20 minute read
OPINION – Interesting insights from our panel of columnists.
INHOSPITABLE LANDSCAPE
Jane Stephens knows that now, more than ever, a little service goes a long way towards building satisfied customers and repeat business.
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Hospitality certainly doesn’t feel all that hospitable right now. Restrictions are at last in the rear-view mirror, but now customer care feels cursory; retail relations are perfunctory.
Vendor manners and attention should not be optional side dishes.
The lack of warm bodies is certainly a problem. There is a sign seemingly in every second shop or café window on the Sunshine Coast and many establishments have reported having to truncate opening hours and available services simply because they can’t staff them all.
But while customer-facing businesses are having to take on pretty much whomever puts their hand up, surely there should be more training than how to write on an order pad or accurately operate the till. Being greeted with a smile and a “good morning – how can I help you?” at a café costs nothing.
Having wait staff say, “Hello, I am xx and I will be looking after you today” at a restaurant immediately signifies attention. Clean and tidy staff members – with clothing that fits and doesn’t look like it has been dragged out of the dirty laundry basket – indicate a business that puts professionalism front and centre.
These ‘niceties’ are so thin on the ground that those who invest in them seem outstanding. Many customers, including me, will base their choices about where to spend their hard-earned dollars as much on service as on product.
Businesses can do better. They can choose to encourage their staff to connect with customers and take pride in their conduct and appearance. We customers deserve better and we want our local businesses to succeed.
I know the current difficulties are not just one-sided. I see and hear customers being rude and demanding. Waiting an extra few minutes for smashed avo or putting up with poached eggs being a little too firm is a bridge too far for some – and they let the whole place know about it or leave a scorching review online.
Those who have never complained are speaking up and those prone to having a whinge have their megaphones out. But if business owners invested in their culture as well as mechanics, they would see that customer smiles are the currency of longest-lasting value.
Jane Stephens is a USC journalism lecturer, media commentator and writer.
A RIGHT ROYAL PREDICAMENT
Ashley Robinson tells how the late Duke of Edinburgh helped a chubby schoolboy make a lifelong decision about camping.
Just when you thought the media blitz over the past month had ended regarding the passing of the Queen, I have decided to chuck something in. No, it’s not about Meghan or Harry’s body language around King Charles. It’s not about the King giving his pen a good royal thrashing for not working or any other insightful comments on the goings on of the new ‘Fab Four’.
I never met the Queen. The closest I got was a drive-by once, but I did get to meet Phil the Greek. I did the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award when I was at Nambour High. Why, I will never know, but someone must have talked me into it as I was a better follower than a leader.
I probably did it because someone told me we would get time off school. The categories were physical recreation, skills, volunteer service, and adventurous journey over a six-month period. So the latter is what I remember clearly and, in hindsight, I would have been better off at school as we had to do a cross-country overnight trip from Montville to Nambour.
I can only remember three things: getting hopelessly lost (followed the wrong person), getting stuck in a whole bunch of lantana that cut me to shreds, and camping in a dry creek bed somewhere in ‘Woop Woop’ and a cow sticking its head in my tent and mooing at midnight. Awesome. A change of undies was required and it ensured a lifetime dislike of camping. How I managed to pass any of the criteria I will never know. But as promised by persons unknown, about three months in, we did get a whole day off school to go to Maryborough, play a game of footy and meet the Duke (movie star John ‘The Duke’ Wayne would have been better).
It was stinking hot, the field was a dust bowl and we then had to line up for about an hour to shake hands with the Duke of Edinburgh. He must have been about as thrilled as I was, because when I eventually got to shake his hand, he said something like this: “You are a chubby fellow. You must be hot?” He was deadset right about that and after a three-hour bus trip home, I decided that those awards weren’t for me and spent the rest of my time at school sitting in the back of the room reading surfing magazines.
Ashley Robinson is the manager of Alex Surf Club and the chairman of the Sunshine Coast Falcons.
The opinions expressed are those of the authors. These are not the views of My Weekly Preview publishers.
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Explore two possible design concepts for the next stage of the Mooloolaba Foreshore Revitalisation.
