HOSPITALITY REVIEW TASMANIAN December/January 2024
AHA AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE Tasmanian tourism initiative again crowned best in the country
Also Inside:
Seat at the Table
Tourism Awards
Gin-uary
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
President Update 5 CEO Update 7 FEATURE: AHA Awards for Excellence 8-12
Events Calendar 13 Minister Update 15 Opposition Leader 17 FEATURE: Seat at the Table 19-21
Corporate Update 22-23 Membership Update 25 FEATURE: Gin-uary 26-27 HospoHealth 29-31 Clubs Tasmania 34-35 FEATURE: Tourism Tasmania Awards 36-38 Great Customer Experience Update 39 Tourism Tasmania 40-41 Employment Relations Update 43 Mental Health Update 45
Gin-uary
Workforce Development 48 Business Events Tasmania 49 Liquor & Gaming 52 Hospitality Dr 53 Corporate Glossary 54-55
Cover Photo: The Tasmanian Wild Seafood Adventures boat in Hobart harbour. Picture: Stuart Gibson
Tourism Tasmania Awards
TASMANIAN HOSPITALITY REVIEW BY
For editorial enquires contact Adam Smith adam@tha.asn.au 0417327093
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PRESIDENT UPDATE
Another year is drawing to a close and it has been another year with plenty to celebrate for Tasmanian hospitality. We saw four businesses take home gold at the recent AHA Awards for Excellence in Adelaide at the picturesque Adelaide Oval, a great achievement which again highlights the world class offerings our state provides. A brilliant effort for Furneaux Restaurant to go back-to-back in the Best Restaurant – Regional category, while Tasmanian Wild Seafood Adventures made it consecutive wins for the state in the Best Tourism Initiative category after The Cove took top honours last year. Congratulations also to Cataract on Paterson (Best Marketed Hotel – general division) and The Old Woolstore (Outstanding Community Service and Achievement), as well as all the Tasmanian finalists who continue to mix it with the best venues in the country. The past 12 months has of course not been without its speedbumps, with increasing costs across the board at the forefront and putting strain on all businesses. Rest assured we remain in constant dialogue with all levels of government to address these concerns and find solutions for the sector. There is no doubt the THA continues to make headway across a range of initiatives; this year saw the announcement of Tasmania’s first Chief
Happiness Officer as part of the Hospo Health program, investment into workforce development remains strong while making our industry a leader in sustainability is progressing strongly. Much of this is thanks to the efforts of our CEO Steve Old and his team – their passion to promote hospitality as a career of choice confirms their commitment and I extend my gratitude and thanks to all for their efforts. I must also thank my fellow board members for their time and commitment throughout 2023. It was great to have some new faces join us this year, bringing fresh perspectives which contributes to the robust discussions around the table. Holding our board meetings in different locations around the state proved a great success and allowed us to interact directly with a range of people in each region to hear from them what issues are important. Being president of this association is something I don’t take for granted, I am passionate about advancing us into the future and I will never take a backward step in protecting the interests of the industry. As always, the next few months are likely to be the busiest for our operators, I hope you get to spend some quality time with your loves ones and I wish everyone a safe, happy and prosperous festive season and new year.
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CEO UPDATE
Workforce shortages across hospitality is an issue almost every business would have faced at some point in the past few years. And it is one which isn’t going to disappear any time soon. Since the pandemic and the loss of seasonal Visa workers who helped fill voids across a range of occupations within the industry, we know operators have struggled to consistently keep rosters full. The THA continues to invest heavily in workforce development programs to promote the sector as a viable, exciting and rewarding career choice but recently we also joined forced with other industry partners to re-establish the Tasmanian Tourism and Hospitality Workforce Advisory Committee (THWAC), uniting to provide the state Government with a roadmap to address this issue. The committee, consisting of Aaron Devine (Chair) – CEO, Ohana for Youth, Arcadia College and Ohana College, John Dabner – GM, Tall Timbers Tasmania, Karen Burbury – CEO and ED, Eski Group, Bianca Welsh – co-owner, Stillwater, Tara Howell – Founder and Director, Blue Derby Pods Ride, Amy Hills – TICT CEO and myself, is industry led and has a remit to advise Government, informed by on the-ground- feedback, on the future of skills and workplace development. Following the group’s second meeting in November, three areas of focus were agreed upon to improve: • worker attraction and retention in the tourism and hospitality sector
• critical skills and training gaps impacting the workforce right now • funding allocation and focus areas of the Tasmanian Government Watch this space from 2024 and beyond as we ramp up our efforts to ensure we continue to keep this industry vibrant and strong. Despite the challenges our industry keeps staring down, there is plenty to look forward to in 2024. Our membership team have been busy piecing together an events calendar that will see more engagement with venues than ever before, while we continue to formalise agreements with new corporate partners who bring with them some great offerings to our membership base. I want to thank our president Ben Carpenter and the rest of the THA board for their commitment throughout this year, as always it has been great to hear a wide range of views and opinions put forward on how to advance the industry forward. Thank you also to all my staff who strive to make our people and businesses the best in the country by equipping them with the knowledge and tools for success.
