AHA - Hotel Today - Feb/Mar 2024

As we enter the New Year, it's important to reflect on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

One of the biggest challenges we face is the increase in the costs of doing business.

AHA (Vic) hosted its annual New Year Cocktail Function, attended by the AHA (Vic) Council, industry partners and our parliamentary friends.

Below is my speech to open our New Year Cocktail Function.

Today, at our Council meeting our Executive Committee for the next two years was confirmed.

I congratulate Mark O’Reilly and Andrew Clark who were returned unopposed to the Vice Presidency roles, as was David Curry as Secretary, and congratulate Rachel Checinski who was elected and elevated to the role of Treasurer.

I congratulate Matt Nikakis, Stewart Naismith, Matt Mullins and Peter Williams on their re-election as Executive members.

And Shaun D’Cruz and Lee Davey were returned to the Executive Committee representing Accommodation Australia (Victoria).

And congratulations to Tom Francis and Sally Gerbert on their Election as first-time Executive Members.

To Paul Stocks who has decided to stand down, thank you for your work on the Executive since 2010 and as Treasurer over the past nine and a half years, and thank you to Ray Sharawara for your contribution to the Exec since 2018.

Involvement which I am sure will continue in areas such as Pubs Pots & Profits.

I also welcome newly elected Councillors – 19 new faces to our Council of 72.

The change of the year rouses an instinct to reflect, but more importantly provides a chance to look forward, with a sense of new enthusiasm.

A time to start the new year with the “Re” words - refreshed, recharged, re-set & rejuvenated.

And resolutions which may be already defeated.

But the overwhelming emotion for me this year is optimism, even when our industry continues to face massive challenges.

Staff and skill shortages still hamper our progress, and the rising cost of energy and insurance are of concern.

We have great anxiety around the role of gas in the energy plan as it is vital in managing the service delivery and quality control of our food, not to mention its importance in executing authentic wok and pan cooking.

Cost pressures are our members greatest concern – and a small change to how our liquor licence fees are calculated has caused significant fee increases for a wide range of pubs – increases some simply can’t absorb, anxiety they simply don’t need.

Business cannot continue to bear these rising costs.

But my optimism is centred around our ability to work with decision makers to support small business – the engine room of the economy.

To stop impeding business and to actually remove the barriers.

To give us certainty to invest and to employ.

We understand there is a balance that needs to be struck and we want to get that balance right.

I am optimistic we can work to help government achieve their policy outcomes, while still supporting pubs and hotels.

We need a “no surprises” approach from government and one which is willing to re-engage.

I’m optimistic strong leadership by elected representatives will see a more collaborative approach with our regulator – an industry partner and an educator, rather than just an enforcer.

PRESIDENt’s message DAvid canny | president

A sustainable industry, the envy of the nation. Not over-regulated, but progressive, innovative and united.

And we do not shy away from our responsibilities. To operate with decency, respectful of the licenses we are privileged to hold. We understand our responsibility to our staff, our patrons and the communities in which we operate – those communities we have a long and proud history of supporting.

This is achieved through individual venue’s community initiatives and also via the Hotel Care Foundation – Our Foundation, a successful fundraising conduit established to support the community – from Rule Prostate, Ovarian Cancer, Good Friday Appeal and so on.

This year, the Hotel Care Foundation will ride the momentum we generated in 2023 with bigger and bolder fundraising campaigns to support those worthy community causes.

When we talk about pubs supporting their community, there is no better example than the Rising Sun Hotel Bendigo.

We acknowledge the Sheehan family who have just celebrated 70 years as custodian.

Pat and Marilyn are with us tonight.

A pub at the centre of its community – a donator, a meeting place, the publican on sporting club committees, and community groups. This is what governments should not only appreciate but facilitate - a thriving hospitality sector.

We want to engage and collaborate, creating strategic relationships to cut through the noise and find mutually beneficial resolutions.

Together creating a stable trading landscape.

We will continue to support those who have empathy for, and interest in, our pubs & hotels – those who have a genuine understanding and a willingness to assist.

We applaud the ongoing investment in Visit Victoria and the magnificent events we continue to stage and acknowledge the important role major events and the arts play in a thriving hospitality scene. There is excitement around the “Every bit Different” global tourism campaign.

Our work along-side the Chamber of Commerce to promote business confidence and growth and getting workers into the CBD is critical in supporting the hospitality day trade and the after-work drinks occasion.

Opportunities are before us – Business events, recreational tourism, an airport

wanting to expand to become world class, and an unbelievable accommodation stock, the envy of the world, just waiting for them to arrive.

Optimism – “the inclination to anticipate the best possible outcome” - For us all.

Next year I hope I stand before you with excitement – because from optimism comes confidence, which creates opportunity, investment and growth.

