SOPBiz - APRIL 2010

It's Show time!

With the wafting smells of Dagwood dogs, cheese on a stick and the cattle pavillion, not to mention the distinctive carnival music, high pitched squeels and a fire-breathing, car-eating Robosaurus - it must be Show time in Sydney!

In a sign of an improving economy, pre-sales for this years show were up 22% , with over 5,000 visitors in 2010 show coming from Asia.

Australia's biggest event opened last Thursday and continues with an action and thrill-packed line up of activities until 14 April.

Visit the website for a daily listing of what's on to help you plan your day or two at the Royal Easter Show.

2010 Sydney Royal Easter Show information

ACDC concerts hit a high note for Subway in the Park

ANZ Stadium's recent AC/CD concerts were great for retail businesses in the Park. An example of this was Subway. Located underneath the IBIS hotel, the Sydney Olympic Park outlet served an amazing 7,000 customers in the week of the AC DC concerts. In one hour alone on the Monday night Subway served 538 customers.

To deliver better speed of service to their customers Subway is now opening both counters, every day of the week.

Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run

On 19th March the 2010 Law Enforcement Torch Run started its journey in Queensland on route to Adelaide for the opening ceremony of the IX National Special Olympic Games on 19th April. In total, the 'Flame of Hope' will travel through 40 cities across six states and territories in 29 days to support Special Olympics Australia.

Last Wednesday Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione lit the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games cauldron in The Overflow with the 'Flame of Hope'.

More than 199 police officers accompanied by special athletes, friends and supporters ran 3.9km through the Sydney Olympic Park.

Johns' confident 2010 is the Blues year

'It’s time' - that was the message from Blues legend Andrew Johns at ANZ Stadium recently as part of the NRL’s 2010 State of Origin launch.

Johns was joined by incumbent NSW captain Kurt Gidley and coach Craig Bellamy for what was described as the start of the Blues’ campaign to put an end to Queensland’s Origin dominance.

Johns said he was confident probable NSW players now had the Origin experience necessary to claim a series win for the first time since 2003.The Blues will also have the home ground advantage with Origin I on May 26 and Origin III on July 7 to be played at ANZ Stadium.

Gidley, currently sidelined through injury, said the heartache of last year’s series loss will be a driving force for the team this year.

“We have two games at home and with our fans behind us I know the boys can get the job done and bring the shield back to NSW.”

A two-game combo ticket for Origin I and III is also available, saving fans up to 20 per cent. Tickets for the Blatchy’s Blues supporter areas are also selling fast. For just $99, fans receive seats for Origin I and III, plus a t-shirt and wig in their team colours for each game. For one match it is just $60.

Tickets and packages are available through Ticketek. Visit www.ticketek.com.au or call 132 849.

NEW EVENTS FOR THE PARK

ANZ Stadium scores International Twenty20 Cricket

Premier Kristina Keneally was at ANZ Stadium recently to announce a new agreement between the NSW Government and Cricket NSW which will see international Twenty20 cricket played at the 82,000-seat ANZ Stadium for at least four years from the 2011/12 season.The addition of International Twenty20 cricket will benefit the Park's economy generally, as recent concerts have shown.

For more information click on: http://www.sopba.com.au/news/detail.asp?idref=100677

Inaugural 'Laughing out Loud' breakfast

The Sydney Olympic Park Business Association is supporting two of its members by joining forces with Special Olympic Australia’s in their inaugural ‘Laughing out Loud” Corporate Breakfast at ANZ Stadium on Friday 7 May.

The inaugural “Laughing Out Loud” will be hosted by Stephanie Brantz, Channel 9 Sports Commentator with special guest comedian Mikey Robins. The breakfast will commence at 7.00am with breakfast and entertainment between 7.30 – 9.30am.

Instead of organizing its own networking breakfast in May, the Business Association has secured a number of seats which it will offer free of charge on a ‘first-in basis’ for its Platinum, Gold and Silver Members who have ticket entitlements in their membership package. Bronze and Affiliate members can also purchase tickets to attend this fund-raising event.

The aim of the breakfast is to bring together the Western Sydney business community and to highlight the work of Special Olympics Australia. Special Olympics Australia is seeking to raise funds for the inspiring young people that they assist.

It is hoped to make“Laughing Out Loud” an annual event in Western Sydney to assist Special Olympics Australia. Bookings details will be emailed to Members shortly.

Pictured is the breakfast guest comedian Mikey Robins

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

WatervieW's Executive Chef - Tik Tong Lu

WatervieW's Executive Chef, Tik Tong Lu is one of the hospitality Industry's most experienced and talented chefs.

Tik's career in hospitality spans over 20 years. Through his passion for cooking and great food, he has travelled and worked in five star hotels and resorts both domestically and internationally.

His resume is impressive having worked for quality establishments including the internationally acclaimed hotel group's The Penninsula Group and The Sol Melia Group . Additionally Tik has worked for the renowned Lufthansa Group and The Byron at Byron Bay.

Tik's Chinese heritage gives him a solid understanding of Asian Cuisine, particularly South East Asian and Chinese. This understanding, blended with his extensive knowledge of modern Australia, European and American Cuisines combines a unique and interesting flair quaranteed to impress the most discerning diner.

