May 2010 - AHA NSW

40 Pages·2010·8.69 MB·English

MAY 2010 • VOLUME 24 • NO. 4
Official Publication of the Australian Hotels Association (New South Wales)
Tapping into
history...
The AHA (NSW)
slams police over
The iconic
manipulated
Exchange Hotel Balmain
assault figures
The scare of another new tax
Improving your hotel’s bottom line
Woollahra’s Light Brigade Hotel steps it up a notch

contents
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. . . . . . .crowne plaza darling harbour hosts fun
day out for variety kids
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .news upfront
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. . . . . . .from the president: the scare of another
new tax
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. . . . . . . . .hotel profile: exchange hotel, balmain
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ceo’s round-up: something
doesn’t add up
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . .accommodation/tourism news
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. . . . . . . .2010 fifa world cup match schedule
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .outdoor heating solutions
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .industry news
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .creating a safer workplace
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26 . . . . . . . .hotel benchmarking improving your
bottom line
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .legal & workplace matters
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .state round-up
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .spotlight
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .calendar
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .associate members
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .classifieds
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .snapshot
® This publication is produced by the AHA (NSW) with the understanding that
it is not engaged in providing legal or other professional service. If legal
Diamond advice or other expert assistance is required a competent professional
person should be engaged. The statements contained in this publication,
British while based on information believed to be accurate and reliable, are not
American guaranteed. No liability can be accepted for any error or omission.
Tobacco We reserve the right to reject advertising that does not comply with
the AHA (NSW)’s Code of Practice.Advertising that appears in Hotel
Platinum Gold News is not subject to endorsement from the AHA (NSW).
HOTEL NEWS VOLUME 24, NO 4 MAY 2010 is published by the AHA
(NSW) Level 5, 8 Quay Street, Sydney NSW 2000.
Tel:[phone] Fax: [phone]
Silver Web:www.ahansw.com.au
PUBLICATIONS MANAGER:Samantha Panigiris
Email: [email protected]
PRINTING:Hotel News is printed by Press Eleven Tel: [phone]
www.press11.com
COVER:Photo courtesy of The Westin Sydney.
CONTRIBUTORS:Elizabeth Tydd; Adam Boles and Paul Lenton, Nexia
Court & Co; Hon Jodi McKay MP.
The feature material in this edition of Hotel News was published by the
Bronze Publications Department of the AHA (NSW). Care has been taken with
the advertorial content of this issue; any enquiries regarding claims made
should be directed to the companies concerned.
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and their families to a fun day out in Darling Harbour recently,
including breakfast and a BBQ lunch at the hotel and a trip to
nearby Sydney Aquarium and Sydney Wildlife World.
HOSTS FUN
CROWNE PLAZA DARLING HARBOUR
DAY OUT
More than 45 disadvantaged professionally and personally.”
children and their families enjoyed
a fun day out in Darling Harbour
CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL RECEIVES
recently, hosted by staff at Crowne OVERWHELMING SUPPORT AT ARMATREE HOTEL FOR VARIETY KIDS
FUNDRAISER
Plaza Darling Harbour
.
Last month, Gilgandra locals Ben
Members of the hotel team, including General bed and when the family day at the Armatree Hotel
and Jamee Wykes put a call out to
Manager Marcus Tait, joined kids and carers from raised more than $46,000, it had surpassed all
children’s charity Variety NSW for a big day out in the the community to help them raise expectations.
entertainment precinct, starting with a buffet breakfast $50,000 for a new neonatal Everyone involved was overwhelmed at the community
at Crowne Plaza Darling Harbour’s Redsalt Restaurant.
intensive care bed in loving memory response to the fundraising event and the generosity
The group then took a stroll along the Darling that was shown by some 300 people who participated.
of their daughter, Lily Grace Wykes,
Harbour boardwalk to Sydney Aquarium and Sydney The Wykes family were not expecting to raise that
who lost her battle with Costello
Wildlife World where the kids enjoyed the sights and much money, nor was Armatree Hotel owner Ash
sounds of creepy crawlies, colourful crustaceans and Syndrome at Westmead’s Grace Walker.
cuddly critters. Afterwards, the group returned to the Centre for Newborn Care. “The family-oriented focus of the day attracted
hotel for a big BBQ lunch and lucky dip prizes.
hundreds of people from far and wide to the hotel,” Mr
The call was answered by Ash and Lib Walker at the
The initiative was driven by hotel concierge Kore Walker told Hotel News.
