SOPBiz # 23 - FEBRUARY 2009

It's Hi Thai' d in the Park

THE new ‘Hi Thai’ restaurant at 4 Dawn Fraser Avenue is near completion and will open this week.

Hi Thai will offer a diverse range of Thai cuisine, including stir fries, curries, noodles, salads and soups. Bring on the Pad Thai, Thai Green Curry, Stir Fry Chilli & Basil, Hokkien Noodles, Chicken Satay, Salt & Pepper Squid, Massaman Curry, Thai Beef Salad, Tom Yum Soup and Laksa!

Lunch specials will be available daily: $9 for tofu, chicken and beef dishes; $12.90 for seafood dishes. Meals will be available for eat-in or takeaway.

Splasher's Water Playground

The water playground is the first of its kind to be built indoors; it is fun, safe and provides active play for children of all ages. It features dumping buckets, interactive water cannons, larger than life aquatic animals and connecting water slides in the shallow pool.

Families and children of all ages can take part in a huge range of activities that won’t break the family budget, adults $6.60, child $5.20, family pass for five $20.50. Children three years and under are free with a paying adult. There’s also up to four hours free parking available when you visit the Aquatic Centre.

Splasher’s Water Playground is open 10am-7pm daily.For further information, phone 02 9752 3666 or go to www.aquaticcentre.com.au.

Titan Management's new faces

Titan Management, based in the RAS building, have added to their already impressive stable of sporting clients. Their new additions include:
RYAN HOFFMAN - RUGBY LEAGUE
Ryan has been with the Melbourne Storm since 2003 and is one of their most experienced and valuable players. A member of the NSW Origin team and the Australian Kangaroos, Ryan has a long list of achievements to his name at only 24 years of age.

CAMERON SMITH - RUGBY LEAGUE
Cameron is the current Captain of the Melbourne Storm and is one of their most experienced players. He is also the Captain of the Queensland Origin team and is the Vice Captain of the Australian Kangaroos.

KURTLEY BEALE - RUGBY UNION
Kurtley Beale plays for the NSW Waratahs and started every match at flyhalf in their run to the 2008 Super 14 Final. His representative honours to date include captaining the Australian Schoolboys and playing for Australia A. He is one of the rising stars in Rugby Union and has his sights set on making his debut for the Wallabies in the near future.

Contact Titan Management's website to checkout the diverse range of sporting personalities which you could utilise at one of your functions or promotions in 2009- www.titanmanagement.com.au.

Lulu Flora

A budding new business opens its doors today in Sydney Olympic Park. Lulu Flora, located in Dawn Fraser Avenue, welcomes members from 5pm today, Monday 2 February to come and meet them and toast the stores opening.

Armory Wharf Cafe

The new Armory Wharf Cafe, in Blaxland Riverside Park, opened a few weeks ago after the original was destroyed by fire in early 2008.

The cafe is an open design with large glass sliding doors to maximise natural light and views of the Parramatta River. It has seating for 70 inside and 60 outside under shade and is operated by Damien Leonard and Kylie Beckett.

The all-day breakfast menu includes the Armory's own granola bircher muesli with fruit and yoghurt, croissant or ciabatta toasted with double-smoked ham, Heidi gruyere and fig compote and the traditional English breakfast of eggs with bacon, tomato, mushrooms and toast.

Lunch includes rare roast beef panini with onion jam, roquette and horseradish cream served with chips, dusted and grilled whiting fillets with salad and sauce gribiche, as well as the ploughman's lunch of Australian cheddar, prosciutto, tomato stout chutney and panini.

The cafe is BYO, but there are plans to have it licensed.It is in Building 13, Jamieson Street (off Holker) and is open seven days (Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm; weekends, 7.30am-5pm).There is plenty of free parking available.

Bookings: 97147513 or bookings@armory wharfcafe.com.

SOPBA NEW FACES

Billbergia

Billbergia group, who recently joined SOPBA, is an Australian building and civil construction company, incorporated in 1988. They have been at the forefront in the rejuvenation and conversion of the Meadowbank, Homebush Bay and Rhodes precincts, traditionally industrial areas, into publicly accessible waterfront estates.

Their latest project allows them to join in the community at Sydney Olympic Park - Billbergia will be the first residential developer within the precinct. Australia Towers will consist of approximately 700 exclusive apartments over several towers, the first of which is a 24 level tower located on Australia Avenue with associated ground floor retail.

