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Spreading the TLC messageGETTING TO KNOW YOU
Sydney Showground admitted to MEA Hall of Fame
Sydney Showground has consolidated its pre-eminent position as Australias top venue for catering by being awarded the industry's most prestigious national honour for the third year running and hence admission into the MEA Hall of Fame.
Sydney Showground was awarded MEA National Catering / Banqueting award at the Meetings & Events Association's (MEA) annual national awards presentation, held at Wrest Point Casino, Hobart.
'On behalf of Sydney Showground and the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW, we are ecstatic about winning this award tonight,' said Kim-Laura Brown, General Manager, Sydney Showground.
'We feel very privileged to work within an organisation that through its competitions supports the best of best when it comes to Australian produce.'
Ms Brown paid tribute to the catering and banqueting teams, headed up by Michael Collins, and the support of Sydney Showgrounds clients. During the past year, the teams have served more than 650,000 people at over 350 business events.
To be eligible as a finalist for the national award, Sydney Showground won the NSW Catering/Banqueting Award. In its awards submission, Sydney Showground case-studied a cross-section of events to show the scope and flexibility of its capabilities, including Best of the Land Dinner-Fine Dining, 120 guests; Woolworths Gala Dinner, 3000 guests; and a Samsung product Launch, Cocktail Style, 400 guests.
The Best of the Land Dinner was held during the Royal Easter Show by the RAS for corporate attendees and special guests, and was an opportunity for the Sydney Showground catering team to shine in front of distinguished guests, the media and key food producers.
The largest banquet event ever held in the Dome at Sydney Showground, Woolworths Gala Dinner guest numbers increased by 1,250 over 2005. This three course gala dinner required 3 custom built kitchens, 60 chefs, 7 sections on the floor, 24 service points and over 250 floor staff.
To produce substantial canapes at the Samsung product launch a kitchen was custom-built back of house as well as a visible demonstration kitchen for a 'Samsung chef' to demonstrate the art of sushi making. Sydney Showground chefs prepared the sushi for the demonstrations and catered for the entire event.
'These three events alone demonstrate how our staff can turn their culinary and presentation skills to any client requirement and ensure a professional, consistently top-quality result,' said Ms Brown.
Happy Anniversary ACPE - 90 Not Out!
2007 marks the 90th anniversary of the Australian College of Physical Education (ACPE) currently located in Sydney Olympic Park.
However it all began in 1917, in the wake of the revived Olympic Games late in the 19th century.
Amidst developing social improvements in Australian life and education, foils athlete, Frank Stuart and friends, initiated 'The Swords Club'. Hence the sword in the ACPE coat of arms.
Rapidly the Club became the College, a tertiary education institution for women. At that time, curriculum emphasis was on teacher training.
From the start, the College provided an environment of independent, high quality physical and intellectual education. Innovatively, it included Dance in its curriculum and encouraged individual endeavour. Students participating in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics proudly bore the fruits of those endeavours.
By the 1970s, ACPE became co-educational and was authorised to be a degree-awarding Higher Education College. In 1995, ACPE moved to new College premises at Sydney Olympic Park. However, owing to unexpected financial difficulties, ACPE became part of SCECGS Redlands, under the banner of ACPE Redlands.
In 2004, ACPE Ltd was created to acquire ACPE from SCECGS Redlands. Since then, ACPE has continued to thrive as a respected, unique and independent service-oriented Higher Education Provider in Australia.
On this special anniversary, ACPE salutes the thousands of women and men who, over 90 years, have chosen to study at the College .
The future is looking positive for the College. It continues to welcome undergraduates in physical education, health, dance, business, coaching, administration, sport and games.In the future, Post-graduate options and research opportunities will also be available.
In an era of globalisation, ACPE's future is enriched and assured by local and international alliances.
But wait there's more from ACPE...
The Swords Club Legacy & The Bridge
The recent 75th anniversary of the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge had a special significance for ACPE.
Francis de Grout, the man who upstaged the NSW Premier at the opening ceremony of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, used a personal trainer to ensure he would be daring on horseback and skillful with a sword. His personal trainer was none other than ACPE founder, Frank Stuart .
Frank Stuart was also the founder and chief instructor of the oldest fencing club in Australia, the Swords Club, established in 1913 He was described as 'one of the worlds leading swordsmen.' His technique was theatrical and has been likened to the modern day style of Antonio Banderas.
He trained Captain Francis de Grout in sabre technique and how to cut a ribbon while on horseback. At the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, de Grout unofficially cut the ceremonial ribbon.
Stuart's stepdaughter Patricia recalls that she was at a family picnic at Mrs Macquarie's Chair on the day. Her stepfather was on a chaise lounge on top of a taxi with his binoculars trained on the historic event!