Armatree Hotel, who hosted a family fundraising day
Ormsby – a finalist in the AHA (NSW) 2010 Awards
on Saturday 10 April 2010, complete with a sausage “We had around 300 people come through our doors
for Excellence, Concierge of the Year category – who
sizzle, jumping castle, face painting and entertainment. on the day and the whole idea was for everyone to
leveraged his skills and local contacts to arrange the
The feature event was a fundraising auction, with some enjoy a relaxed family day. In fact, the event was so
kids day out.
highly coveted sporting memorabilia up for grabs, as successful, the Wykes’ have decided to form a
“As a concierge, my job is to enhance the experience well as other items donated by local and Statewide charitable foundation to continue fundraising in
of guests staying at the hotel,” Mr Kore told Hotel businesses in support of this cause. memory of Lily.”
News.
In the lead-up to the event the Wykes family, together The memorabilia auction, which was a huge success,
“Extending this service to a group of great kids by with the Walkers, set the ambitious target of $50,000 included items such as a framed Valentino Rossi knee-
taking them out for a fun day in the city has been one to cover the entire cost of the neonatal intensive care pad, a signed Ricky Carmichael motorcross helmet, a
of the most rewarding things I’ve done to date – both bed. So the fundraising team placed the order for the signed Wallabies jersey and a cap signed by tennis
Official Publication of the Australian Hotels Association (New South Wales)
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representing 44 General Division Sub-Branches and o
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the Accommodation Division across the entire State,
held the bi-annual election for office bearers to the 3
Executive Committee last month.
The results of the election conducted by the Australian 0
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Electoral Commission are as follows: 0
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President A
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Scott Leach •
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Senior Vice-President N
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Lyn Humphreys FR
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Senior Vice-President (Accommodation Division) S
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Richard Munro E
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Left to right: Ash Walker, Jamee Wykes, Lib Walker and Ben Wykes at the fundraising day last month, held
at the Armatree Hotel. Photo courtesy of the Gilgandra Weekly. Vice-President
Patrick Gurr
great, Roger Federer. restrictions in Newcastle have reduced the assault rate Secretary/Treasurer
in the city by 29 percent. Colin Waller
In addition to the auction, there was a series of raffles,
However, according to Don Weatherburn, head of the Metropolitan Representatives
collection tins, food sales and a generous donation of
Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR),
Phillip Webster, Paul Dirou, Kim Maloney
$5,000 from the Commonwealth Bank. nearly 17 percent of assaults reported to police in
Newcastle were rejected, not investigated and not Country Representatives
‘In the lead-up to the event the Wykes
included in the official crime statistics. Peter Harris, Andrew Rendall, Rolly de With
family, together with the Walkers, set This is a clear breaching by police of their own Accommodation Representative
procedures. George Bedwani
the ambitious target of $50,000 to
Don Weatherburn, noticing the spike in rejections, has In accepting his second term as President of the
cover the entire cost of the neonatal
written to the Police Commissioner expressing concern Association, Scott Leach paid tribute to retiring
intensive care bed. So the that the problem had “artificially exaggerated” the drop executive members Bruce Woods (Newcastle) and
in assaults. Bevan Douglas (Tamworth).
fundraising team placed the order for
Dr Weatherburn warned it could damage the integrity of
“To both Bevan and Bruce, we owe a great deal of
the bed and when the family day at
crime statistics and create a false impression that crime
gratitude for their commitment to the industry, and
was falling.
the Armatree Hotel raised more than both have regularly put their roles and interest of
“We couldn’t agree more. This is nothing short of a members before their own business. It was fitting that
$46,000, it had surpassed all
scandal,” Ms Fielke said. they both received life membership of the AHA (NSW)
expectations.’ in 2009 and their contribution to the Executive team
“The result has been disastrous for the hotel industry in
will be missed, but their friendship and advice will
Newcastle, with nine of the 14 hotels in the CBD either
never be lost,” Mr Leach said.
POLICE LIES, LIES AND STATISTICS closed, changed hands or in the hands of receivers, with
an increase of more than 20 percent in hotel “I am extremely excited with the election of Rolly de
Last month, the Australian Hotels Association (NSW)
unemployment.
With and Andrew Rendall to the Executive. This
slammed police over the revelation they have been
manipulating assault figures in order to meet crime “People’s lives have been destroyed.” infusion of enthusiasm and passion will no doubt add
targets. to our team; and I am personally grateful to both for
Ms Fielke said the AHA (NSW) has always said there is
accepting their role in a most challenging time for the
“This brings new meaning to the phrase lies, lies and no such thing as a silver bullet, or one solution, in
(police) statistics,” said AHA (NSW) Chief Executive combating the problem of anti-social behaviour in industry.”