“The release of Australia Towers will be commencing in the coming months of 2009. To give clients an insight into our development a display suite will be open to the public, located in the CBA building at the corner of Australia Avenue and Herb Elliott Avenue. We are endeavouring to have this open in April 2009. We aim to keep you updated on the progress of Australia Towers as much as possible.” said a company representative.

Pictured is an artist impression of the ground floor of 8 Australia Ave.

Watpac

Sydney Olympic Park's newest office and retail development is well underway. Located at 8 Australia Avenue, Watpac broke ground late in 2008 and will complete the project in October this year creating 150 full-time jobs along the way. The six storey building, including car park will accomodate around 400 workers.

Pictured is SOPA CEO Alan Marsh turing the first sod of soil with Watpac Property General Manager Robert McDonald and Martin Munroe also from Watpac.

NSW Sports Federation

The NSW Sports Federation was established by NSW State sporting organisations in 1991 for the future development and representation of NSW Sport.

The Federation aims to be a united voice for sport, to raise and respond to issues that impact on sport. This is reflected in the Federation`s motto being "The Voice of NSW Sport". The objectives of the Federation are achieved through effectively liaising with and lobbying all levels of Government, government departments, other State and National Sports Federations and all other organisations associated with sport.

The NSWSF Annual Sports Awards night to recognise achievement and outstanding contribution towards sport in 2008 is on 26 February at the WaterView Convention Centre. For tickets contact Kris on 811 69740 or email Kristen.alischa@sportnsw.com.au

Visit www.sportnsw.com.au for further information. NSWSF is located at 6a Figtree Drive, Sydney Olympic Park. Telephone:81169740. Pictured is the 2008 Awards Night

OUT 'N ABOUT

Novotel Sydney Olympic Park conference refurbishment

Novotel Sydney Olympic Park have optimised the usually quiet January period to complete a spectacular refurbishment all of their conference spaces, including the unique Observation Centre on level 16 of the hotel. The refurbishment brings the Novotel together with the Pullman Conference floor allowing the Conference Sales team to provide a memorable meeting experience across the Pullman and Novotel venues.

Accor’s Sydney Olympic Park hotels can accommodate conference delegates across four of our famous brands in the one central location - Novotel, Ibis, Pullman and Formule 1.

2009 Medibank International

The first few days of the recent Medibank International saw record crowds attend the event at the Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre.

Argentine fourth seed David Nalbandian defeated Finland’s unseeded Jarkko Nieminen to win the 2009 Medibank International Sydney final, whilst Elena Dementieva enjoyed a 6-3 2-6 6-1 win over countrywoman Dinara Safina.

American pair Bob and Mike Bryan won their first Medibank International Sydney men’s doubles title with a 6-1 7-6(3) victory over Daniel Nestor and Nenad Zimojic.

Away from the activity on the courts, organisers served up a range of activities and entertainment for spectators to enhance their event experience.

Scout Groups receive volunteer grants from Federal Government

53 Scout Groups across NSW received Volunteer Grants to the combined total of $162,331.40 from the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services, and Indigenous Affairs (FAHSCIA).

These grants of up to $5000 each will enable local Scout Groups to purchase small equipment items to assist their volunteers in carrying out their voluntary work. This might be the purchase of recreation equipment or tools and materials for Scout Hall renovation and upkeep.

Well done on a great achievement. We are sure that these funds will go a long way to supporting Scouting in these local communities.

Functions success is a function of outstanding value at Sydney Olympic Park Golf Centre

Function bookings continue to be strong at Sydney Olympic Park Golf Centre, despite the financial challenges in the national economy.

As businesses seek to reduce their spends on corporate functions, SOP Golf becomes an increasingly attractive value proposition because of the great facilities, quality menus, attentive service and very competitive prices.

SOP Golf has flexible, multi-purpose function rooms with extensive views over the driving range, and the capability to effectively block out light for audio-visual presentations. Recent refurbishment has allowed for even greater diversity of venue configurations, and thereby significantly broadened the appeal of the facilities.

Meetings, seminars, breakfasts, lunches, dinners and parties are all part of the repertoire. Ample free parking and close proximity to Olympic Park Station ensure SOP Golf is a convenient destination for every type of function. There is also a fully-licensed bar, where guests can mingle and chat over a few cold beverages or hot espresso coffees.