And I am optimistic in what the future holds for our industry.

Pubs and hotels have a unique force of bringing people and communities together – despite their differences, despite their backgrounds. We all need a “local” in whatever form that may be. And in this world right now, more than ever, that is worth fighting for.

I wish our elected representatives a great year of decision making and our pubs, hotels and corporate partners - great trade.

David Canny President Australian Hotels Association (Vic)

IN THE BUSTLING WORLD OF HOSPITALITY, EDUCATION PLAYS A PIVOTAL ROLE IN SHAPING THE PROFESSIONALS OF TOMORROW. I SAT DOWN WITH SANDI HOMER, THE ACTING DIRECTOR EDUCATION AT WILLIAM ANGLISS INSTITUTE, TO DELVE INTO THE INSTITUTE'S UNIQUE APPROACH TO SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND HOW IT PROPELS INDIVIDUALS TOWARDS SUCCESS IN THEIR HOSPITALITY CAREERS

Apprenticeships and Traineeships:

A Gateway to Career Acceleration

When asked about how courses dedicated to apprenticeships and traineeships contributed to a candidate's overall skill development in the hospitality industry, Sandi highlighted the many benefits of learning in a real-world environment for those who couldn’t make it to the classroom. Using a combination of practical work placements and formal study, William Angliss Institute promises to offer students a head-start in their chosen careers. “With approximately 600 apprentices/ trainees per year, the courses are tailored to enhancing graduate outcomes and career opportunities with a combination of core and elective units that meet industry needs,” she said.

Moreover, Sandi pointed out the unique flexibility in scheduling, with students having the power to determine their training frequency, ranging from weekly sessions to monthly engagements. This bespoke approach ensures that learners can seamlessly integrate education with realworld experience.

Success Stories that Speak Volumes

The Institute prides itself on its impressive track record of success stories. Sandi shared that 99.9% of graduates from the Angliss International Hotel School Diploma of Hospitality Management find employment directly after completing their studies. Graduates often secure prominent roles such as Duty Manager, Restaurant Manager, Operations Manager, and Guest Relations Manager in prestigious hotels. This Diploma is currently available as a free TAFE course. She also highlighted opportunities for students to engage in major events like the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival and the Melbourne Grand Prix as part of their course, providing invaluable practical experience.

One such alumni, Courtney Fleming, who completed the Certificate III in Cake and Pastry, and started her own business, said “Studying bakery at Angliss meant I could then start ‘Cakes by Courtney’ and live out my dream of doing what I love.” Another alumnus, Bec Gamble who completed Certificate III in Meat Processing - Small Goods Manufacture said, “I've lived in a

small country town all my life, working in administration and finance for nearly 20 years. Then at some stage in the last four years, I became interested in charcuterie & meat. Generally speaking, when you pursue a butchery apprenticeship, you don't get to choose where you study. However, I'm glad Meatsmith chose Angliss as their training institute, the premier training facility in Melbourne.”

Mentorship by Design

The Power of Practicality: Internships and Industry Partnerships

In addressing the importance of effective mentoring, Sandi emphasised that the Institute specialises in hospitality, foods, tourism and events education. This enables them to channel all efforts into preparing students for excellence in each area, including customer service, communications and networking skills. Sandi pointed out unique learning environments such as the Rain Garden, situated in the centre of the Institute, a space filled with herbs, fruits, vegetables and indigenous plants, fostering hands-on learning.

Speaking of offering innovative experiences, Sandi excitedly said, “There’s a new food tour experience we are offering this year, which is fully catered for by our students from across our specialisations. The diners start at the new Tram Café for drinks and canapés, from there they move to the Rain Garden for other canapés made with freshly harvested ingredients. Then they continue to the Angliss Restaurant, where they are served a two-course meal, and finish off with a gelati dessert, made onsite at our Gelateria. As it is a training restaurant, our lunch and dinner prices are very economical for customers. Everything from our reservations to the MCing is all done by the students.”

All training outlets, including the Rain Garden, are open to the public, providing students with real-world exposure and opportunities to refine their skills.

Sandi shed light on the six-month internship program embedded in the Diploma of Hospitality. “Angliss takes responsibility for placing students in reputable hospitality venues, ensuring they gain firsthand experience aligned with their interests. This not only benefits students but also provides a pipeline of potential employees for partnering establishments,” said Sandi.

The Iconic Tram Café: Where History Meets Education

One of the Institute’s standout training outlets is the restored W-class Tram Café, a historic icon in Melbourne. Sandi explained how this unique venue, inspired by Melbourne's vibrant pop-up festivals, serves as a real operation loved by locals and tourists alike. “Plans are underway to open the Tram Café to community groups, allowing students to participate in event management and themed projects, providing a genuine taste of working in the field,” said Sandi.