Graduates, students and staff celebrated the Sydney Harbour Bridge's 75th Anniversary and the College's 90th Anniversary with a walk across the bridge followed by a picnic at Mrs Macquarie's Chair.
Further infomation about ACPE is available on their website www.acpe.edu.au
Selecting a Credit Union - Try Select!
Select Credit Union was established in 1963 for employees and families of Sydney County Council (now Energy Australia) .
In 1995 membership was extended to the communities covering Sydney, the Central Coast and Hunter regions.
In 1994, the Credit Unions members voted on a resolution to include the public. For that reason, the company changed its name to Select Credit Union and opened our doors to the wider community. It is a member-owned financial institution.
Five years ago Select Credit Union relocated its Head Office for all brances and operations from Castlereagh Street in the bustling CBD to the more relaxed, friendly environment of Sydney Olympic Park .
' Being able to walk around Bicentennial Park or cycle during lunch is certainly a different environment to the city,' said Executive Manager George Dobbins.
George himself is a resident of the Central Coast and commutes each day to the Park.
The Sydney Olympic Park operation has 20 employees and is located in
Quad 2 Level 2
8 Parkview Drive
Sydney Olympic Park
HOMEBUSH NSW 2127
Phone : 1300 131 420 Fax : (02) 8736 2211
You can find out more information about Select Credit union by visiting their website at www. selectcu.com.au
Who wants to be a Millionaire?
If you see some very happy people in a stretch limousine in the area, there is a very good chance that it is the latest Lotto millionaire picking up their tax-free cheque from your neighbours at the NSW Lotteries head-office.
If you daydream about winning millions, it is time to drop into the NSW Lotteries retail outlet at 2 Figtree Drive to buy an entry in your favourite draw. The retail outlet is open 9am to 5pm weekdays, and remains open at lunchtime for your convenience; our friendly staff will be delighted to see you.
While you are there why not become a Players Club member and protect your prizes for just $3.30 a year. By using a Players Club card when purchasing your entries you are guaranteed to be contacted and sent your winnings.
Players Club also records your favourite picks, so you do not have to fill out an entry form every time you purchase your entry.
NSW Lottery staff look forward to seeing you very soon, an hopefully selling you a winner!
You call check out all results on http://www.nswlotteries.com.au/results/results.html
The latest addition to Sydney's prestige waterfront real estate has arrived!
The latest addition to Sydney's prestige waterfront real estate has arrived!
The Waterfront at Homebush Bay is pleased to announce that Valencia- the jewel of The Waterfront has been completed!
Valencia enjoys a magnificent bayside setting which superbly complements this range of luxurious apartments. These apartments offer a contemporary design in one, two and three bedroom plans that combine high quality finishes and spectacular water views. Nestled amongst beautifully landscaped gardens, we have successfully created a Mediterranean village, a resort style atmosphere!
With the release of these apartments The Waterfront would like to extend a special invitation to SOPBA members to visit the displays and see the array of opportunities available.
They would also like to announce the final release of Paros and Sorrento apartments. These apartments are part of the developer's premium stock and will represent excellent value. There is a very limited number available and at these prices are expected to sell quickly.
The Waterfront will be conducting inspections of Valencia, Paros and Sorrento apartments on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th May between 10am and 2pm.
To book an appointment to view these properties and for a tour of The Waterfront, please contact:
Geoff Stocker
Sales Manager
The Waterfront Sales and Display
1800 333 818
www.thewaterfront.com.au
On the topic of Hot Properties
The latest research from Residex suggests that developments at Homebush Bay are amongst the lowest priced waterfront properties in Australia.
Rental yields are low averaging 4.5% and units are of a larger size than most. Prices per square metre start at $5,231 for a prime waterfront position.
' The Waterfront development at Homebush Bay represents excellent value for money and is one of the best kept secrets in Sydney,' said Mr John Edwards, Managing Director of Residex.
'Rents are also a steal at $320 for a one-bedroom unit and clearly under priced.'
Mr Edwards added market rents are rising and Homebush Bay is experiencing higher rates of growth when compared to other areas.
'Those who invest in the area can expect to see a significant rise in rental returns.'
The findings were part of a survey that reviewed the impact of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games on the property market covering the Olympic corridor. Sydney's inner west suburbs from Balmain East and Glebe to Silverwater and Auburn were covered in the report.
Mr Edwards also noted that the growth and success of Homebush developments like The Waterfront is based on locality, attributes and infrastructure as opposed to any boom associated with the post Olympics positive flow on effect.