Wishing everyone a great Christmas and safe New Year.
SHANE WILSON SHOWCASING A FRESH CATCH ON TOUR
AHA AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE INDUSTRY FEATURE
A SEA URCHIN DISH SERVED ON THE DEEP TO DISH TOUR
When the tap was turned off to their international market during Covid – at least three quarters worth of their market – Tasmanian Wild Seafood Adventures had to pivot, and fast. A few years down the track and the quick thinking of the team has paid dividends, with the company riding high from a big 2023. As a commercial fisherman Shane Wilson is in his natural habitat trawling through the depths of the ocean and dealing with the risks associated with it. But on dry land when he heard his company called out as the winner of the Best Tourism Initiative at the AHA Awards for Excellence, he was outside his comfort zone as he walked to the stage to accept the award. “It was definitely not something that I expected. I was saying to someone it’s pretty interesting because I work in such a high-pressure environment, being a commercial fisherman, you’re dealing with all sorts of risks being underwater and waves and weather and the sea life and what not,” Shane says. “None of that seems to worry me but when they called our name out saying we had won an award I had to stand up there and shake a hand and get a photo, I definitely got a bit
of cotton mouth with that one.
“It’s really nice to be recognised for the hard work we do and at every chance I get, I’ll always make sure we thank the team, because you’re only as good as the people you put around you. It’s the team that put it together, I’m just the face that does the front of house stuff, but it is the girls at the bar, it’s the guys that drive the boat, it’s the people that do the stores, it’s really nice gratification that they do such a good job to bring it all together to provide the amazing experience for the guests.” Tasmanian Wild Seafood Adventure’s signature offering is its Deep to Dish Experience, a half day tour starting from the Hobart waterfront, down the Derwent River into Bruny Island and the D’Entrecasteaux Channel. It has proven a hit with international and interstate tourists, but when the pandemic turned the world on its head and the country’s borders were slammed shut suddenly the majority of business had disappeared from TWSA’s books. Wilson knew to survive he would have to think outside the square, and it is where Cuttlefish Cruises was born – a product aimed more at the local market.
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“The aim of it [the Deep to Dish Experience] is we teach people how to catch their seafood, where to catch it, how to clean it and how to cook it,” Shane says. “We’re all commercial fishermen and women on board. We’ve got a lot of years of experience doing what we do, so what we’re actually telling you is something that we’ve put a whole career into learning. At the end of it you’ve got 16 different dishes, we even bake a Tasmanian apple cake on board for you throughout the day. We pair everything with Tassie beer, wine, champagne and cider, it is a whole immersive experience. By the time you’re done, and you are coming back up the river and everyone’s had a few drinks, a lot of seafood, falling asleep on the couch, it’s just like Christmas. “At the time [of Covid] we were between 75 to 85 per cent international guests. That was our market. So one day the tap turned off on them and it’s only just reopened up now. But we were lucky that because we work across several different fields, we actually didn’t have to let anyone go. We shifted everyone across to that aquaculture scene because that didn’t stop, working with oyster farms and working with the salmon farms, we managed to keep everyone through and keep everybody employed the whole way through and they’re now sort of slowly coming back into the hospitality-tourism sector.
“When Covid hit we had to think on our feet and keep things moving through and once we at least opened back up to Tasmania, that’s where Cuttlefish Cruises was born. It comes under the same banner, we’ve got our Tasmanian Wild Seafood Adventures, which is our tourism offering, but then we’ve got Cuttlefish Cruises, which is our local offering. That’s what we do our corporate events on, we do private functions, we do team building on there. We do all that sort of stuff. If you can dream it up on the water, we can deliver the vessel. “That’s actually a product of Covid, and that’s been going really well. We worked through the summer seasons, but it’s honed-in our hospitality skills doing that as well as the tourism stuff on the outside. That’s been one of the positives that’s come out of it, it has given us another income stream and opened us up to more of the local market, because it’s been a little bit tricky trying to get the local market to pay the amount that it is for the seafood that they’ve got on their front already. “I mean, it does happen and any of the locals that do come on board do really enjoy it. But everyone knows someone who’s got an abalone in the freezer, or someone will catch someone crayfish throughout 11 Tasmanian Hospitality Review December/January Edition
CATARACT ON PATERSON JONATHON WONG (LEFT) AND STEFAAN CODRON
the year. Definitely the national market was a really big one for us, specifically Queensland. I think the Queenslanders just got a taste for the great Tassie seafood and once we had a few groups through the word of mouth spread like wildfire up there, Queensland was really beneficial for the tourism offering once it did open back up.” The victory was the second year in a row a Tasmanian business has taken the title at the AHA Awards, following on from The Cove’s success last year, and was one of four on the night for Tasmanian businesses. Furneaux Restaurant made it back-to-back success in the Best Restaurant – Regional category, Cataract on Paterson was crowned Best Marketed Hotel – General Division while the Outstanding Community Service and Achievement award went to The Old Woolstore. It also continued a whirlwind few months for Shane and his team. At the THA Awards in October, TWSA won the Best Hospitality Experience category, they were successful at the Seafood Industry Tasmania Awards and also landed bronze at the Tourism Tasmania awards – well deserved justification for all the hard work the company has done to reimage itself with the Tasmanian landscape. “It’s been a really big award season… we’re going to have a really big push about how well we’ve done and all of the sector groups that have supported us and given us the platform to showcase what we do. Between the THA and AHA, it is probably the highest accolade that we’ve ever got.”