Scan the QR code to take a virtual tour of the
Stage Two Central Meeting Place and complete the online survey before Tuesday 25 October 2022. For more information visit sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/mfr
Concept Yellow
SPRING CLEANING TURNS TO WARFARE
It’s battle stations as Sami Muirhead fires the first shots in readying her family home for house sitters over the Christmas holidays.
Operation Clean The House Up, You Bunch Of Jerks is well underway at Buddina. My bestie and her family of five are coming from Sydney to dog sit our home at Christmas time.
If we were in the movies, the brochure would say: “Come and spend 10 sunny days in a white Hamptons house on the Sunshine Coast that comes complete with three perfect pooches and Netflix”.
The reality will be that my friends and their kids will be bunkering down in a somewhat weathered home that needs lots of love and attention and three crazy dogs that sleep in the bed and bark if they even get the smallest whiff of a noise/smell/hint of a ghost in a cupboard.
The pool frequently has black spot in summer and the rubbish bin has permanent grime around it.
As for the Netflix, well this part is true but at least once a month the remote to use the service simply disappears for a few days into some abyss where I imagine it sits with odd socks and 38 missing umbrellas.
The whole situation of house sitting did initially appear a win/win affair. Our friends save a stack of rent money during peak holiday time and I know my dogs are living their best lives with trusted people who are not serial killers or hooking up on Tinder dates with strangers in my bed.
But like most things in life, the reality bites. So, we have 10 Sundays to get our pad looking less like a recycling tip and more like a family home where you won’t die of the plague or catch nits.
Each night, we have now replaced spending 20 minutes watching TV with time to clean one draw or cupboard in the home. It is warfare.
The kids moan. My husband groans. I feel like moving out and going and living at Club Med for the next two months, or at least just eating a packet of Tim Tams and watching reruns of Friends. But onward we march to our glittering goal of a cleaner home with less clutter. We can all pray for a Christmas miracle from Santa.
Sami Muirhead is a radio announcer, blogger and commentator. For more from Sami, tune into Mix FM.
with Kingsley Ellmer...
Since 2020 we have seen a 40% rise in values on average across the southern end of the Coast and we are seeing an average drop of 5%. Although this may be seen as a drop in the market, in reality it is a price correction as prices did go beyond their true value during the peak of the hot market. The interest rate rises are doing their job in reducing infl ation, which is certainly what was needed in order to restore some balance in the market. The RBA last week took the cash rate target 25 basis points higher, a lower increase than in the preceding four months. At 2.6%, the cash rate target is now at the highest level since July 2013 and surpasses the decade average prior to the onset of COVID-19 (which was 2.55%). Assuming today’s cash rate rise is passed on to mortgage rates in full, the average variable mortgage rate for a new owner occupier loan could rise to around 4.76%, up from 2.4% in April. For a new principal and interest loan of $750,000, this would take monthly mortgage repayments from $2,925 per month in April to $3,917. This scenario makes clear the impact of rising rates on buyer demand, with further mortgage rate rises through October likely to place additional downward pressure on the housing market. On the ground this is translating into a higher supply of properties, a reduction in buyers’ budgets and a bit of hesitation. Although this may seem negative, when the dust settles, we are still left with a strong market and some very strong prices. It’s almost like the curtains have been opened on the Sunshine Coast and a large number of people have realised what an amazing lifestyle we have here and as crazy as it sounds, how aff ordable it still is. Kingsley Ellmer AURA PROPERTY
T 07 5438 8005 | E sales@aurapropertysc.com.au | aurapropertysc.com.au
OFFICE LOCATIONS BARINGA | CALOUNDRA WEST | MAROOCHYDORE | NORTH SHORE
HOME TO NATIVE & EXOTIC ANIMALS
Come face to face with Meerkats, Red Pandas, Lemurs, a Sun Bear, Koalas, Dingoes, monkeys & more. Upclose personal encounters Meet the Keepers and learn
something new about your favourite animals.
Endangered Cotton Top Tamarins, are housed in an exhibit right next to you at the Zoo Cafe.
travel
EXPLORE THE SEVEN SEAS
Take to the ocean with the luxurious Regent Seven Seas Cruises, sailing to more than 450 destinations across the globe. The hallmark unlimited shore excursions in every port makes this a truly all-inclusive luxury cruise line.