Lifelong Learning: The Key to Continued Success

It is evident that the Institute's commitment to ongoing learning helps them offer a spectrum of customisable programs, from short courses to master's degrees, catering to professionals seeking to upskill. Sandi believes in the industry's zigzag nature and advocates for a broadening of skills rather than adhering to a linear career path.

William Angliss Institute, proudly stands as a beacon for aspiring hospitality professionals, nurturing not just skills but a passion for excellence that extends beyond graduation.

50 YEARS OF HEARTFELT GIVING TO THE GOOD FRIDAY APPEAL

In the heart of Traralgon, Victoria, the Royal Exchange Hotel (REH) Cork Club stands as a testament to the power of community spirit and philanthropy. For over 50 years, this club, which conducts some of their fundraising

and giving. Roy explains, "Originally, the hotel ran little events to encourage community involvement in their own way before the Cork Club got involved, back then I worked at the hotel too. Roy mentions that the response

activities at the Royal Exchange Hotel in Traralgon, has played an important role in the success of the Good Friday Appeal, contributing over $2 million to date. Recently, we talked with Roy Arnold, the regional Area Manager for Traralgon and a key figure in the REH Cork Club's inspiring journey.

Origins of Giving: A Community United

The roots of the REH Cork Club's involvement in the Good Friday Appeal trace back to its founding in 1973. Originally, the club donated to the local Traralgon hospital, fostering a deep connection with the community, before they started raising funds for the Good Friday Appeal. Roy Arnold, who joined in 1993, notes, "Everybody associates the club with the Royal Exchange Hotel. The manager, Marty, has been there a long time when I was still working at the pub when she started."

As the years passed, the club evolved its fundraising methods, expanding from traditional events like Dinner Dances to the now-beloved 'Good Friday Community Family Fun Day.' The community's involvement has remained a constant, with local businesses, schools, and organizations rallying behind the cause.

The Fun Day Phenomenon

The 'Good Friday Community Family Fun Day' has become a highlight, engaging the Traralgon community in a day of festivities

from the community has been overwhelming. He fondly recalls the past events,"The Fun starts at 10am on Good Friday and finishes at 3pm in the Church Street carpark at the Royal Exchange Hotel in Traralgon. Activities include live music, displays by local Fire Brigades and L Latrobe Valley Street Machiners Car Club, Kids activities like games, Lucky Dip, Raffles, REH Cork Club BBQ, coffee van, cakes and treats, photo booth, and more. Last year they raised around 4.5k just from activities on that day." For the community, this event has become a tradition, bringing families together and creating lasting memories.

Innovative

our increasingly digital age. Roy emphasises, "We have QR codes on each of the tables at the bistro. They have a 3-corner menu with QR codes each."

The club's flexibility in fundraising has not only sustained but enhanced its impact, ensuring a wide range of opportunities for participation.

Coordination is Key when it comes to fundraising

With almost 200 regional Area Managers involved in fundraising, coordination is key. Roy sheds light on the early days when friendly rivalry with other pubs fuelled their fundraising efforts. "The hotels would get the 'top tags,' and the battle would encourage the pubs to fundraise."

Today, the REH Cork Club fosters collaboration, not just within the club but also with local businesses, schools, and community groups. It's a collective effort that goes beyond financial contributions, reinforcing a sense of shared responsibility for a greater cause.

Embracing Change for a Brighter Future

As Roy and Marty look ahead, there is a clear focus on adapting to the changing times. They envision the integration of more QR codes around the hotel and a push towards online donations, recognising the preferences of a younger demographic. The aim is to reach a wider audience and involve the community in new and exciting ways.

Fundraising: Adapting to the Times

The REH Cork Club's fundraising methods have evolved over the years, embracing innovation while preserving tradition. From craft markets for kids to QR codes strategically placed around the hotel, the club ensures that everyone can contribute, even in

The club and hotel have both experienced a remarkable collaborative journey, with 2.26 million dollars raised in the last 50 years for the appeal. As they continue to evolve, the club stands as a shining example of the positive impact that a community can have when they come together with a shared purpose.

BEYOND POTS AND PARMAS:

HOW EVENTS CAN POWER YOUR VENUE'S SUCCESS

NESUTO DOCKLANDS APARTMENT HOTEL

The Nesuto brand arrived in Victoria in March 2023, with the opening of Nesuto Docklands in Melbourne. Nesuto Docklands is the first Victorian property for Daiwa Living Nesuto Holdings, part of the Japanese-owned Daiwa House Group. The opening of this AUD$100million new-build apartment hotel is the 14th Nesuto branded hotel across Australia and New Zealand.