Officer, Sally Fielke. Newcastle or anywhere else in the State.
“These actions have had an especially devastating effect “It has been our belief that the best results are obtained
on hoteliers in the Newcastle area and it makes a through education and the use of local Liquor Accords, ‘The result has been disastrous for
mockery of police calls to extend Newcastle-style with local solutions to local problems. the hotel industry in Newcastle, with
trading restrictions State-wide.”
“But we need any solution to be based on accurate
nine of the 14 hotels in the CBD
“There is now no way the public, or the industry, can data,” Ms Fielke added.
accept the much publicised improvement in assault either closed, changed hands or in
“That’s certainly something we don’t have today.”
figures in Newcastle, quoted by the police, as being in
the hands of receivers, with an
any way credible or even vaguely accurate,” Ms Fielke
added. increase of more than 20 percent in
AHA (NSW) EXECUTIVE ELECTIONS 2010
Police have claimed curfews and other trading hotel unemployment.’
The Council of the Australian Hotels Association (NSW),
Official Publication of the Australian Hotels Association (New South Wales)
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for alcohol.
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Great Big
But first, a quick overview
0
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Y New Tax for Government to embark on the most comprehensive
A
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years. It was also appropriate that the review looked at
T
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E
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SI BY SCOTT LEACH, AHA (NSW) PRESIDENT taxes to position Australia to deal with the social,
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PR economic and environmental challenges which our
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M T The Federal Government’s delay in releasing Treasury may have achieved those goals, I still have several contributions, it appears that the Government is intent
O on giving with one hand and taking away with the
FR Secretary Ken Henry’s report on Australia's Future Tax concerns about the Government’s responses and its
other. A similar ‘pea and thimble trick’ example is the
System set the alarm bells ringing in the world of lack of response in some cases too.
increased superannuation concessions being funded
business and commerce. Although the Government
The first concern
by a higher tax rate on mining investments, where
originally promised a response early this year, it wasn’t
much of superannuation fund income is derived.
until 2 May 2010 when the Government finally My first concern – and that of most expert tax,
released its initial response. economic and political commentators – is that the The ability for small business to ‘pool’ depreciable
Federal Government placed the most important aspect, asset deductions, would be a worthwhile break-
Even the less cynical of us were coming to the view
the Goods & Services Tax (GST), outside the scope of through except that, like so many other of the
that this year’s Federal Election would come and go
the review. announced reforms, the concession is not scheduled
before we knew the Government’s position. The
to commence for another three years.
increasing speculation that the Henry Review would The success of the GST and its wide acceptance by the
include a new way of taxing alcoholic beverages was spending community, has placed our country in good My greatest concern
true but, at the time of going to press it appears the stead since it was introduced 10 years ago. The
My greatest concern is that a tax review is no
government will not be adopting that scheme – not for revenue that the GST has generated and which has
place for wowsers and health zealots to use
the present. been passed to State and Territory Governments, has
slight of hand or stealth-like attempts to
been a great fillip to our overall economic strength.
An alteration to the taxation of alcohol remains a great lower community consumption by introducing
But all those positives should not have meant that to
concern because the Federal Treasurer has indicated excise increases on alcoholic beverages.
review the GST, improve it or streamline it, was taboo.
that the announcement on 2 May 2010, which only
While it appears the Government has refrained from
contained the most palatable changes, was the ‘first Some change for change sake
being pressured by the anti-alcohol lobby and has
wave’ in a longer-term plan.
By announcing small reductions in company tax while retained the present taxation model, we are not
Can we assume other changes will be stored away at the same time increasing both minimum assured that the recommendations of the Henry Review
until after the Federal Election? The answer is most superannuation contribution rates and age limits on will not be revisited after the election.
probably ‘yes’ in relation to an altered taxation method
Note: This diagram, which assumes the
retention of current retail margins, is
intended purely an illustrative guide to
anticipated price variations and must not
be used to determine retail pricing of any
product or product type, which will be
dependent on various unrelated factors.
Official Publication of the Australian Hotels Association (New South Wales)
Even before its release, it was speculated that the AHA (NSW) EXECUTIVE
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Henry Review recommended a single monetary rate of w
taxation on all alcohol products – based on the MEMBERS 2010 e
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volume of the product and not adjusted for alcohol l
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content – as well as the removal of the current 1.15 t
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percent tax-free threshold on beer and the replacement h
of the 29 percent Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) which
President 5
is now applied to the wholesale price. Let me explain
Scott Leach
the real affects.
