PRESIDENT'S UPDATE

26 June 2023

On to a new and exciting chapter for us all

Today, I write to you with a mix of nostalgia and anticipation as we mark the end of an era for the Accommodation Association. Our journey has been a remarkable one, filled with many achievements, along with challenges. I want to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you who has been a part of this successful journey.

As you know, we have reached a significant milestone in our history. Beginning on July 1, we will embark on a new chapter as we launch Accommodation Australia, creating one unified organisation.

I couldn’t let the opportunity pass however to reflect on some of the highlights we've had as the Accommodation Association in the last 12 months:

The Federal Budget announcement of $48 million over four years to support recruitment and marketing in the travel and tourism sectors as well as infrastructure upgrades for caravan parks, starting from 2022-23, represented a tremendous boost for our industry. Additionally, the commitment of $10 million to support our very own 'The Hub' platform demonstrates recognition of our efforts to connect people to vacancies, foster skills development, and showcase tourism as a career.
Our partnership with the Victorian Government which was instrumental in advancing our goals. Their investment of over $5.6 million to support paid training for up to 400 priority cohort jobseekers through the Accommodation Association Victorian Jobs program is a testament to our commitment to creating employment opportunities.
Our representation at the Federal Government's Jobs and Skills Summit, along with ongoing engagement with key Federal Ministers and decision makers, which ensured that our industry's voice is heard at the highest level. We have also continued to actively participate in the Federal Government's Thrive 2030 strategy, contributing to the recovery and growth of Australia's visitor economy.
Advocacy played a crucial role in our efforts to reopen Australia's international border and resume cruising after a two-year ban. We have consistently championed the importance of these sectors to our industry's vitality and economic recovery.
Urgent action on regional housing has been another area of focus for us. Our ongoing advocacy has highlighted the need for sufficient long-term rental accommodation to support regional employees, ensuring a balanced ecosystem in these areas.
By skillfully navigating challenges, we successfully prevented the adoption of a visitor levy collected by accommodation providers in Queensland, protecting the interests of our members and the industry as a whole.
The implementation of the NSW Government's Parents NSW and Stay NSW voucher programs which provided a much-needed boost to our industry, stimulating domestic tourism and supporting businesses during challenging times.
The Victorian Government's extension of the Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme provided crucial rent relief and protection for small and medium businesses, alleviating some of the burdens they faced during the pandemic.

We can and should be proud of what we achieved as the Accommodation Association. Now

the time has come to embrace the opportunities ahead.

Accommodation Australia gives us one strong, combined voice. With a united front, we will be able to amplify our advocacy efforts, leverage our collective expertise, and represent the accommodation sector with an even stronger voice.

I am confident that our combined strength, knowledge, and dedication will enable us to navigate the evolving challenges and capitalise on the emerging opportunities.

Thank you once again for your unwavering support and contributions to the Accommodation Association. I look forward to the exciting journey ahead as we embark on this new chapter together.

Warm regards,

Leanne Harwood

President

CONGRATULATIONS & THANK YOU

Accommodation Association of Australia thanks the Victorian Government as the Victorian Jobs Program for priority cohort jobseekers conclude. The program matched 328 candidates into full and part-time roles with Victorian Accommodation Association Members following an intensive immersive training program. The Accommodation Association team provided tailored support to the candidates including pre-vocational training, mentoring and support either with mental health, housing, GP assistance or access to other allied services.

Congratulations to the AAoA team for all their hard work, thanks to the Employers for providing roles to be filled and welcome to the industry for all the new candidates.

From 1 July 2023, Workplace relations and Legal support will now be provided by the individual states and territories who will be in touch with their information shortly.

If you require immediate Membership assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to the contact emails below.

ACT	NSW	NT	QLD
SA	TAS	VIC	WA

Legal

Upcoming Events

As we move across to Accommodation Australia from 1 July 2023, the events calendar in each state will be supplied differently. While we still confirm venues and events, the following are save the dates for your reference and Invitations will be sent once events are confirmed:

VIC Hotel Industry Update 10 July 2023
FNQ HMEO Event - Cairns 13 July 2023
Airlie Beach General Managers Event 18 July 2023
NSW Awards for Excellence - Sydney 20 July 2023
Brisbane General Manager's Event - 03 August 2023
Victoria Awards for Excellence - Melbourne 17 August 2023

Other events to include Hotel Market Update’s in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney and Melbourne.

If you are interested in hosting one of our events or would like to suggest topics or speakers, please contact us via email to mail@aaoa.com.au

Vale Louise Byrom

Louise Byrom started her career at Ryde Catering College doing her Hotel and Catering Management Diploma – one of the only hospitality certificates you could get back then. She graduated in 1984 and started her career in back of house working at the Hilton Hotel in the laundry area before moving to the Holiday Inn Menzies as Head of housekeeping. Louise then moved to what was the Ramada Renaissance as Rooms Division Manager and then became one of the first female General Manager’s of Courtyard by Marriott North Ryde. She was a Marriott employee for 19 years where she impacted many peoples lives with her caring attitude, the laugh that was loud and filled with mischief. She developed her staff to make them the best they could be, she also got to know them personally, she led by example and delivered results that won her awards within the business. Louise was one of the original true GM’s – where the customer came first, she was born to serve and lead.

Louise negotiated the sale of Parramatta Marriott and North Ryde and then took a package to leave when her husband became unwell with Parkinson’s Disease and a full time career was proving a challenge.

Over 18 months ago she was diagnosed with an aggressive and rare form of breast cancer. She fought it until the very end. In typical Louise style she researched, she was the model patient doing everything they told her. She thought she had it beat but it came back with a vengeance, and it took her 5 months after the recurrence. She left behind a heartbroken family of two grown children and her husband.

If you had the pleasure of knowing Louise or working with her you were one of the lucky ones. She was one in a million and I’m forever grateful we met at Ryde Catering College as we shared the drive there daily and became firm friends. May she rest in peace.

Super Changes for the New Financial Year

It’s been a busy few months for superannuation news, particularly following the Federal Budget announcement in May. And, as the end of the financial year approaches, we’re working to ensure Hostplus employers are aware of important super changes that are coming up.

To read more, click here.

What’s driving energy price increases, and when will prices plateau?

Here’s a 2023 energy price outlook

at ahs hospitality it is important to us that we do our bit as a hotel hospitality service provider to support the communities in which we operate in via our environmental and social commitments, and the way we do governance. Read more about our sustainability initiatives here.

Barrack Broking is a group of trusted insurance brokers, with a focus on the Accommodation Sector.

At Barrack Broking, our insurance broking service goes beyond procuring a policy. From the outset, we develop an Insurance Program Strategy to ensure that your current and future business risks will be covered by your policies. The objective of this exercise is to design the most effective cost and coverage options for your insurance needs.

Click Here to Learn about how we can support your Accommodation business.

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