Nesuto Docklands will be a flagship hotel for Nesuto, showing off the latest and best of the Australasian brand, conveniently located within Melbourne’s growing Docklands entertainment and lifestyle waterfront precinct. Designed by Fender Katsalidas Architects, and built by Hacer Group, the hotel has 211 studio, one and two-bedroom apartment rooms across 13 floors with views of Melbourne port, bay, city, and The District Docklands Precinct.

Nesuto Docklands features modern, apartment-style accommodation with each suite equipped with a full kitchen, internal laundry in one and two-bedroom apartments, spacious living and dining areas with separate bedrooms, and a gymnasium for guests. Cutting edge technology ensures guests will be delivered an amazing experience with unlimited WiFi and Google chrome cast TV for personal streaming.

Environmentally thoughtful elements have been incorporated into the apartment hotel including solar panels to run the hotel, rooftop rainwater to flush toilets and lighting/temperature sensors in rooms.

When guests check-in, reception activates their preferred air-conditioning temperature for the room via the property management system (PMS).

Being located within The District Docklands, Nesuto guests have one of Melbourne’s most unique offerings of places to eat, drink, shop and be entertained right on their doorstep. The apartment hotel is the perfect location for long-stay business travellers, families and holidaying groups looking to explore Melbourne, supported by two onsite car parks and easy access to the city via the free tram zone.

We talked with Nesuto Docklands General Manager, Damon Lunardello, to learn about the Nesuto brand and his experience opening this beautiful property.

Congratulations on launching the Nesuto brand in Melbourne, how have you found your (almost) first year at Nesuto Docklands?

The Nesuto brand has been so well received and this is evident from the amazing feedback guests have shared with us directly and online. Our premium apartment product really holds its own here in the Melbourne market. The design of the apartments is well considered and is perfect for both short and long stays. We have a 5-star, green star rating and are conscious of operating as sustainable as possible whilst not compromising on the comfort to our guests.

The location and offering of the hotel within The District Docklands is second to none, with all that a traveller could need - a lift ride away

from Woolworths, Dan Murphy’s, and Chemist Warehouse on the ground floor, in addition to coffee shops, massage, beauty and nail salons and a sourdough bakery is soon to join the precinct. The District Docklands boasts amazing shopping, entertainment experiences and great restaurants and bars, all at our doorstep.

Have you had any special highlights or memories that will stand out in years to come?

After more than 30 years in the hotel industry I am still driven by the customer experience; and glowing guest feedback never fails to move me. One of the many special standouts this year was when a guest wrote to me and said that my team made them feel like “family” and that they will miss the family when they return home. This is such a fantastic endorsement of the team here at Nesuto Docklands Apartment Hotel which makes me full of pride.

With so much going on in the area, what are you most looking forward to Nesuto getting involved with?

The District Docklands is a real community with a village feel. Each of the operators here in the lifestyle precinct has a deep understanding of the need for all of us to succeed as a community. This creates a wonderful atmosphere for all who visit and experience what Docklands has to offer. From the O’Brien

Nesuto Docklands Apartment Hotel

80 Waterfront Way, Docklands VIC 3008

www.nesuto.com/docklandS

T: 03 9124 0500 E: docklands@nesuto.com

Icehouse providing some of the world’s best skating ice, Urban Alley Brewery pouring you one of their world-class beers, watching a blockbuster movie at Hoyts ‘state of the art’ Xtreme screens cinema or losing yourself for an hour or two in Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq indoor arcade extravaganza - all of this and we have still yet to mention the numerous dining and retail options for our guests. We are always working on the next partnership promotion within the District Docklands to heighten the guest experience.

If you had to encapsulate the experience staying at Nesuto Docklands in one sentence, what would it be?

I can answer this in one word “EASY” – easy to book with free 6pm cancellation on day of arrival, easy to park with more than 1800 onsite carparks, easy to check-in with our experienced team and 24-hour reception, easy to enjoy all that Docklands has to offer on our doorstep, easy to get around with a free tram within 100m walk, and easy to relax in our premium and spacious apartments. Or put into a shorter sentence, stay real with ease and everything at your fingertips in our design-led, premium apartment-hotel accommodation opportunely located in Melbourne’s leading lifestyle and entertainment precinct The District Docklands.

SOAP AID’S HOTEL TO HANDS PROGRAM

REDUCING PLASTIC AND TURNING WASTE INTO LIFESAVING SOAP: SOAP AID'S HOTEL TO HANDS PROGRAM IS REVOLUTIONISING HYGIENE AND SUSTAINABILITY

Stepping into the realm of accommodation waste management and recycling, the Soap Aid charity is a game-changing initiative that is reshaping sustainability through the disposal of used hard guest soap, while making a significant impact on the lives of vulnerable people.