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Draught beer drinkers will take a hit if current price 01
Senior Vice-President 2
differentials between draught and package products are Y
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removed. Similarly, the replacement of the Wine General Division M
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Equalisation Tax with a single flat tax of $41.68 per Lyn Humphreys T
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litre (the rate currently applied to full-strength beer) E
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would significantly increase low to mid-price wines SI
Senior Vice-President E
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and at the same time, reduce the retail prices of the P
Accommodation Division E
traditionally more expensive products (refer to the unfavourable result from increasing prices with a Richard Munro M TH
graph on the opposite page). The introduction of any
standardised liquor tax. People will not stop drinking. O
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flat-rate volumetric tax would produce extremes of F
They will turn away from licensed premises to untaxed
unbalanced and inequitable results. Vice-President
home brewing kits and to unregulated consumption in
Patrick Gurr
If all alcoholic beverages were to be taxed at homes and garden sheds.
a uniform volumetric rate, spirits and ready-
However, with the Federal Government racked by debt,
to-drink ‘alcopops’ will become cheaper while Secretary/Treasurer
the attraction of increased taxation revenue from an
low alcohol beers will immediately be dearer Colin Waller
equalised excise on all alcoholic products may be too
and less attractive to consumers. Drinkers
much for them to resist.
will turn away from light and mid-range
Metropolitan Representative
products to other favourably priced higher I can assure members that I will be at the forefront of
Kim Maloney
content alcoholic beverages and the benefits your Association’s ongoing representations to
of responsible consumption, which have taken Government in regard to this important issue. We will
so long to establish, will be lost. One would be keeping a watchful eye on future developments. Metropolitan Representative
expect State Government ministers to be Paul Dirou
Avoiding death by a thousand cuts
raising these concerns with their Federal
counterparts. The challenge for the AHA, and for any Association
Metropolitan Representative
representing small business, is to not only address
The affect on the NSW wine industry Phillip Webster
individual issues such as taxation increases, but to have
Head of the Winemakers Federation of Australia, Mr the legislators and regulators recognise the cumulative
Stephen Strachan, predicts 12,000 lost jobs from impact of the endless announcements and changes on Country Representative
projected price increases on wines. Mr Strachan says our trading environment. Peter Harris
the impact will be felt across 60 of Australia’s regional
Our industry still struggles to absorb the brunt of
areas where grape growing and wine production are smoking bans – with land locked hotels experiencing Country Representative
major industries and those job losses will be coupled extreme downturns. Then there have been Land Tax Andrew Rendall
to a predicted quarter of a million tonnes of
increases of over 60 percent in the past two years as a
redundant fruit.
result of valuation hikes but without any change in land
Country Representative
In NSW, devastation would occur in the Hunter Valley, usage. These have been closely followed by rising Rolly de With
Mudgee, Orange and a number of other smaller interest rates and tightening of banking margins, new
pockets where wine production has become a viable industrial relations laws and obligations, critical skilled
Accommodation Division
local growth industry – and at a time when grape labour shortages and droughts and flooding rains in
growers are suffering their industry's worst economic regional areas – not to mention the huge electricity and Representative
conditions in living memory. gas price increases which are still to come. George Bedwani
I wonder if any thought will be given to the affect in The hotel industry will survive but it does need time to
struggling regional areas where wine and hops absorb all of that. Experienced industry operators tell me
production is vital in maintaining job levels and they presently feel like a boxer in the fifteenth round,
community infrastructure, not to mention the other
having to contend with all the changes. And there’s the
economic benefits which come from being
potential kick from the Productivity Commission also
‘manufactured in Australia’.
waiting in the wings. Surely that’s not what life’s all about.
I wonder if any thought will be given to the
[email protected]
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The Exchange Hotel stands
tall and proud amongst the
Balmain streetscape.
Tapping into
The largest and most iconic hotel in elegant function rooms and a smart restaurant which is
a real showpiece within the hotel.
Balmain, the Exchange Hotel is
history tucked-away behind Darling Street The street level of the hotel is where you’ll find the
warm and inviting public bar – known as the Beattie
and enjoys a loyal following of
Bar. Licensee Rob Alexander explains how the hotel’s
The iconic locals and regulars thanks to unique ability to provide a variety of atmospheres
everything it has to offer. means it perfectly caters for all ages and
demographics.
Exchange Hotel
Whilst there is no shortage of historic pubs in
“Our clientele come from far and wide to enjoy our
Balmain, each full of character and their own charm,
Balmain hospitality. They range from the young and stylish to
there is a distinct presence about the Exchange Hotel,
the mature and conservative. All feeling welcome and
which was once the central ‘headquarters’ for the area’s
comfortable,” Mr Alexander told Hotel News.
union members, including those of the Balmain
Labourer’s Union. “We also have our beer-drinking rugby and die hard
footy fans enjoying a pint or two in Beattie Bar.”