With speciality dining, premium beverages, Wifi and valet laundry service, every detail is taken care of.
For travellers dreaming of a European escape, Regent offers a number of options for the seasons ahead.
Seven Seas Grandeur begins her inaugural Mediterranean season in July 2024. Starting in Rome and ending in Barcelona, she will go on to sail five voyages. She will then cross the Atlantic Ocean on a 14-night voyage from Miami to Barcelona. Highlight ports of call include: Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas; Seville, Spain; Valencia, Spain; and Azores, Portugal, where guests will have the opportunity to explore the island’s thermal pools, vivid crater lakes, subtropical flora and charming towns filled with preserved 17th and 18th century buildings.
Seven Seas Splendor begins her Mediterranean season in April 2024 with three sun-kissed Western Mediterranean and Greek Isles cruises. The capital city along the Costa del Azahar, Castellón, Spain, offers hinterlands and verdant landscapes to complement its beaches. In May, the ship repositions to Northern Europe for 12 sailings that discover Monaco, France, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, England, Scotland, Wales, Greenland, Iceland and more before sailing back to the Mediterranean for two voyages.
Seven Seas Voyager will spend the 2024 spring season in the Mediterranean. Beginning and ending her season in Lisbon, she will go on to cruise eight voyages. In another highlight, Seven Seas Voyager will start her 79-night Grand European Sojourn Grand Voyage at the end of June. Combining seven Northern Europe and Mediterranean voyages, the Grand European Sojourn is a round-trip journey from Lisbon, Portugal and provides the opportunity to explore Spain, France, Channel Islands, Belgium, Netherlands, England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland, Italy, Montenegro, Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Israel and Malta.
Combining five Northern Europe voyages, the Grand Arctic Adventure Grand Voyage aboard Seven Seas Mariner is one not to be missed. This epic 83-night journey, starting in New York and concluding in Barcelona, departs in June 2024 and explores North America and Europe with overnights in Iceland, Denmark, Belgium, Germany, Norway, Netherlands and France.
Seven Seas Navigator visits the Mediterranean in May 2024, with a 10-night voyage starting in Athens, exploring the Adriatic Sea, and completing her journey in Venice. There’s further exploration of the Mediterranean on a 10-night cruise that discovers Croatia, Italy, Greece, France, Spain and Monaco, as well as a fall season.
Continuing her spring season in June, Seven Seas Navigator sails eight Northern Europe voyages, three of which feature: Saaremaa, Estonia; Esbjerg, Denmark; Vlissingen, Netherlands; and Calais, France.
More details at www.rssc.com.
Katherine Gorge
KIMBERLEY’S COLOUR PALETTE
From historical Darwin, through rugged ranges, dramatic gorges and some of Australia’s most-remote towns enroute to Broome, it was a truly incredible 10 days travelling with Globus on the Contrasts of the Kimberley tour.
Our expert guide and driver took us to bucket-list destinations including Katherine Gorge, Lake Argyle and the famed El Questro Station.
Our guide was very knowledgeable and in addition to teaching us about the history and Indigenous cultures of each region, he also pointed out the unique flora and fauna of the Kimberley. We travelled on a spacious, air-conditioned coach and always slept in comfort. My personal favourite was the safari-style tented cabins at El Questro’s Emma Gorge: an absolute highlight of the trip.
The colours of the Kimberley are what really took my breath away. World-class sunsets, watching the rocks and gorges change colour as the sun moved, the iconic red earth and stunning blue waters along Broome’s coast – it’s a unique part of our world, which has to be seen to be believed. Searching for crocs, exploring national parks and hiking to waterfalls, travelling through this part of our beautiful country truly set my soul on fire.
For more information, phone 5438 2108.