For more information functions at the WatervieW visit: www.waterviewvenue.com.au

Titan Management's Te Haumi Maxwell

Titan Management client and 15 year old swimming sensation Te Haumi Maxwell shares his thoughts on the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre and his goals for 2010:
Q. What do you enjoy most about swimming at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre?
A. The Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre is the pinnacle of Australian competition venues for a variety of water sports, where athletes are challenged in an atmosphere of friendship and team spirit.

Q.What is your fondest memory from competing at the Aquatic Centre?
A.I will never forget my encounter with a 10 year old boy Jason who had leukemia. I was Jason’s hero and his family surprised him with a visit to the Sydney Olympic Aquatic Centre where he was able to watch and experience my 100m freestyle race. I swam that race wholly for Jason and I was so proud to share my gold medal with him.

Q.What is your favourite event?
A.I am a natural sprinter and my body is responsive and wired for explosion, especially in the 50m and 100m Freestyle blue ribbon events, which are almost always determined by a few milliseconds.

Q.What are your goals for 2010?
A.Achieving personal best times is what I focus on, not the competition or the medal. My top 3 goals for this year are:
1.To compete at the NSW State Open and rank top 10
2.To compete at the Telstra Australian Championships and rank top 12 and
3.To PB at both open championships

Q.What can swimming fans expect to see at the Australia National Age Championships in April?
A.At the NSW State Opens I achieved a 100m freestyle time of 50.79, as a 15 year old, not realising that I now stand alongside the great Ian Thorpe and Pieter van den Hoogenband in being the third person ever in the world to achieve this milestone. What is even more rewarding is the fact that I did it in the humble Speedo! My aim at the Age Championships is to break the 50 second barrier and become the first ever in the world to achieve that.

For more information about Titan's 300 clients across nine sports, please contact Phoebe Munro on 02 9746 6355 or email phoebe@titanmanagement.com.au

COMMUNITY MESSAGE

'Park Smart' - a message from Sydney Olympic Park Authority

You may have noticed SOPA's new 'Park Smart' signage installed around the precinct and throughout the car parks.The purpose is to provide clean, secure and accessible parking for the community and event patrons at Sydney Olympic Park.Click on the link for some great safety tips to minimise the risk of theft: http://www.sopba.com.au/news/detail.asp?idref=100676

MEMBER OFFERS

Ben Hur offer for members

ANZ Stadium is offering Business Association members, their staff, colleagues, friends and family the opportunity of purchasing discounted tickets for Ben Hur, the Stadium Spectacular, in October this year.For details on how to purchase, and a further offer on corporate hospitality, please open the attached pdf.

Ben Hur ticket and corporate package offer

Travel deals from Travel Counsellors in Newington

Ski NZ Earlybird Savings - Book & pay by 30 April 10
Fly into Christchurch and drive to Queenstown. 8 day Fly, Drive & Ski packages from $992 per person ex Sydney.
Price Includes:
- Return non-stop airfares to Queenstown flying Air New Zealand
- Return Queenstown airport/hotel transfers
- 7 nights accommodation
- 8 day Resort Ski Pass
- FREE night skiing
- All applicable prepaid taxes

Or if you don't want to waste precious ski time in a car... 8 day fly non-stop & ski packages from $1200 per person ex Sydney
Price Includes:
- Return airfares to Christchurch flying Air New Zealand
- 7 days Britz compact size car rental, including unlimited kilometres, insurance, ski racks and snow chains
- 7 nights accommodation
- 8 day Resort Ski Pass
- Mountain Ski Shuttle transfers
- FREE night skiing
- All applicable prepaid taxes
CONDITIONS: Fly/Drive/Ski holidays: Valid for travel ex Sydney 13-30Jun10 & 1-30Sep10. Fly Non Stop & Ski Holiday: Ex Sydney valid for travel 13-30Jun10 & 1-30Sep10. Prices for Ski Shuttle transfers based on number of days lift pass purchased, ie 5 or 8. Ski Shuttle only valid for travel to Coronet Peak and The Remarkables, surcharges apply for other ski areas. Advertised packages accommodation based on BASE Discovery Lodge with shared facilities. Prices for other accommodation available on request. Prices valid at time of printing, subject to change without notice.

View the pdf attached for further deals to escape to Hong Kong

For bookings contact Simon at Travel Counsellors Newington p: 0403 760 041or email: simon.clancy@travelcounsellors.com.au

Hong Kong Escapes

Corporate team building with former Socceroo Captain

Members receive 25% discount on a corporate Team Building session ($3,000 instead of $4,000) with former Socceroo Captain Paul Wade.

Click on the link for all the details - http://www.sopba.com.au/rewardsprogram/detail.asp?idref=64

Sydney Morning Herald 50% advertising discount

The Sydney Morning Herald is giving Business Association members an introductory offer to advertise in BusinessDay, the tabloid format business and sport liftout section in the paper.This offer is up to 50% off the casual advertising rate and is not valid with any other discount existing SMH clients receive.

For further details on BusinessDay click on the link: http://www.sopba.com.au/rewardsprogram/detail.asp?idref=63

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