A key benefit of a function at SOP Golf is the unique opportunity to walk straight out in front of the function rooms and tee off! It’s the perfect way to add excitement to any function. It engages people and literally creates “bang for your bucks.”

To add further appeal, Sydney Olympic Park Golf Academy can conduct group tuition at affordable rates.

As a special offer to SOPBiz readers, SOP Golf will offer complimentary club hire for corporate function bookings that are made during the month of February. Simply mention this offer at the time of booking.

For enquiries, please call 02 9764 6300 or e-mail general@sopgolf.com.au.

MEMBER PROFILE

Balanced Curve

Mark Rosenberg recently started his own business called Balanced Curve, which is a management consulting and coaching business.

In December 2008 Mark spent a week in London gaining accreditation with the Institute for Independent Business (IIB). IIB is a not for profit international accreditation and training body established in 1984 to support the needs of independent businesses. As a result, Mark is now part of a global business network of more than 5000 senior executives who provide “practical solutions that work” for clients.

Mark's focus on Strategic Marketing, Facilitation, Executive Coaching and performance management is supplemented by drawing on the extensive IIB network of experts who work as part of the Balanced Curve team. Balanced Curve is able to meet virtually all business needs at a comparatively low cost due to the low overheads and high utilisation rates of the Associates.

Mark Rosenberg can be contacted on 0411 265 157 or at email mark@balancedcurve.com. The Balanced Curve website is www.balancedcurve.com

UPCOMING EVENTS

2009 Acer Arena Lineup

Yet again in 2009 Acer Arena is offering a diverse, international and local lineup of first class entertainment for all all ages. Check out all details of upcoming events on www.acerarena.com.au, Here's a taste of what's on offer.

FEBRUARY
5/6 Top Gear
MARCH
11-15 Coldplay
21 Kings of Leon
31 The Who
MAY
6 Brooks & Dunn
22 Pussycat Dolls
29 Crusty Demons
JULY
4 WWE Raw Live
22 - August 2 Disney on Ice presents Princess Wishes
OCTOBER
15/16 Andre Rieu

2009 sporting lineup at ANZ Stadium

Its going to be a bumper year at ANZ Stadium, with The Charity Shield kicking off the 2009 Telstra NRL Premiership Season on 28 February.

Rugby League - the Bulldogs, Parramatta Eels, South Sydney Rabbitohs and New South Wales Blues will collectively call ANZ Stadium home in 2009.

ANZ Stadium will host 22 club games, State of Origin II, The Charity Shield and the NRL Grand Final.

Rugby Union - fans will see history in the making as ANZ Stadium ushers in an exciting new era in 2009 with the debut of the HSBC Waratahs. The Waratahs will host seven time champions, the Crusaders, in a replay of the 2008 Super 14 Final on Saturday, 21 March.

ANZ Stadium will be the only venue in Australia to host the Bledisloe Cup on Saturday 22 August, and will see a full strength France take the field on Saturday 27 June against the Qantas Wallabies.

Football - ANZ Stadium will host the Qantas Socceroos who will play two key FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers against Uzbekistan on Wednesday 1 April and Bahrain on Wednesday 10 June in their quest to qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

AFL - The Sydney Swans will play their four biggest matches of the 2009 season at ANZ Stadium, with their home season kicking off against the 2008 Premiers Hawthorn. They then take on 2007 Premiers Geelong, 2006 Premiers West Coast Eagles as well as Collingwood in the traditional “Blockbuster Weekend”.

Visit www.anzstadium.com.au for all the latest event news and information.

ANZ Stadium comments on Madonna concert reports

Comment from Stadium spokesperson in relation to recent reports that Madonna would play at the venue on 26 September this year.

"ANZ Stadium has had no discussions with Madonna's representatives about a concert the week prior to the NRL Grand Final. We are involved in several discussions about concerts & stadium spectaculars and are always looking to bring the best entertainment and sport to the people of Sydney. Once any event is confirmed we will make a public announcement about dates & ticketing information."

CBA's Beyond Our Buildings Expo - Wednesday 25 February

A second 'Beyond Our Buildings Expo '(BOB) will be take place on Wednesday 25 February in the atrium of 10 Dawn Fraser Avenue.Over 600 people attended the inaugural session of BOB in October last year.

BOB is an initiative to encourage our people at Sydney Olympic Park to look ‘beyond our buildings’ for opportunities to improve work/life balance.