– WORDS: Teagan Murphy, Travel Associates Caloundra
INCLUSIONS & HIGHLIGHTS • Cruise on Milford Sound • Travel on the iconic TranzAlpine rail • Enjoy wine tasting & lunch at Gibbston Valley • Explore the beautiful Larnach Castle with an included high tea • Stay at the spectacular Hermitage Hotel for stunning views of Mount Cook Village • Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Museum and enjoy Big Sky Star Gazing at Mount Cook • Included Gondola in Queenstown and Christchurch • Return economy flights Brisbane to Christchurch • Hosted by an experienced Travel Associates Travel Advisor • 12 nights in four star hotels, breakfast daily, 3 lunches and 5 dinners • Inclusive sightseeing as per the itinerary
The tour is exclusive to Playford Travel Pty Ltd Trading as Travel Associates Caloundra, Travel Associates Mountain Creek and Hosted Holidays - Licence 3145713. Prices are shown as per person based on Twin Share. All prices subject to availability at the time of booking This group requires a minimum of 20 people and has a maximum of 40 people. A 25% deposit and completed booking form are required within 7 days of booking to secure your space. Final payment is then due 60 days prior to travel. Cancellation fees: 60 days or more prior to travel forfeit deposit. 30-60 days prior to travel forfeit 50% of monies paid. 30 days or less prior to travel forfeit 100% of monies paid.
Travel Associates Caloundra 1300 212 896 Travel Associates Mountain Creek 1300 667 603 hostedholidays.com.au
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1 Admit (7) 5 Cavalry sword (5) 8 Offer freely (9) 9 Destiny (3) 10 Lacking substance (4) 12 Closing date (8) 14 Within reach (2,4) 15 Walking (2,4) 17 Country of west Europe (8) 18 Keen enjoyment (4) 21 Not in fashion (3) 22 Spellbound (9) 24 Lowest point (5) 25 Science of artillery (7) 1 Wish for eagerly (5) 2 Nought (3) 3 Sicilian volcano (4) 4 Small hole (6) 5 Loud and grating (8) 6 Warlike (9) 7 Implore (7) 11 Received as a legacy (9) 13 To hamper (8) 14 Tropical cyclone (7) 16 Nocturnal insect (6) 19 The present age (5) 20 Knock unconscious (4) 23 Shade of colour (3)
DOWN
SUDOKU
EASY
ARIES (MAR 21-APR 20)
On Monday and Tuesday you’ll feel creative and motivated, as the sun and Mars activate your Aries mojo. But there’s the potential for explosive sun-Pluto power struggles mid-week, so calm down and try to communicate with extra care and diplomacy.
LEO (JUL 24-AUG 23)
Mid-week, there’s a challenging connection between Pluto and the sun, so try to avoid family squabbles, online arguments and run-ins with authority figures. If you are the person in charge, then resist the urge to be bossy and overbearing.
SAGITTARIUS (NOV 23-DEC 21)
Are your dreams achievable? Are you being unrealistic about a project that’s due to be completed? Perhaps you need to be more proactive or learn to delegate? If you think creatively and capitalise on your group connections, then you’ll eventually taste success.
WORD STEP
Complete the list by changing one letter at a time to create a new word at each step. One possible answer shown below.
SPARE
WHINY
TAURUS (APR 21-MAY 21)
Mid-week looks eventful, as the Venus/Pluto square stirs up trouble. A double dose of diplomacy is required if you want to keep the peace. Then the focus is on friendships – how to nurture them, keep them… and then let them go if you have outgrown each other.
VIRGO (AUG 24-SEP 23)
Don’t be deterred by challenges. Hard work and calm consultation will take you far. When it comes to work, a study project or a social media matter, you have the potential to achieve success, but it won’t come without plenty of elbow grease on your part.
CAPRICORN (DEC 22-JAN 20)
With the sun, Mercury and Venus all transiting through your career zone, it will be easier to sort out workplace problems than at other times – especially if you are prepared to compromise. The weekend is good for long-term planning and problem-solving.
QUIZ
1. Maatsuyker Island is part of which Australian state or territory? 2. How old was Elvis Presley when he died in 1977? 3. Who wrote the play Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead? 4. Dakota Fanning (pictured) starred alongside Brittany Murphy in which 2003 film? 5. Which US city is known as the Windy City?