Founded in 2011 in Melbourne, Soap Aid is a unique charity with a dual mission: to save children's lives while diverting hard soap waste from landfills, thereby contributing to environmental conservation.

Soap Aid’s model is a true example of the circular economy in action. Called the “Hotel to Hands” program (H2H), accommodation

providers of all types across Australia and New Zealand - hotels, motels, apartment complexes, guest houses, caravan parks and employee accommodation facilities, partner with Soap Aid to collect, sort, clean and reprocess their waste guest soap, through a rigorous process, into fresh, hygienic soap bars for distribution to vulnerable communities.

To expand their positive impact on the local community, Soap Aid recently joined forces with the social enterprise, The Bridge Inc. The Bridge Inc provides employment opportunities to people with disabilities and young individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. These individuals are now actively involved in the soap recycling process, including soap sorting, packaging, logistics,

and more at Soap Aid's repurposing plant in Dandenong, Victoria. All soap recycled at the repurposing plant is given free of charge to communities across Victoria and other states in Australia, as well as to communities in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. Hygiene education programs accompany the soap to encouraging behavior change, handwashing with soap, and promote better hygiene.

According to WHO, hygiene-related diseases can be reduced by over 40 per cent by using a bar of soap to wash hands. The new recycled soap bars are as clean and safe to use as a new bar of soap from a supermarket shelf.

Over the past few years, Soap Aid has recycled over three million bars through the Soap Aid Hotel to Hands Program with over one million bars of soap distributed to indigenous communities in Australia, preventing thousands of children from contracting diseases such as trachoma and pneumonia. For these incredible efforts, in 2023, Soap Aid received recognition and won the Community Category Award at the Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria's Tidy Towns and Cities - Sustainability Awards. Additionally, Soap Aid was a finalist for the Healthy and Fair Society - Industry Leader Award in last year’s Premier’s Sustainability Awards and received a Community Achievement Awards Victoria Certificate of Achievement for the 2023 Australia Charitable Foundation Mental Health and Wellbeing Category.

With more than 270 accommodation providers involved across Australia and New Zealand, Soap Aid continues its remarkable environmental and humanitarian impact. The H2H Program presents a unique opportunity for accommodation providers to showcase concrete positive impacts throughout their networks. By recycling the hard soap bars through Soap Aid, they can demonstrate corporate social responsibility (CSR), provide their employees with the satisfaction of contributing to a worthy humanitarian cause, enhance the overall job satisfaction of their teams and showcase to their guests the impact of their involvement in this unique mission.

Melbourne community, while preventing child mortality and diseases and waste in landfills and its tax deductible! (Soap Aid is a registered DGR! Charity with the ATO).

Switching to hard soap bars will reduce the use and disposal of plastic waste and help to preserve the environment

Despite our extraordinary achievements with soap recycling, numerous accommodation providers are missing out on this impactful opportunity by opting for liquid soap in dispensers. Soap Aid is transforming institutional practices by championing the use of hard soap bars – the most sustainable option for accommodation rooms, as they are 100% recyclable - kilogram for kilogram!

approximately 30 per cent more water when washing their hands with liquid soap compared to bar soap.

Recycling is another area where hard soap outshines liquid soap. Liquid soap, with its diverse chemical compositions, poses

By choosing hard soap bars, accommodation providers will create and use less plastic packaging. Liquid soap packaging in plastic bottles, with plastic pumps and dispensers, or in minis, keep contributing to our overflowing landfill problems. Even if these bottles are refillable and can be recycled, the overall negative impact on plastic waste cycles remains significant. By using hard soap, accommodation providers can reduce their use of plastic by approximately 25 per cent! (based on four amenities in the bathroom).

challenges in collection, storage, and transportation for recycling. In contrast, hard soap bars are not only easier to produce, transport and recycle, but also involve a less complex recycling process. Through Soap Aid, they will have another life - circularity at its best!

SOAP SAVES LIVES

Soap Aid’s Hotel to Hands program has made a substantial impact so far, having saved an estimated 300 tons of soap from landfill, and more than 110,000 children’s lives and there is much more to come!

Accommodation providers can be sure that they are supporting an organisation that also creates employment opportunities for the

Hard soap bars require 20 per cent less water and less energy for production, packaging, transportation, and wastewater breakdown, consequently emitting less CO2. Studies have also shown that people tend to use

Soap Aid is actively seeking new accommodation partners in Australia and New Zealand and new impact partners throughout the world, so that we can keep delivering desperately needed soap to disadvantaged communities.

Please contact Carol Bellew and Laura O’Leary at save@soapaid.org for further information about becoming a Soap Aid partner.

SKY HIGH

IN THE LAP OF LUXURY –SHADOW PLAY BY PEPPERS DELIVERS!