THE OLD WOOLSTORE APARTMENTS
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TASMANIAN EVENTS CALENDAR DECEMBER 2023 THROUGH FEBUARY 2024
DEC 27 DEC 28 through
DEC 25 DEC 27 through
DEC 27 JAN 6 through
Haydays
Taste of Summer
Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race
JAN 8 JAN 13 through Hobart International Tennis Tournament
JAN 12 JAN 14 through
DEC 31
Launceston Beerfest
Cygnet Folk Festival
FEB 1 FEB 5 through
FEB 2 FEB 4 through
JAN 27 JAN 28 through
Festivale
Ginuary
Clarence Jazz Festival
FEB 28 MAR 3 through FEB 15 MAR 2 through
FEB 8 FEB 11 through
FEB 10 FEB 11 through
Party in The Paddock
Tas Wine Fest
Mona Foma
Christmas treat. TASMANIAN A perfectly
www.cripps.com.au @crippsmasterbaker | facebook.com/crippsmasterbaker
EDITORIAL
Premier and Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Jeremy Rockliff
It is great to see Tasmania already coming alive this summer.
attracting around 28,000 patrons in 2023.
This year we’ll also see visitors coming in for two of our newest, adrenaline-pumping, events.
Visitors and locals alike are spoilt for choice with sports matches, vibrant music and arts festivals, and premium food and beverage events. There is something on offer for everyone during the Tasmanian summer and all of it is backed by the hard work of our hospitality industry. Mona Foma will run over three weekends in Hobart at Mona and other select venues, and Launceston at the Cataract Gorge. With impressive international and local headline acts year in, year out (Queens of the Stone Age and Courtney Barnett), and an ever- intriguing arts program, it has a strong following and last year attracted almost 15,300 people. One of the state’s most thrilling and iconic sports events is the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race which has been running annually since 1945. Throngs of locals and visitors congregate on Hobart’s waterfront at the Race Village to see the competitors sail to the finish line. It’s an incredible race and a huge annual attraction that brings people together and into our many high-quality venues. Tasmania is renowned for its high-quality produce and beverage offering, and this is reflected in two big summer events: Taste of Summer (27 December 2023 – 1 January 2024 & 4–6 January 2024, south) and Festivale (3–4 February, north). Taste of Summer takes up residence at Princes Wharf No. 1 and is set to be bigger than ever in 2024. The festival has been extended into the new year and a huge program of music acts will complement the usual outstanding culinary display. Festivale’s annual three-day showcase of all things food, beverages, and arts and entertainment is held in Launceston’s picturesque City Park and proves popular every year,
In early-February, sporting events fans will be cheering on athletes in the Ironman 70.3 Tasmania challenge around the Greater Hobart region. It is an event which brings in more than 72 per cent of its spectators from interstate who will stay in our hotel rooms and visit our venues while they’re here. Later in the month, eyes will turn to Maydena with the ‘world’s toughest mountain bike race’, The Red Bull Hardline. This is the first time it will be held outside of Wales and is expected to draw a huge crowd as competitors battle it out on Tassie’s tough terrain. These events and festivals bring so many additional visitors to our state, providing another opportunity to showcase the excellent hospitality experiences that Tasmania has to offer. Our hospitality sector plays a major role in welcoming visitors around the state, providing them with fantastic experiences and memories to take home. There is no denying that Tasmania’s tourism and hospitality industry is world class – a reputation that has been built over time that would not be possible without the commitment our operators have to their craft, their customers and their staff. As we come into this important time of year, I extend my heartfelt thanks to all the dedicated people working in the hospitality, tourism and events sectors. You offer exceptional experiences to our local, interstate and international visitors. Your hard work is extremely valued by both tourists and Tasmanians as they connect with friends and family over the festive and summer period.
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EDITORIAL
Labor Leader and Shadow Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events Rebecca White
No time to waste on regional tourism projects
It’s the same story with the redevelopment of the former tourist attraction at Dismal Swamp on the North West Coast, which closed in 2019. The Federal Labor Government committed $12.5 million to Project Far Northwest in 2022 but the development has been held up by State Government delays. Project Far Northwest is projected to bring an additional 10,000 visitor to the far North West, and $9 million in annual visitor expenditure in Tasmania. And, critically, it would capitalise on the booming caravan and camping sector, the new Spirit of Tasmania vessels, and provide a big boost in visitor numbers to the region.
The contribution tourism and hospitality make to Tasmania’s economy is without question.
