia.

At the same time celebrating the inaugural international day of Parks for Life! World Parks Day. Healthy parks mean healthy people. Parks and green spaces have proven and wide ranging benefits for individuals and communities. Just some of these include fitness improvements and obesity reduction, enhanced mental health and wellbeing, strengthened child development and expeditionary learning, crime reduction, civic pride and community engagement for all cultures and a host of environmental benefits including keeping our air clean.

Share in the Sydney Spirit at the Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre

Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre is home to the newly formed Westbus Sydney Spirit.

In the team’s inaugural year in the NBL Hummer Championships, this young and talented group directed by Coach Rob Beveridge and captained by Jason Smith, will prove to be a competitive force. The team’s vision this season is to make the playoffs. Ensuring the success of the Sydney Spirit this season Coach Beveridge believes the main focus will be to make sure that all players remain injury free and that a competitive team is put on the floor at all times.

“The Westbus Sydney Spirit also need to create a good fan base so that we can have good crowd support at all our home games,” Beveridge said.

The team won a few more fans at the Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre’s basketball clinic coached by the Westbus Sydney Spirit on Tuesday 30th September. Kids aged 6 to 12 years had the opportunity to get up close and personal with their favourite Sydney Spirit player as well as learn new skills and pick up some tips along the way. Participants received an autographed poster signed by each player.

The Westbus Sydney Spirit plays their next home game against the Perth Wildcats at the Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre on Saturday 11th October 2008. Tickets are now available by calling Ticketek on 132 849 or via the website at www.ticketek.com.au . Prices start from just $10. Family packages are also available. Tip off is at 7.30pm. Come and see what Sydney has to offer in the NBL Hummer Championships.

Parklands Foundation supports local communities.

The Parklands Foundation continues to support the Sydney Olympic Park surrounding communities with a Family Free Fun Day at Newington on Sunday 14th September. Parklands Foundation teamed up with SOPA to provide the craft corner making Green & gold Bell Frogs with the children.

On Saturday 20th September Parklands Foundation supported Auburn Council with their Festival by sponsoring their Kids Zone, much fun was had with our volunteers and Bob the Builder! Outside on the main street Parklands Foundation had a stand and many volunteers were signed up on the day.

BULLDOGS ABOUT

Bulldogs Partner SOPAC

As part of a building partnership with Sydney Olympic Aquatic Centre (SOPAC) six Toyota Cup stars recently added new credentials to their CVs by completing a 5 day lifeguard course through Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre this week.

Bulldogs junior stars Jimmy Fawcett, Rhy’s Jack, Mason Pure, Nathan Smith, Robert Worsley, and Chevvy Penehoe studied 9am-5pm at the Aquatic Centre before hitting the gym for their regular training.

With great support from Mark Mason the Operation’s Manager at SOPAC the Toyota Cup stars have broadened their education and training skills beyond the football field and into the swimming arena.

“This is a great initiative for the player’s to become involved with beyond the game and for their future”, Mason said.

“Once deemed successful players will receive 4 nationally recognised awards - including their Bronze Medallion, Senior First Aid, CPR and Pool lifeguard accreditations.

Supervisor at the SOPAC Colin Kane who will effectively be monitoring the players once on the job applauded the player’s performance this week.

“They have all turned up on time and are doing a good job”, Kane said

As part of the on going partnership with SOPAC this is a great opportunity for players to branch out their career prospects and learn imperative life skills for their future.

RPA Visit for Michael

This month Bulldogs captain Andrew Ryan and team mates Daniel Holdsworth and Danny Williams made a visit to RPA hospital in Camperdown to visit Michael Franklin an avid Bulldogs supporter.

At just 16 years of age Michael unfortunately had his entire left leg up to the hip removed. As Michael is a mad keen Canterbury supporter along with his father Peter and Uncle Robert, the players were more then happy to lift his spirits. And all three were genuinely touched by his bravery and positive outlook.

In addition, the players presented Michael with a jersey and a jacket and organised special parking, tickets and a dressing shed visit for the family for the Bulldogs clash against the Raiders in Canberra on September 6th.

Once again our boys have proved they are tremendous role models for our club.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Grand Finale for Storm's Matt Geyer at ANZ Stadium

This Sunday Manly take on the Storm in the Centenary NRL Grand Final at ANZ Stadium.

Courtesy of SOPBA Member, Titan Managment, here is our own exclusive Q & A with Matt leading up to the big day and his swansong performance.
Q.How many Grand Finals have you played in?
A.My game this weekend will be my 4th in the NRL.

Q.What year did you play your first grand final at ANZ Stadium?
A.My first Grand Final was in 1999 with the Storm. This was also my first grand final at ANZ Stadium and we came away with a win!

Q.In 3 words, describe the feeling of running out onto the field at ANZ Stadium for a Grand Final?
A.Fun, Daunting and Electric

Q.How are you feeling in the lead up to the Grand Final?
A.I am definitely looking forward to playing in the Grand Final this year and running out onto the field for what will be my last game before I retire. It is far better than the alternative, of not playing and having to sit in the stand watching the other guys on the field.