SHADOW PLAY BY PEPPERS HAS UNVEILED ITS HIGHLY ANTICIPATED LEVEL 45 PENTHOUSE SERIES, ADDING A NEW LEVEL OF SOPHISTICATION AND LUXURY TO THE MELBOURNE HOTEL SCENE.

Perched on the 45th floor against the backdrop of Melbourne's vibrant Southbank arts and entertainment precinct, this series introduces five lavish three-bedroom penthouse apartments with surreal, panoramic views over Melbourne.

Designed by internationally acclaimed Melbourne architects Elenberg Fraser, the Penthouse Series features exquisite materials and finishes with a bold Avant Garde design, breaking tradition and routine hotel design with a cohesive collection of contrasts - light and dark, formal and informal, and seductive dark statement pieces contrasting with white stone and timber. Premium furnishings and bold statement pieces from Coco Republic ensures a minimalist yet contemporary feel to the penthouse space.

“We’re very excited to have brought these rooms into the hotel. Not only does it elevate Shadow Plays offering, but also provides a new, larger spaced accommodation option into Southbank, perfect for small groups and special occasions - we are delighted to have brought this new premium offering into the market,” Shadow Play Melbourne by Peppers sales and marketing manager, Nico Mackintosh said.

“You don’t need to leave the apartment. These sensational views are your entertainment. Whether it’s overlooking Port Phillip Bay and Albert Park during the Grand Prix or the city and its well know landmarks, it’s hard to imagine a better vantage point in Melbourne.”

Floor-to-ceiling windows adorn each penthouse, providing lashings of natural light and city or bayside views. Each apartment boasts a gourmet entertainer’s kitchen, an oversized living space with a 10-seat dining table, and two bathrooms with luxury amenities.

Additional features include a 75-inch smart TV in the lounge with Foxtel, Sonos sound bar, a study nook, plush robes and slippers, and a laundry with a washer and dryer.

Guests of the Penthouse Series will also enjoy valet parking for one vehicle and a bespoke mini bar package.

All of this is in addition to Shadow Play by Peppers assortment of guest offerings, including an outdoor heated pool with city views, sauna, steam room, gymnasium, library, guest lounge, an enclosed garden space complete with a freestanding fireplace, 24-hour reception, a stunning meeting and event space on level 46, and the hotel’s Edwin Wine Bar and Cellar, which is open for breakfast and dinner and features an exclusively Victorian wine list and a seasonally curated menu of the finest local produce.

Edwin Wine Bar offers tailored event and catering packages that can be designed purposefully for special events in the penthouse suites. Intimate private dining, small birthday events, cocktail functions, the team will curate a package specifically to your requirements. Why would you take your event elsewhere when you have, uninterrupted, surreal views from your private penthouse apartment? The team behind Edwin Wine Bar bring to the fore some of Victoria’s best wine and food from Gippsland to the Grampians, and everywhere in between.

With a clear focus on seasonality, Edwin’s new menu nods to the abundance of quality seafood.

From Shadow Plays seductively dark corridors lined with art by Australian photographer, Georges Antoni, to the lightsoaked, fully-equipped hotel and serviced apartments, there is a deliberateness to Shadow Play that few other buildings in Melbourne possess. The architectural design and fit-out of the building, both for the hotel and restaurant, delivers a unique ambience rarely seen in hotels.

The hotel component of Shadow Play by Peppers covers levels one to nine of the building and offers visitors a mixture of

one- and two-bedroom serviced apartments, boasting fully equipped kitchens, washing machines and dryers; pretty much everything you would expect in your home, ensuring convenience and comfort is of top priority.

Shadow Play Melbourne by Peppers is within short walking distance to some of the best Melbourne attractions including, the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, National Gallery of Victoria, Crown Casino, and Eureka Skydeck, all conveniently located in Southbank. The nearby free city loop tram also offers easy access into Melbourne CBD.

With 2024 looking to be an event packed year for Melbourne, with the likes of Taylor Swift, Pink, Cold Play and the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix just some names to mention, Level 45 Penthouse Series at Shadow Play will bring the wow factor to any special event experience.

For more information: www.hotelshadowplay.com.au/penthouse

For direct contact: shadowplay.rec@peppers.com.au

Address: 308 City Road, Southbank 3006

PARTNERS

HOSTPLUS IS AN AWARDWINNING SUPER FUND

We’re thrilled to share that Hostplus has been named Money magazine’s Best Super Fund for 20241

What does that mean for our members? Hostplus is a top-performing super fund that puts members first. Judged on strong performance, good value, and an ongoing focus on members, we’re proud to be a super fund that delivers on all three fronts.

The benefits of being with us

Take a look at how we’re striving to help our members have a future they’ve worked hard for.