And it’s not just our major cities and towns – drive journeys have become increasingly important, with visitors venturing out into our beautiful regional areas to experience what the state has to offer – whether it’s a coastal drive through some of our most beautiful scenery or visiting our impressive vineyards and sampling some of Tasmania’s home-grown wine. These tours not only contribute to Tasmania’s overall visitor economy, but are also a vital part of our regional economies, bringing tourists to see some of the most authentic experiences our state offers and supporting local businesses, particularly restaurants, cafes and pubs. We know the state has an abundance of must-see attractions but there are regions where projects have been promised that Labor wants to see more actively progressed. One area known for its stunning beauty is the Huon Valley – but the 2019 bushfires had a huge impact and led to a fall in visitor numbers and left communities doing it tough. That’s why it’s disappointing that it’s taken so long to get the new Transformer art installation in the Huon up and running. The Federal Government announced funding for the project in 2019, with initial hopes that it would be completed by January 2024. And after some initial planning delays the project was approved earlier this year. We want to see every effort made to get this project completed as soon as possible to support local businesses and tourism jobs in the Huon.
Projects like this need to be treated as priorities so that our regional communities and businesses can benefit as much as possible from Tasmania’s popularity as a tourist destination – and the government has no time to waste in getting them up and running as soon as possible. Meanwhile, I wish all hospitality operators and workers a bumper season, a merry Christmas and a happy new year.
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The increase in percentage of board positions filled by women in the last decade in Australia may have substantially increased, however representation in male dominated industries is still significantly lower. This extends further for people from refugee and migrant backgrounds – but a project co-ordinated by the Centre for Multicultural Youth is striving to flip the script. ‘Seat at the Table’ (SAT) is a leadership immersion opportunity for young women from refugee and migrant backgrounds, designed to address their under-representation in formal leadership roles. Now in the second year of the project, CMY partnered with the Migrant Resource Centre Tasmania (MRCT) and the Multicultural Youth Advocacy Network (MYAN) to develop, pilot and evaluate the project on a national scale. The Tasmanian Hospitality Association is no stranger to promoting women within the industry, with a dedicated Women in Leadership program, highlighting the achievements and celebrating the roles females play, now 12 months advanced. The SAT project provided a further avenue for a participant to gain working knowledge of the THA and its governance as the peak body, and was an opportunity Grazielle Marie Fetalvero jumped at. Ms Fetalvero, who is in the Seat at the Table INDUSTRY FEATURE
GRAZIELLE MARIE FETALVERO WITH SHELLEY RICHARDS
third and final year of a Bachelor of Business major in Finance and Accounting at the University of Tasmania, was born in the Philippines and moved to Australia five years ago with her mother and sister. Also a part time supervisor at Nando’s, she detailed her involvement and learnings with the SAT program, which saw her attend several THA board meetings as an observer as well as workshops featuring guest speakers. Q: How did you come across the Seat at the Table program? A: I used to be part of the Youth Advisory Group in which we help raise awareness to the problems that youth from multicultural group are facing in Tasmania. The YAG (Youth Advisory group), Migrant Resource Centre (MRC) usually sends me some opportunities that I might be interested in such as the Seat at the Table program, and that’s where I came across it. Q: What sparked your interest in participating? A: When I read the program information and how it involves leadership, corporate governance, and a little bit about finance it sparked my interest right away. The program itself is kind of related to what I am studying, and I wanted to feel how it would be like to be there as an observer experiencing the [board] meetings and hearing different discussions about the happenings in the organisation.
19 Tasmanian Hospitality Review December/January Edition
Q: How did you find the experience with the THA? Given you have some hospitality experience – did anything in particular resonate with you? A: Having THA as my board was a fun and learning experience. Their meetings are very different and unique due to travel reasons, which is far from normal board meetings which are usually conducted in one place. I had fun travelling and seeing different places in Tasmania, as well as learning and experiencing what it is like to be on a board. As a student who works in the hospitality sector it is nice knowing the THA try their very best to support the hospitality sector. They discuss everything that is related to hospitality, but one thing that resonated with me the most is when they were talking about [working] visas. It is known that a majority of hospitality labour relies on foreign nationals, so having visa restrictions does affect the employment in the hospitality businesses. As a supervisor, asking someone to cover shifts is a struggle because the
majority of the workers are under restrictions, so it is nice knowing that the THA board are discussing [ways to address the problem]. Q: What did you take away from the program? Do you think it will assist you moving forward? A: I took away a lot of knowledge about corporate governance, as well as life lessons. The program doesn’t focus only about the corporation aspects but also life lessons. Every month we [participants] met and discussed all the modules and they would introduce a guest speaker who would talk about their experiences as a board member and how they got there. Their experiences always left me in awe, their experiences and their adventure on how they got to the top is amazing and very inspiring, knowing corporation is mainly a male-dominating field. Their amazing journey and the life lessons they shared to us is my takeaway to assist me to keep moving forward in my career of choice.