Exhibitors at the first BOB session included the ‘Lifestyle’ program, Rhodes Shopping Centre, Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre, Parklands Foundation, Kids Company – Parkview, Sydney Olympic Park Golf Centre, Sporting Spectrum, My Spare Seat, Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre, Sydney Olympic Park Archery Centre, and Sydney Sports Medicine Centre.

As with the first BOB session, the return edition will also involve a barbeque lunch to raise money for charity.

2009 Charity Shield

For information regarding corporate hospitality packages for the 2009 Charity Shield between the Dragons and Roabbitohs contact David Perry, Manager-Partnerships on 9587 1966 or 0418 588 229. Information regarding these packages will be available shortly on the SOPBA website.

Tennis-loving Sullivans star training to be a Masters Games smash

She has three Silver Logies but tennis-loving actress Lorraine Bayly would swap them for one gold medal at the Sydney 2009 World Masters Games later this year.

Best known for her portrayal of Grace Sullivan in The Sullivans, Lorraine is in full training for the Sydney 2009 World Masters Games tennis competition in October.

The 72-year-old’s Sydney 2009 World Masters Games preparations consist of thrice-weekly tennis lessons at Primrose Park Tennis Club on the city’s lower north shore and, for the next fortnight, watching hours of Australian Open action for extra tips.

Lorraine, who cites Roger Federer as her favourite player, is under no illusions that she will be a long shot to take out the Sydney 2009 World Masters Games Women’s 70+ Singles given the great strength of seniors tennis, particularly in Australia.

“The dreamer in me wants to smash my Sydney 2009 World Masters Games rivals but I recognise that I will be a title outsider. Anyway, the Games are as much about making friends and having fun as they are about playing hard and winning medals. That is why the motto of the Games is fit, fun and forever young,” said Lorraine.

Games competitor and volunteer registrations are open now at www.2009worldmasters.com. The motto of the Games is fit, fun and forever young.

Gear Up Girl

Following the success of 2008, the Gear Up Girl Challenge is back in Sydney on Saturday 7 March 2009.

It's about being active, getting fit and feeling good about yourself at the same time as making a difference by leading an environmentally friendly lifestyle.

Coinciding with International Women's Day the event aims to inspire women to get involved and raise money for the Oncology Children's Foundation. There are 2 ride options for the Sydney event a 55km ride from Cronulla to Olympic Park and a 15km Olympic Park Loop.

For more information go to www.gearupgirl.com.au and click on Challenge.

OFFERS

Valentines Day in the Park

Sydney Olympic Park is the perfect place to celebrate Valentine’s Day with the one you love with plenty of quiet parklands for long romantic walks. Novotel and Pullman hotels are offering two options for you to celebrate this year, there are Valentine’s Dinners in Arena and Bacar Restaurants, and both hotels have Valentine’s Accommodation packages for a romantic escape.

Novotel Sydney Olympic Park Valentine's Day package includes one night's accommodation, a 3-course set dinner for 2 in Arena with a drink from the Premium Selection, buffet breakfast in Arena the next morning, car parking and late check-out from $384* per couple in a Superior Room. For bookings phone 8762 1260.

Pullman at Sydney Olympic Park Valentine's Day package includes one night's accommodation, a 3-course set dinner for 2 in Bacar with a glass of Mumm Champagne, buffet breakfast in Bacar the next morning, car parking and late check-out from $450* per couple in a Superior Room. For bookings phone 8762 1700.

Bookings for the 3 course Valentine's Day Dinner are available at Bacar for $90* per person including a glass of Mumm Champagne, and at Arena for $75* per person. For bookings phone 8762 1731 during office hours.
* Valid Saturday 14th February 2009, subject to availability. Rates based on two adults, car parking is for one vehicle. Upgrade packages are available for higher room categories. Lifestyle discount does not apply to special accommodation and dining offers.

Lilies on the Park February offer

Lilies on the Park now offers both Dine-In (table service) and Takeaway.Sumptuous new menus available for the most discerning diner. A 25% off discount is on offer for the Dine-In menu for SOPBA members during the month of February, 2009.Not valid in conjunction with any other offer. Conditions apply.

Sydney Olympic Park Golf Centre free room hire

An e-blast will also be sent out this week on a fantastic advertising offer exclusive to SOPBA members on Bay advertising at the Sydney Olympic Park Golf Centre. This includes a discount of up to 30% for annual advertsing.