Consistently strong returns

We measure our success by what we deliver for our members. As well as winning Money magazine’s Best Super Fund for 20241, Hostplus’ default Balanced (MySuper) option, where most of our members invest, is a top performer over the long term. In fact,

it’s ranked the number one option over rolling 10 and 20-year periods². See our investment performance at hostplus.com.au/ performance.

A low admin fee3

One of the lowest admin fees out of any MySuper product means more of our members’ money is invested in their future. Every dollar our members save goes a long way to helping them achieve a future full of positivity. That’s why we aim to keep our fees and costs as low as possible. You can find out about our fees by visiting hostplus.com. au/fees.

A wide range of investment choices

While our Balanced option is designed for members who prefer to leave investment decisions to us, we offer a range of investment options for members who want more control over their super. They can choose from pre-mixed and single sector options, a direct investment option called

Choiceplus, and more. Members can mix and match options to suit their investment risk profiles and financial objectives. Take a look at our range of investments at hostplus.com. au/investments.

Socially responsible investment options

Members can choose investments that align with their personal values. Our Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) option seek to reduce exposure to industries like fossil fuels and companies that breach human rights or labour rights standards. Find out more at hostplus.com.au/SRI.

Customisable insurance options4

Having the right insurance in place can give you peace of mind that you and your loved ones are protected should something bad happen. And because everyone’s different, our insurance options can be customised to suit each stage in our members’ lives. Hostplus members may receive default Death and Total & Permanent Disability

(TPD) insurance when they join us as a super member, without the need for medical checks or lengthy paperwork (subject to eligibility). We also offer specific life events insurance and premium-free parental leave cover help to protect members during life’s big changes. Visit hostplus.com.au/insurance for more information.

Tailored advice and financial planning5

Whether our members want general advice or comprehensive financial planning, we’re here to help. Our superannuation advisers and financial planners can support our members to set and meet their retirement

goals. Members can choose the convenience of a phone appointment, opt for a more personal approach with a face-to-face consultation, or DIY with our online advice tool. Take a look at our service offering at hostplus.com.au/financial-planning.

24/7 access

Hostplus members can access their account anywhere and anytime through our Member Online portal and mobile app. They can check their account balance, review the payments they’ve received, update their details, change investment options, review their insurance and make extra contributions.

Hostplus is a proud industry fund

As an Industry SuperFund, we’re run only to benefit our members. Unlike bank-owned and other retail funds, profits go back to our members, not shareholders. Our purpose at Hostplus is simple: to help our members on their journey towards a more secure financial future.

That’s a plus.

Find out more about our winning team at hostplus.com.

CAPITALISE ON KENO FOR A WINNING 2024

The arrival of a new year brings new opportunities for Victorian hotels to maximise the customer experience they offer with Keno.

Victorian hotels looking for innovative ways to enhance their customer experience are taking advantage of Keno’s growing appeal.

Research shows that when customer engagement with Keno grows, so do Keno sales, delivering strong returns to hotels.

In 2023, Victorian hotels received more than $4.2 million in Keno commissions.

The success of Keno in Victorian hotels hinges on three fundamental components – the customer experience, the average bet

and increasing awareness of the game's offerings.

Ways to play

To truly capitalise on the potential, hotels must carve out their own unique style when upselling Keno. This involves creating a comfortable atmosphere and ensuring customers comprehend the vast opportunities Keno presents.

One key strategy to achieve this is by enlightening patrons about the potential for larger prizes through increased bets.

“The revelation that selecting the Bonus feature on their Keno coupon could multiply potential prizes up to tenfold can be powerful,” says Mark Ryan, State Licenced Venue Manager for Victoria and South Australia.

“Offering a replay option for winning tickets further engages customers and can lead to increased sales. Many patrons are unaware of these possibilities, making it essential for staff to initiate a dialogue and educate them on the various aspects of the game.

"Developing a personal rapport with customers and explaining the benefits of increased bets and ticket replays can significantly enhance their overall Keno experience.”

Informing customers about growing jackpots, ongoing promotions, game costs, and past winners contributes to more informed and engaged players in your hotels.

This knowledge empowers customers to make better-informed decisions, fostering a deeper connection with the game. The more customers understand what they're playing, the more likely they are to engage in the Keno offerings.

An eye on the prize

The strategic placement of screens and terminals also plays a pivotal role in enhancing engagement.

VICTORIOUS VICTORIANS ENJOY A WINNING YEAR

The numbers have been crunched and the Victorian regions that welcomed the most Keno prize money in 2023 have been revealed.

Between 1 January and 31 December 2023, Keno players won a total of $63.5 million in venues across Victoria.