GRAZIELLE MARIE FETALVERO (MIDDLE) WITH LEANNE BLACKWELL (LEFT) AND SHELLEY RICHARDS IN THE THA BOARDROOM
Q: Do you feel progress is being made in getting better representation of multicultural young women in leadership positions? A: A big yes! There was one guest speaker that resonated with me the most because of her representation of multicultural young women, she had to go through all the hardship just to gain a leadership position. She had to prove herself to everyone that she is capable and deserving for the leadership role she got, and [she is] continuously representing women from multicultural background to show that any woman can be a leader and women can be in the corporate [world]. She continues to advocate that women with colour, if given a chance, can be leaders and are deserving to get a leadership role. The guest speaker told us that way back there was no leadership program for women available. However, as the years pass programs like Seat at the Table are being offered to young women from multicultural backgrounds to gain a leadership skill for leadership
position. That itself explains how fast and better the progress is, and that would not work if it was not for hardworking women who continue to advocate that women with colour can lead too. Q: Is there anything else you would like to add about your experience? A: I want to thank the THA for having me on their board as an observer, it was an amazing experience. I am ecstatic to have been part of their board for a short period of time, and I am inspired of their board. I want to particularly thanks Ms Shelley [Richards] and Ms Leanne [Blackwell] for being by my side throughout the program, it was wonderful having both of them patiently explaining everything to me with all the happenings during and after the meetings and answering my questions. Lastly, for Mr Steve [Old] and for the board members, thank you for participating in this program and for having me as your observer. I [wish] THA success and prosperity as well as a steady stream of happy members.
ONE STOP
Corporate Partner
RTA: AUS 53965
Corporate Update
Partnerships to Support Tassie Hospitality in 2024
a prosperous 2024.
The hospitality industry in Tasmania, like many others, faces a unique set of challenges. From the rising cost of living and operational expenses to potential decreases in spending due to inflation, these factors can threaten the stability and growth of businesses. Recognising these challenges, the Tasmanian Hospitality Association (THA) is committed to providing its members with the support and resources they need to thrive. As part of this effort, the THA has appointed a dedicated Corporate Partnership Manager to explore new partnerships that offer valuable solutions to these challenges. One of the key areas of focus for the Corporate Partnership Manager in 2024 is developing a comprehensive resource to help THA members access the full range of benefits available through these partnerships. This resource will aim to connect venues and their staff with the right suppliers and partners to address specific needs. We are grateful for the ongoing support of our existing partners and the trust of our new partners. Together, we are committed to working collaboratively to ensure
New Partnerships December 2023: • Toby Test and Tags: Simplifying compliance and safety. • Daiquirii: Ice House Beverages: D’Yavol Liquers, D’Yavol Ice carbonates, wines, granita mixes,1883 Syrups, Equipment, portable bars & services • Pinpoint Group: Bringing you Taste of Summer and Jonno’s Sauce supplies. The THA encourages all members to explore the new partnerships and take advantage of the valuable resources available to them. As we approach the festive season, we wish everyone a safe, happy, and prosperous holiday period. We look forward to working together in 2024 to create a bigger and brighter future!
Corporate Partner Enquiries? Contact Val Giraldo E: val@tha.asn.au Ph: 0405202918
Advertorial
Taste of Summer
A celebration of Tasmanian food, drink, music and culture, the biggest and best Taste yet is coming to Hobart’s Waterfront this summer! A mainstay of Hobart’s summer festivities for over 30 years, last year the Taste attracted over 62,000 patrons through the gates across a seven day period. We know that many of these patrons also take the opportunity to visit Hobart’s premium hospitality venues on and around the waterfront, and of course continue to party into the night in the surrounding bars well after Taste has closed! Many readers would be familiar with Taste of Summer Festival Curator Jo Cook and Co-Curator Khayla Massie (Rude Boy & Punch and Ladle). These hospitality industry stalwarts have been working hard for months now to develop a diverse array of stallholders and a stellar entertainment line up across the festival. On New Year’s Eve Jon Stevens playing INXS and Noiseworks hits from his sold out national tour will be a treat for visitors and locals alike. This Taste of Summer will host 88 stallholders sharing menu items prepared using fresh Tasmanian produce alongside Tasmanian beer, wine, spirits and soft drink. Our entertainment program features an eclectic mix of performers with something for everyone, and in the true spirit of Tasmania’s Taste of Summer, we have featured makers, producers and performers from right across the state with regional Tasmanian also
well represented.
With roughly 40 per cent of our 2022/23 audience comprising mainlanders, for many Tasmanian hospitality operators, Taste also provides a strong platform to showcase their product and menus to a new interstate market. This promotes our Tasmanian brand and the food, drink and hospitality excellence we have become renowned for around the world. So whether you are a diehard Taste fan or you are yet to experience our event as Tasmania’s Taste of Summer, we welcome you down to Hobart’s waterfront with the promise of delicious food and drink, fabulous entertainment and a relaxed summer vibe… you never know, you may even be inspired to setup your own stall for Taste 24/25!
MAIN PICTURE: THE TASTE OF SUMMER ENTRANCE AND INSET, HUGO BLADEL. CREDIT: AL BETT
ON THE SUMMER OF CRICKET
EVERY GAME LIVE
To get Foxtel for your venue call 1300 761 056 or visit Foxtel.com.au/venues
Event availability correct at time of publishing and may be subject to change. Available for Foxtel Business subscribers only. Foxtel marks are used under licence by Foxtel Management Pty Ltd.