Q.Do you have any lucky pre-game rituals?
A.I tend to eat the same meal of chicken and spaghetti bolognese before a game when I am not away. Other than that I would say that I am anti-superstitious and if I feel myself getting into a habit or a routine I like to pull myself out of it and break it as soon as it starts.

Q.What’s the first thing you plan to do when you retire?
A.Have a Beer and spend time with my family!

Thanks Matt! Titan Management also have a number of other players appearing in Sunday's Grand Final:
Storm - Israel Folau , Antonio Kaufusi and Steve Turner
Manly -David Williams

Melbourne Cup at The WaterView

Celebrate in Style this Melbourne Cup day, Tuesday 4 November, at Bel Parco in Bicentennial Park - 12 noon to 4pm. Your $85 per person package includes:
Three (3) course lunch - sparkling wine and beer on arrival
-Fashion Show
-Sweeps and luck door prizes
-Live entertainment
-Plasma screens to watch the race
-Win a double pass to Andre Rieu
Bookings can be made by calling 9763 7530 or email enquiries@belparco.com.au

Medibank International Sydney 2009

Medibank International Sydney 2009 ,11-17 January, will be bigger, and more exciting than ever. It will be Sydney's international sporting event for the summer - the place to play and to be seen.

Who could forget the drama and exhilaration of 2008. The battle of the world's number 1 and 2 players in the world Justine Henin and Svetlana Kuznetsova in a hard fought 3 set final. Australia's own Chris Guccione impressing and inspiring the stadium crowd in the men's final against Dmitry Tursunov.

The rise of Frenchman Jo Wilfred Tsonga as he fought his way to win the men's doubles title (with Richard Gasquet) before advancing to the Australian Open singles final. These were just some of the players to strut the stage that is Sydney's largest and oldest International sporting event.

You don't want to miss out when Medibank International Sydney 2009 comes alive again in January delivering the world's best tennis, in the world's best city, supported by exciting and outstanding entertainment.

While the international stars battle it out in Sydney’s heat at Sydney Olympic Park, the precinct will feature a host of activities and entertainment by day and by night including roving entertainers, Fanfest with interactive games, Kids Zone, Speed Serve, Doubles Trouble, Autograph Island for in person player autographs, sounds of Latin and Jazz in the Coopers bar, a large outdoor screen featuring all the action on centre court, and free evening family concerts.

Tickets go on sale on October 9 through Ticketek. Call 1300 888 104 or www.ticketek.com.au. More information available at www.medibankinternational.com.au

Art Exhibition - Sophie Mills

All SOPBA members are exclusively invited to this exciting art exhibition featuring the work of artist, Sophie Mills in The Waterfront Function Centre in The Piazza, 21 Bennelong Parkway, Homebush Bay.

The exhibition runs from 26th September to the 17th October. Opening times are Friday, 10am to 6pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am to 5pm.

For more information contact Sophie on 4962 5547 - 10% of all proceeds will go to Father Riley's Youth Off The Streets program.

'Rich is Better - Wealth for Women'

For any woman who wants to learn how to be wealthy, this is the workshop for you. Millionaire Mary King went from welfare to wealthy in less than five years.

All will be revealed over two days at The Waterfront Function Centre, Homebush Bay on the weekend of 8/9 November.

There is an early bird registration fee (incl.bonuses) if you pay in full by 24 October $490. Payment after that up to 7 November is $590.

Call 03 9882 1886 to register, email maryking@maryking.com.au or visit www.maryking.com.au

World Picnic Day

On Sunday 16th November 2008 The Parklands Foundation is delighted to host the inaugural World Picnic Day at Newington Armory, Sydney Olympic Park.

Parklands Foundation is also pleased to be working with Mothers Choice with the World's Greatest Pram Stroll in Sydney at the inaugural World Picnic Day. This is an opportunity to have fun, get fit and enjoy the fresh air. Mums, dads, grandparents, aunts and uncles and carers grab the kids, the pram, the picnic basket and be a part of the biggest stroller event on the planet: www.worldsgreatestpramstroll.com.au.

For all details about the event click on the link: http://www.sopba.com.au/news/detail.asp?idref=100376

Register NOW for Spring Cycling

SUNDAY 19 OCTOBER 2008
Experience the thrill of riding over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, pedalling through some of Sydney’s most beautiful scenery, and then celebrating your ride in festive style at Sydney Olympic Park.

You can enjoy a fun bike ride while raising money for the MS Society – the event beneficiary charity!This year two new routes have been introduced, Ride Blacktown and Ride Liverpool in addition to the traditional Ride North Sydney. Or maybe you’d prefer to Ride The Park,a more gentle 7km around Sydney Olympic Park - ideal for families.

For more details and to register now - www.springcycle.com.au and check out corporate hospitality options in the PDF attached. Don't forget that Lifetsyle members get a 20% discount.

Corporate Hospitality options