Built in 1885, this heritage-listed iconic establishment
was the last pub to be built during the local boom of This part of the hotel is adorned with sporting
the 1880’s and it was also the largest in the Balmain memorabilia, plasma screens for full sporting coverage
and Rozelle area. The original building consisted of 40 and on-site entertainment facilities. With its own bar
rooms connected with corridors seven feet wide. menu including tapas and light bites, it’s an ideal spot
Today, the Exchange still stands tall and proud for casual drinks with colleagues and friends.
amongst the streetscape of Balmain, boasting a long
On the first floor of the hotel is the Balcony Bar, which
history of being one the of the local area’s most
spills out onto the wide wraparound verandah. On a
popular meeting places.
clear night, this is the place to be and for the Balmain
The three-storey Victorian Free Classical style hotel social set, the place to be seen.
houses a great mix of bars, sun-filled balconies,
The Balcony Bar, both inside and out, is a culmination
Official Publication of the Australian Hotels Association (New South Wales)
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popular meeting places.’
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of plush ottomans and lounges, a rich colour scheme, 0
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create the perfect mood lighting.
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The Balcony Bar and Bistro Balmain seamlessly share LE
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beautifully. The restaurant is the newest addition to L P
what’s on offer at the Exchange Hotel and offers a chic, TE
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comfortable dining venue with city views, spacious H
outdoor dining and a superb menu.
Head Chef Michael Page has been at the Exchange
Hotel for 18 months and has seen the restaurant go
from strength-to-strength. Page is dishing up a
modern Australian menu with hints of both a South
American and Italian influence. In a nutshell, it’s hearty,
tasty pub food with a female-friendly focus and plenty
of choice.
“Our customers are chic, professional and culturally
diverse and we aim to incorporate all of these
elements,” Michael Page explained.
“The fresh produce is sourced from local and national
suppliers. The changing seasons provide us with a
great opportunity to utilise Australia’s best seafood,
dairy, meat and fresh produce.”
When you’re seated in the restaurant, it’s easy to forget
that you’re in a pub. It is modern yet vintage, new yet
has an old charm and is both classic yet equally
original. Whether you choose to dine indoors or
outdoors – separated by floor-to-ceiling bi-fold doors
– the surroundings and facilities are comfortable and
inviting, the colder nights warmed with outdoor
heaters.
“We are like a home away from home for locals and
visitors alike,” said Licensee Rob Alexander.
“Ours is a place where everyone can come and enjoy
and feel welcome. Basically, the Exchange is like an
old friend.”
The attentive service creates even more comfort for
diners and patrons, giving five star venues a run for
their money. Enjoy a complimentary soup tasting while
you browse through the menu. An undisputed favourite
is the spicy tomato and chorizo soup which is
testament to the quality of this menu.
In keeping with a current trend emerging in hotel
dining, the tapas are great for small groups wanting to
share and taste and make their experience a more
continued next page...
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The Balcony Bar and Bistro Balmain Whether you choose to dine indoors
seamlessly share the first floor of or outdoors, the surroundings are
the hotel. comfortable and inviting.
Tapping into
social one. For couples and families who opt for a three dedicated function areas.
more structured meal, Bistro Balmain offers a real
Whether it be a sit-down dinner for 100 people, a
point of difference and makes for a unique dining
history special birthday celebration, anniversary, conference,
experience.
wedding or Christmas party, there are a number of
The sizzling Hot Rock is designed for customers to catering packages available to suit all occasions and
The iconic embrace their inner chef and cook their own meal at budgets.
the table, ensuring it’s cooked to the individual’s
Friendly, easy-going and with a ‘bend over backwards’
perfection, eaten hot and enjoyed slowly. The stone is
Exchange Hotel attitude, the team at the Exchange Hotel make it their
450 degrees of heated volcanic rock and doesn’t
business to ensure the patrons keep coming back. And
require any oils or fats to perfectly cook your steak or
Balmain with the great food on offer, it’s easy to see why this is
fish.
proving to be a winning combination.
Aside from its popular restaurant, buzzing cocktail
The Exchange Hotel is owned and operated by the
lounge and the local watering hole vibe that is Beattie
Fernwood Hotel Group.
Bar, the Exchange Hotel still has the space to host a
number of events on any given day, in any one of its www.exchangehotel.com.au
Official Publication of the Australian Hotels Association (New South Wales)