Many unit markets in the immediate vicinity of Sydney Olympic Park including Breakfast Point and Cabarita were positively impacted by the Sydney Olympic Games andoutperformed greater Sydney in terms of change in capital growth.
The average capital growth of units in the Olympic corridor from 1979 to the present is 9.2% per annum, with the median unit value rising from $50,000 in 1979 to $400,000 today. This is $50,000 more than the current Sydney median of $350,000.
The median value of a house in the Olympic corridor has been greater than that of greater Sydney, representing a difference of $350,000.
On average the Olympic corridor has always shown better capital growth when compared to Sydney, however the difference has narrowed with time. There is little evidence that the Olympic Games had a long term impact on the area as a whole.
Suburb level analysis shows that Balmain East has the most expensive houses with a median value of $1,450,000 whilst Cabarita has the most expensive unit with a median value of $880,000.
'Based on the analysis Residex believes that Chiswick is likely to outperform Sydney. It is anticipated that the outcome will be a growth rate of over 10% per annum over the next five years for Chiswick and given the attributes of Homebush Bay, we expect this area to perform at a similar level,' said Mr Edwards
'In summary, Homebush Bay is typical of the Olympic Sydney corridor property market, with high median values, near-Sydney growth, low rental yields and good predictions for the future. However waterfront properties like The Waterfront should exhibit much higher
growth and rental yields.'
Contact: Geoff Stocker
Sales Manager
The Waterfront Sales and Display
1800 333 818
www.thewaterfront.com.au
FROM THE BOARD ROOM
April SOPBA Board Meeting
Firstly the Board wishes to congratulate The Hon. Frank Sartor M.P on his appointment as Minister for Sydney Olympic Park and a familiar face to Park businesses, Mrs Barbara Perry, MP. BA. LLB on her appointment as Minister for Western Sydney.
SOPA on Board with SOPBA
SOPA has agreed to become a Corporate SOPBA member to work more closely with the Association on key issues affecting business in the Park. This is a positive announcement and the Board of SOPBA is delighted to welcome them onto the Board from July.
Special General Meeting
With the proposed introduction of TLC (The Lifestyle Club) and the changing profile of the Park , we will shortly be calling for a Special General Meeting to confirm changes to the structure of SOPBA Membership.
As required under the Articles of Association, Members will be advised in advance of details of the proposed changes to be voted on, along with a proxy voting form if you are not able to attend the meeting.
The changes are all positive and indicative of the expansion of benefits of being a SOPBA member and the changing profile of businesses in the Park.
General Meeting-Thursday 17 May
On Thursday, May 17 the first scheduled General meeting of the year will be held in the offices of SOPA, 7 Figtree Drive.
Commencing at 4pm, the feature of the meeting will be a joint presentation by SOPA and SOPBA on the exciting initiative TLC to help attract staff to the Park and make it an even better place for those employees already working here.
The meeting will conclude with a few drinks and the opportunity for members to catch up for the first time in 2007. An update on the relocation of CBA to the Park will also be provided. Information regarding this meeting will be emailed next week.
FROM THE OFFICES OF SOPA
Sydney Olympic Park 'One Stop Shop' makes it easy
As Sydney Olympic Park continues to evolve as a commercial, residential and event-based township, the demand for information about business opportunities, products and venues continually increases. With more businesses relocating into offices and property developments at the Park than ever before, a Customer Service and Sales team has been set up to support this demand.
Over the last 12 months, Sydney Olympic Park Authority has consolidated its business development, marketing and sales staff into a Sales & Marketing Unit that includes a 'one stop shop' sales team to assist with bookings and information for products, programs, and venues. This includes bookings for Olympic, Armory and environmental tours, school education programs, technical and specialist programs, plus other recreation activities including bike hire.
The team also provides a single point of contact with information and assistance with business and special event enquiries for any venue at the Park plus hire of parkland and outdoor spaces for recreational, community and corporate events.
A range of services including VIP seating, hampers and corporate entertainment are also available during outdoor special events programs.
The Customer Service & Sales team is available to assist with bookings Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. The Visitor Centre, located on Showground Road is open 7 days a week to provide telephone and 'walk-up' information, bookings and delivery of tours.
For information and bookings, please call 02 9714 7888, or email info@sopa.nsw.gov.au. To find out what is on at the Park or to register for the What's On newsletter or Park News, visit www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au.
For any other enquiries please contact Alana Hay,
Sales & Marketing Manager on 02 9714 7237 or email alana.hay@sopa.nsw.gov.au.
| For more information contact Sydney Olympic Park Business Association |
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| PO Box 6239 | ||
| Silverwater NSW 1811 | ||
| Tel +61 2 9746 1200 | ||
| sopba@bigpond.com.au | ||