Membership Update
As we approach the busy season, it is important to acknowledge the testing times our members have gone through over the last few months, as Tasmania was hit with a tough winter/spring, with cost of living, overseas travel and high interest rates taking their toll. There is a strong optimism on the upcoming months with occupancy forecasting looking strong and Christmas and New Year functions coming up. This month saw the inception of four crucial subcommittees — Accommodation, Pub/Tavern, Restaurants and Cafes, and Micro Brewers/Distilleries. These platforms are not just for dialogue but for innovation and mutual support. They’ll address sector- specific needs and provide strong feedback to guide the THA’s policy and strategy.
partners. Earlier in the month we were fortunate enough to attend the employer of choice awards at another member venue Frogmore Creek. The hospitality was exceptional, and once again congratulations to all the winners.
Recently the membership team caught up with the judges from our Awards for Excellence. Their expertise shaped discussions on refining the judging process for 2024. We shared feedback from the members on the process and criteria, which will help fine tune our awards next year. We will always continue to improve the experience for our members. All our members would have received their 2024 renewal via email. If you haven’t, please contact our membership team. We have an exciting 2024 planned for our members, however we need your support to continue to deliver for the industry. If you have any concerns, please contact us. We wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas and New Year period, and look forward to starting next year with a bang.
Our recent event at Iron Creek Bay Farm stay was a great success. The venue is spectacular, and we can’t thank Rod and his team enough for their hospitality. The weather was perfect, and I would highly recommend heading out to Sorell to experience the venue. We also attended the Work and Training Awards at our member venue Blundstone Arena, congratulations to all the winners, and well done on a wonderful evening to our
WELCOME NEW THA MEMBERS
Cafe Karma Tower Cafe
Dunalley Seaside Market Pedro’s ‘The Restaurant’ The Ducks Bar and Restaurant Boho at the Beach Imperial Hotel Southern Tasmanian Badminton Association
South Burnie Bowls Club Special Olympics Tasmania
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Gin-uary EVENT FEATURE
Returning for a seventh year, Tasmanian gin festival Gin-uary is back and promising a broader range of tipples for all palettes. Set to unfold on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th of January at Princes Wharf 1, on Hobart’s Waterfront, Gin-uary shapes to again be a popular way for patrons to celebrate the end of January. “Gin-uary was created to celebrate Tasmania’s booming gin industry,” says Festival Director, Nicole Fisher says. “We are celebrated across Australia and the world but now we are seeing so many exciting spirits being created that you might just fall in love with something unexpected. “Gin-uary is a crucial event for the Tasmanian spirits industry. Gin-uary gives Tasmanian distillers national exposure and offers local and interstate consumers the opportunity to sample a huge variety of well- known, as well as brand new and exclusive, Tasmanian gins and other spirits. There’ll once again be new launches, limited releases and this year the range will be so broad that you’re guaranteed to discover a new gem.”
distillery I’m excited by the exposure and the new huge audience I’ll be able to reach. I’m just really looking forward to people tasting my gin,” she said. Festival attendees will engage with and learn from distillers, creating social and emotional connections to the product and with the faces behind them. Gin-uary is designed to provide an enlightening experience which showcases the passion and the spirit of the distilleries.
Edwina Cummings from Gardners Bay Distillery will be attending her first Gin-uary Hobart. “As a new
26 Tasmanian Hospitality Review December/January Edition
Each year, the festival has grown despite a very tough climate for events, with the move to a larger venue a sign of the growing demand for quality Tasmanian gins, and of course, a great day out on Hobart’s waterfront. Gin-uary 2024 will be open to more than 2000 people across three, four-hour sessions, held across two days. Attendees will have the chance to meet more than 30 local and regional distillers and tasting of their gins are included in the ticket price. As a proudly all-Tasmanian festival, Tasmanian Tonic Co will be offering the perfect pairing for every gin. “The Tasmanian Tonic Company was born of a desire to complement the experience of fine Australian spirits, particularly gin; to provide a range of uniquely Tasmanian flavours that enhance the spirit,” say Tasmanian Tonic Co’s founders Dina and Andrew Gregson. “We craft tonic water specifically to match fine gin. Featuring ultra-low sugar, natural quinine, and native Australian flavours, both our syrups and our ready-to drink cans are for the serious gin afficionado.” In addition to the gin tastings there will be a delicious variety of food vendors at the event as well as the Gin-uary bar slinging cocktails, and the very popular VIP lounge for those looking to sip their G&T in added style and comfort. For more information: https://ginuaryhobart.com.au/ Tickets On Sale Now General Admission $79+bf. VIP $125+bf
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CHAMPIONING SUCCESSFUL INDEPENDENTS
Our CEO Challenge leads the way THA CEO STEVE OLD WITH TASMANIA JACKJUMPERS CEO CHRISTINE FINNEGAN
We recently put out a challenge to business leaders to step up, follow our commitment to staff wellbeing, and join us for a HOSPO Health CEO Challenge. The result was a fantastic morning of fun, laugher and fierce but friendly competition. Most importantly the challenge sent a strong message that healthy, happy employees must be a priority for all organisations, and should be led from the top.