GEMINI (MAY 22-JUN 21)
Your wonderfully witty side could blossom, as you brainstorm ideas and amaze others with your quick-witted quips and clever comments. But, if you are too hasty, then you could put your foot firmly in your mouth. Slow down and think things through.
LIBRA (SEP 24-OCT 23)
This week, Venus (your power planet) trines Mars and pairs up with the sun, which favours flirtatious encounters, romantic adventures and long-term friendships. But negotiations will be tricky, and possessiveness and jealousy could rear their ugly heads.
AQUARIUS (JAN 21-FEB 19)
With the sun, Mercury and Venus all visiting your philosophy zone, you have the ability to affect others deeply with your expansive views and progressive values. Education, foreign travel, social media and local community connections are also favoured.
CANCER (JUN 22-JUL 23)
Pluto pushes your insecurity button, which could activate your protective crab claws. But the more defensive you are (and the more resistant you are to change) the more exhausted you’ll feel and the more difficult the week will be. A close relationship needs to be reviewed and renewed.
SCORPIO (OCT 24-NOV 22)
The sun and Venus are at odds with powerful Pluto (your patron planet) mid-week, which boosts your temperamental streak and your Scorpio control-freak tendencies. You could feel like you’re stuck in a self-sabotaging rut or even going backwards.
PISCES (FEB 20-MAR 20)
With the sun and Venus visiting your mystery zone (and squaring Pluto) there’s more to everything than meets the eye. It will take your Piscean perception – and substantial detective skills – to uncover secrets and distinguish fact from fantasy.
6. What did Holden originally manufacture when it was founded in 1856? 7. Kombu is a type of a) seaweed b) cured meat or c) soft cheese? 8. Which Beatles song contains the line, ‘You were only waiting for this moment to arise’? 9. What is the French word for white? 10. The Bald Archy is a parody of which Australian art prize?
SOLUTIONS
Hue
23
19 Today 20 Stun 16 Earwig 14 Typhoon
Encumber Inherited 13
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7 Entreat 6 Bellicose
Strident Eyelet 5 Etna 4
3
2 Nil Covet
1
Down:
25 Gunnery
Nadir Bewitched 24
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21 Out 18 Zest 17 Portugal
14 To hand 15 On foot Thin 12 Deadline
10
9 Lot
Volunteer Sabre 8 1 Concede 5
CROSSWORD: Across:
SHIRE, SHINE, WHINE, WHINY WORD STEP: SPARE, SHARE,
Blanc 10. The Archibald Prize
9.
5. Chicago 6. Saddles 7. a) seaweed 8. Blackbird Girls
4. Uptown
Tom Stoppard 42 3.
2.
QUIZ: 1. Tasmania 584176293 621539874 793284615 915362748 237845169 468917352 379421586 856793421 142658937
SINCLAIR TOUR & TRAVEL
Day Tours - with Pick ups
8 Nov 9 Nov 11 Nov 13 Nov 16 Nov 19/30 Nov 27 Nov 29 Nov 31 Dec 26 Jan 19 Nov Bremer River Cruise Mousetrap – QPAC Bribie Island Cruise Singing in the Rain – QPAC Mt Mee/Birches Lunch Mary Poppins – QPAC Outback Spectacular Sinclair Christmas Party New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise Aust Day Dinner Cruise ROBBIE WILLIAMS 8 Nov 15 Nov 4 Mar 6 Apr 13 April 13 April 30 April 2 May 30 Jun August 20 Oct Extended Tours - Small Groups!
Moffatdale Ridge Winery & Gayndah Tweed River Cruise/Ballina – 2 days Norfolk Island Foundation Day Tour Easter Tamworth, Nundle Festival Longreach, Winton, Barcaldine Hawaiian Island Cruise Torres Strait Adventure Ballarat, Bright, Tumut & Canberra Kununurra and NT Adventure Singapore - 8 Days Japan’s Highlights
Ph: 5494 5083
23 Mar Lady Elliott and Fraser Island - 5 Days Return fl ights Lady Elliott. Snorkelling, reef walking, glass bottom boat. Return ferry Fraser Island. 4WD Day tour. All meals on the islands