During the year, there were three Victorian Keno Classic 10 Spot Jackpot wins collectively worth more than $4.79 million. The year’s biggest individual Victorian Keno winner was a Moe woman who won more than $2.24 million. She confessed she dropped her phone and broke out in a cold sweat when her win was revealed.

Patrons at Kealba Hotel in Melbourne’s west scored $2,408,276 in Keno prizes during the year – the most of any Victorian venue.

“Humans are inherently visual beings, and ensuring patrons can watch the games they're participating in adds an extra layer of excitement to the experience,” Mark adds.

“Accessible terminals, clear point-ofsale materials, and a welcoming venue atmosphere are crucial factors that contribute to a positive playing experience.

"By strategically placing screens and terminals, we've noticed a considerable increase in Keno participation and customer satisfaction.”

To further bolster engagement, hotels can leverage Keno's brand itself. Keno caddies and tickets readily available throughout the venue create a seamless experience for players.

Additionally, hotels can tap into the wealth of Keno material available, including highquality point-of-sale material and promotions that reinforce the game's presence within the establishment.

"Promotions have proven to be highly beneficial in engaging our customers. Twenty games of Keno translate to one hour of in-venue fun – an enticing proposition for patrons to linger in hotels for longer," Mark says.

“As 2024 unfolds, these initiatives promise not only increased revenue but also a heightened level of entertainment for patrons across Victorian hotels.”

To stay in touch with all things Keno, visit kenoconnect.com.au.

NEW HOTEL MEMBERS

THE SPORTING GLOBE NORTHLAND

A state-of-the-art sports themed fit-out with 50 HD screens to capture sports fans attention. It’s the perfect place for a casual family dinner or to experience the next big sporting event, whilst in a private booth with touch BoothTV.

Their contemporary casual dining bistro and bar offers a great quality menu that features favourites such as their signature wings, ribs, famous MVP Parma and quality steaks off the grill. You can enjoy our large range of beers and ciders on tap, internationally bottled beers and cocktails.

THREE CROWNS HOTEL

365 VICTORIA ST, WEST MELBOURNE VIC 3003 | (03) 9326 5033

Located on the corner of Victoria and King Street West Melbourne, the Three Crowns Hotel is a family owned and operated pub that prides itself on offering quality food and booze. Whether you’ve got a hankering for some Southern American classics, lip-smacking burgers, or traditional pub grub, they’ve got you sorted.

Comprising of refurbished bars, dining room, courtyard beer garden and function facilities - The Three Crowns is a classic venue for you, your friends and family to enjoy!

THE GRAND PACIFIC HOTEL LORNE

268 MOUNTJOY PARADE, LORNE VIC 3232 | (03) 5289 1609

One of the oldest hotel complexes along the Great Ocean Road boasting magnificent ocean views over Lorne Pier and Loutitt Bay with 145 years worth of history.

Classic high ceilings, fire place and the open plan of our beautiful Ballroom fused with the ambience of flickering candles and the sound of waves lapping almost at the doorstep.

3 SOCIAL

3/41 HORNE ST, SUNBURY VIC 3429 | (03) 8088 4226

Nestled in the heart of the Sunbury Reading Cinema complex, welcome to 3 Social, where every sip, bite, and moment is a chapter in an unforgettable story.

The name '3 Social' for their cocktail bar is more than an address; it's an experience shaped by the trilogy of mixology mastery, delectable meals, and an ambiance that echoes good vibes.

MEREDITH HOTEL

51 STAUGHTON STREET, MEREDITH VIC | (03) 5286 1585

Experience great old-fashioned hospitality and quality pub fare with flair at the Meredith Hotel on Staughton Street in Meredith. Chat with locals in the public bar while sipping local beer and wine, then pull up a seat in front of the roaring open fire in chilly months with a glass of red and peruse a menu sure to impress all palates. Perhaps toe tap to live music while delving into gourmet pasta plates; or crumbed lamb cutlets with mashed potato, seasonal vegetables and gravy. Classic parmas get the Meredith makeover with choices like the Farmer’s Wife – salami, chorizo, bacon, Napoli and cheese - finish indulgently with a dessert of deep-fried ice cream and salted caramel sauce.

THE BLACKSMITH BAR

69 SWAN ST, RICHMOND VIC 3121 | 0448 006 006

The original structure of 69 Swan Street dates back to 1924, as McNaughton’s Ironmongers which can still be seen on the facade. Everything from the name of the venue, the quirky antique-prohibition style decor, the cocktail menu and even the

A complete overhaul and renovation was completed on the ground floor, ultimately creating their breath-taking main bar. 69 Swan Street has been revitalised and given new life with a combination of eclectic surfaces, state of the art technology and most importantly; personality which will continue to develop for years to come.

The Blacksmith cocktail menu is designed to be uncomplicated and simplistic; a paired back list, paying homage to the old classics