Council Tasmania); Dianne Underwood (Colony 47); Dominic Baker (Cricket Tasmania); Christine Finnegan (Tasmanian JackJumpers); Nigel Clark (Aurora Energy); Paul Lupo (St.LukesHealth); and Lisa Free (Hobart Community Legal Service); and Barb McGregor (formerly of Marinus Link).
Each conversation closed with Steve issuing the challenge to join the HOSPO Health Challenge.
Kicking it off
The CEO Challenge began with IN THE HOT SEAT, series 2 of the HOSPO Health podcast. THA CEO Steve Old and Chief Happiness Officer Sherri Ring co-hosted, with each of the 12 episodes featuring a Tasmanian CEO as our guest. The series kicked off with Minister Nic Street sharing his personal approach to wellbeing and providing some new insights into what drives him, what he does to unwind, and what his guilty pleasure is! If you don’t know then tune into the podcast, we think you’ll be surprised. Follow up episodes saw Steve and Sherri chatting with Ben Targett, CEO of Hadley’s Orient Hotel and The Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel; Sarah Clarke (Tourism Tasmania); Amy Hills (Tourism Industry
29 Tasmanian Hospitality Review December/January Edition
Hospo Health
A competitive challenge
generous prize voucher from our hosts at Swisherr, who supported our event from start to finish.
It was CEO against CEO, as the teams battled it out for pride and glory at Swisherr Hoops Academy in Hobart. We began with a breathwork session delivered by Dr Rebecca Chabot of Pure Wellness Tasmania. Former NBL Tassie Devils basketballer Anthony Stewart then led the teams through a knock-out competition shooting hoops, with serious handicaps for the JackJumpers team. The THA Haute Couture Fashion Parade was the highlight of the day. The photos speak for themselves, so we won’t even begin to try describing the models and fashion! We wrapped up with Jeopardy, testing out how well our business leaders knew each other. Bonus points on the day were scored through our ‘Where’s Steve’ scavenger hunt – our own version of Where’s Wally. It was a tight competition but the highest score and bragging rights went to our own THA team, however we graciously handed the trophy to the runners up, Tasmanian JackJumpers. They also received a
More than just fun and games
“HOSPO Health is a comprehensive preventative health and wellbeing program delivered through a combination of online and face to face channels” says Steve Old. “While it’s tailored for hospitality, we know there are many similarities across all industries and organisations with regard to employee health and wellbeing. “We’re proud to be leading the way, not just here in Tassie but nationally too – this is the first time any organisation in Australia has developed a health and wellbeing program for an entire industry across a whole state! We want to keep improving and innovating, and we want to encourage other industries to follow our lead and prioritise the health and wellbeing of their own people.”
Sherri says the importance of the morning can’t be underestimated.
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Hospo Health
“The CEOs we had taking part in the challenge all have demanding roles and busy schedules. But they stepped up to the plate, came along and spent the morning helping us shine a light on employee wellbeing.” “All the evidence shows that mentally healthy workplaces need a top-down approach, and we know workplace culture is also led from the top. By bringing leaders together to collaborate and put their hands up as champions of workplace wellness, it sets a standard and sends a strong message right across the workforce.”
While our focus is on the hospitality industry, we’ll continue to build relationships with other businesses and leaders. We know a shared commitment will allow us to have an even stronger voice for our own industry and the Tasmanian community in general. Throughout the Christmas and New Year period, make sure you keep watch on our website and social media for videos, podcasts and other resources to keep yourself and your team on track with quality sleeps, good nutrition, a happy outlook and plenty of daily movement.
Sherri and Steve both encourage everyone who hasn’t already heard the podcasts to tune in.
“We had some powerful conversations in this series,” says Steve. “Our guests really leant into the discussion, with many revealing their own personal experiences and vulnerabilities. And when you have a CEO sharing these stories it goes a long way towards breaking down the stigma and showing people that it’s okay to talk about mental health and struggles.”
How do we build on this?
HOSPO Health CEO Challenge 2024 is already pencilled in and we’re aiming for bigger and better!
Editorial
WIN $10,000 for Your Local Sporting Club
One lucky club in the North-West, one in the South and one in the North will each secure a $10,000 windfall for their clubs.
Tasracing is excited to unveil the Community Sports Series, a groundbreaking initiative that was conceived in 2023 with the inaugural running of the Carpet Charge. This innovative 1009m sprint was added to the Devonport Cup Day card featuring 12 runners and boasting a substantial $109,000 prize pool—the richest sprint race on tapeta across Australia. To further involve the community, a community sports club component was introduced. Twelve teams from registered clubs were randomly selected to align with the 12 runners in the Carpet Charge. Each club was assigned a horse, and the total prize pool of $25,000 was distributed, with one fortunate club winning $10,000 for their organisation. Last year Rosebery Athletics Club took home the $10,000 first prize. It looks like rock drilling is making a comeback at the Rosebery Athletics Carnival in 2024! This year, the concept has expanded to cover all three thoroughbred Cups, with a cumulative prize pool of $76,000 distributed among 40 sporting clubs across Tasmania.
Mark your calendars for the key race days:
• The Carpet Charge at the Devonport Cup on Wednesday, 10 January 2024. • The Benchmark 60 at the Hobart Cup on Sunday, 11 February 2024. • The Benchmark 64 at the Launceston Cup on Wednesday, 28 February 2024. Teams will be randomly allocated a horse, and prizes will be awarded from 1st place through to last place, creating a thrilling atmosphere of anticipation and competition. For local sports clubs, this is a golden opportunity not to be missed. Register your club for the random ballot and uncover all the winning details, including terms and conditions, by visiting www.lcss. tasracing.com.au. The Community Sports Series is calling—get involved, have fun, and stand a chance to win $10,000 for your club!
Clubs Tasmania
As this year draws to an end, it has been a busy couple of months running workshops and pre planning for the coming year. We hope that everyone has a relaxing and enjoyable Christmas, and may the new year bring success, growth, and exciting opportunities as we look forward to working with you in 2024! Throughout the months of November and December Clubs Tasmania has partnered with Scala Training Company to roll out Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) training courses at the Westbury RSL and Claremont Golf Club in Hobart. The enthusiastic response with great attendance numbers indicates the importance and relevance of such training within community clubs. In partnership with Work & Training, we were pleased to be able to offer two, two-day Food and Safety Supervisor Courses to the Community Clubs who are involved in the food preparation and serving around the state. These sessions were face to face, and going forward from December this year most Tasmanian Food Businesses and community clubs will be required to have a Certified Food Safety Supervisor (FSS). We also partnered with the Tasmanian Community Fund and Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) for the second time this year to hold a series of grant writing workshops, which are always very well received by community clubs. These workshops were suitable for first time grant writers as well as those wishing to gain extra tips on how to put your best words forward when applying for funding. In November, in association with Reclink Australia, Workplace Alive and Well Training, we travelled to Oatlands to hold an event at the Oatlands Ex-Services and Community Club for the clubs in the Southern Midlands. Everyone at the event was lucky enough to hear an inspirational speech from JackJumpers coach Scott Roth, who discussed the importance of good culture and leadership within a team. If you every get the chance to listen to Scott’s speech, you will walk away full of motivation. Lastly, Clubs Tasmania held two sports luncheons for our members. One was held at Country Club Tasmania where everyone heard some great stories and insights from Tasmanian born and AFL legend Matthew Richardson, and the second luncheon was held at the Hobart Franklin Wharf Function Centre, where everyone heard from the new Tasmanian AFL team
Chair Grant O’Brien and Australian Sports Foundation CEO Patrick Walker, where clubs learned some new methods of fundraising for their club.
ABOVE: CLUBS TASMANIA LUNCHEON
Clubs Tasmania acknowledges the continued support from our network of over 900 clubs, and we are committed to continuing to keep you informed and support your club and community, to decrease the workload on volunteers, reduce costs and increase revenue so your club can remain viable and sustainable. This edition we are also proud to feature a group of dedicated volunteers from the Claremont Golf Club who work tirelessly to keep the course and greens in pristine condition for members! Like many golf clubs Claremont has a very strong volunteer support group. “Dads Army”, as the group of volunteers here at the Claremont Golf Club are popularly known, has been in existence for many years and are an integral part of the golf club. Theyevenhavetheirownhighvisshirtsandareregulars on a Thursday morning assisting the greens staff by undertaking the many different jobs that are essential to keeping an 18-hole golf course functioning.
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Clubs Tasmania
In addition to the more mundane tasks like emptying rubbish bins, keeping the sand boxes filled, painting tee markers and raking up course debris, “Dads Army” undertakes many projects that take into account the skills that each member brings to the group.
Co-ordinated by Paul Nation, a retired Fitter, the group recently undertook the rebuilding of a large garage that a member of the club had kindly donated to store excess equipment in. I’m sure it brought back memories of lost childhoods in mechano set building but just on a larger scale!! While it is a diverse group the one thing in common is their desire to help out around the club, no task is either too big or too small and they are there in all types of weather conditions. Dads Army even has its own morning tea roster with many of the group quite good at providing their own home baked fare (some like to bring it in purchased packaging). On some days it is like feeding time at the zoo!!
These skills range from the traditional trades like fitters and electricians through to office workers, store keepers and public servants – we even have a dentist and a former golf professional! The team also has former turf managers/greenkeepers who assist on many aspects of course maintenance including mowing of fairways and rough.
Are you on our mailing list? tom@tha.asn.au
Have you joined our Facebook page? https://www.facebook.com/THAClubsTas/ P: 1300 125 827
HOBART HOME BOUND
Round 7 Saturday, April 27 | 1.45pm Blundstone Arena
Round 11 Saturday, May 25 | 1.45pm Blundstone Arena
RoUND 22 August 9-11 Blundstone Arena
Round 20 July 26-28 Blundstone Arena
For tickets on sale, corporate hospitality offerings and more, head to nmfc.com.au/hobart
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