Hotel SA August 2023
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THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE AUSTRALIAN HOTELS ASSOCIATION (<strong>SA</strong> BRANCH) AUGUST <strong>2023</strong><br />
WWW.BOYLEN.COM.AU<br />
WWW.AHA<strong>SA</strong>.ASN.AU
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the <strong>2023</strong> Fund of the Year by third-party ratings agency SuperRatings. Judged across three areas: strong<br />
performance, competitive fees, and an ongoing focus on members, we’re thrilled to receive this recognition.<br />
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Shortcut to Stories<br />
AUGUST <strong>2023</strong><br />
Click here <br />
<strong>SA</strong>’s Best Burger<br />
A tinge of nostalgia for <strong>SA</strong>’s<br />
Best Burger<br />
Click here <br />
Scott’s Spot<br />
Publican tales and photos from the<br />
last couple of months by our roving<br />
reporter, Scott Vaughan.<br />
Click here <br />
Publican Profile<br />
David Carr introduces the Ceduna<br />
Foreshore <strong>Hotel</strong> Motel.<br />
Click here <br />
Women In <strong>Hotel</strong>s<br />
Conference<br />
Bianca Dawson will speak about<br />
a wide range of hospo issues.<br />
Click here <br />
Workplace Relations<br />
When does a demotion amount<br />
to a termination?<br />
Click here <br />
Credit Card Surcharges<br />
Credit cards have become the<br />
preferred payment method for most<br />
patrons and guests.<br />
I N T H I S I S S U E<br />
04 From the President<br />
06 From the CEO<br />
08 A tinge of nostalgia for<br />
<strong>SA</strong>’s Best Burger<br />
10 Scott’s Spot<br />
12 Regional Presentations<br />
14 Publican Profile<br />
18 <strong>2023</strong> Women in <strong>Hotel</strong>s Conference<br />
19 Staff Excellence In The Spotlight:<br />
Bianca Dawson<br />
20 Workplace Relations<br />
24 How we should let members know<br />
they can pass on credit card fees<br />
26 How to write an annual <strong>Hotel</strong><br />
Business Plan<br />
28 AHA|<strong>SA</strong> Corporate Partner Directory<br />
29 Gaming Care<br />
30 AHA|<strong>SA</strong> Corporate Partners <strong>2023</strong>-24<br />
31 Licensee Transfers, New Members,<br />
AHA|<strong>SA</strong> Office Holders & Publisher<br />
Adelaide’s Best <strong>Hotel</strong><br />
Website Design Company <br />
boylen.com.au<br />
W W W . A H A S A . A S N . A U | <strong>Hotel</strong> <strong>SA</strong> | 3
WHY WFH NEEDS<br />
TO END<br />
From the President<br />
DAVID BASHEER<br />
The two years of business<br />
interruption caused by Covid<br />
created two classes of people.<br />
There were the 76% of people<br />
whose income was either not<br />
affected or their income actually<br />
increased.<br />
The 76% of South Australians<br />
whose livelihood was unaffected<br />
can not be expected to understand<br />
what it was like for the rest of us,<br />
living press conference to press<br />
conference, not knowing if you were<br />
going to earn an income next week.<br />
So why are we still dwelling on the<br />
pandemic past?<br />
Because just as the pandemic<br />
created two classes of employees,<br />
so has the work from home craze.<br />
There are those who jobs allow<br />
it, and those who don’t. And<br />
unsurprisingly, there is a parallel<br />
between those who were and were<br />
not negatively impacted financially<br />
by Covid.<br />
The recent staggering concession<br />
by the Federal Government to give<br />
Commonwealth public servants<br />
total freedom to work from home<br />
has exacerbated the culture<br />
that somehow it is unfair for an<br />
employer to expect their employee<br />
to show up in the office to work.<br />
And there are an awful lot of them!<br />
They once filled city office towers<br />
and supported the wider external<br />
economy. Their support created and<br />
maintained a significant number<br />
of jobs.<br />
Does it matter that the taxpayer is<br />
now forking out money to pay the<br />
rents on these unused office blocks?<br />
Spending someone else’s money is<br />
a comfortable proposition.<br />
But there is an upside. The<br />
work from homers now have<br />
exceptionally fit labradors and<br />
perfectly manicured front and<br />
back lawns.<br />
Compare that to hospitality workers<br />
who love their job and accept that<br />
part of the deal is that they have<br />
to get dressed, commute to their<br />
workplace and be available to serve<br />
the work from homers when they<br />
do choose to venture outside their<br />
home office.<br />
It is causing friction within our<br />
pubs. Most of our roles can not be<br />
performed remotely, but some back<br />
office roles can. Does an employer<br />
buckle like the Federal Government<br />
and allow the payroll clerk to work<br />
from home, thus causing disunity<br />
with the service staff?<br />
The AHA|<strong>SA</strong> joins the Property<br />
Council in urging our State<br />
Government not to fall in line<br />
with their Federal colleagues and<br />
introduce similar measures here.<br />
Writing in The Advertiser last month,<br />
Property Council CEO Bruce Djite<br />
noted that could mean 100,000<br />
State employees never returning to<br />
their offices again.<br />
The impact on our relatively small<br />
State economy would be terminal.<br />
Djite noted: “Such a policy would<br />
shatter small businesses and<br />
cause an unnecessary increase<br />
in unemployment, disincentivise<br />
investment and weaken payroll tax<br />
revenue.” The AHA|<strong>SA</strong> fully endorses<br />
those comments.<br />
There are elements of the work from<br />
home culture that are attractive.<br />
But it’s another concession to<br />
productivity at a time when the<br />
economy is struggling to keep<br />
up. Society is becoming so overly<br />
focused on the American-style<br />
‘rights of the individual’ that the<br />
needs of the greater good – via the<br />
economy - is being lost.<br />
<strong>SA</strong> STILL LEADS GAMING CARE<br />
In mid-July, with no consultation<br />
with industry, Victoria’s Andrews’s<br />
Government issued a media<br />
release on a Sunday morning that<br />
announced reforms to the operation<br />
of gaming machines in that state.<br />
The reforms include:<br />
• Load up limits – capped at $100,<br />
down from the current $1,000<br />
• Mandatory closure periods<br />
(except for the Casino) of six<br />
hours, up from the current<br />
four hours<br />
4 | <strong>Hotel</strong> <strong>SA</strong> | www.ahasa.asn.au Back to Contents
F R O M T H E P R E S I D E N T<br />
“But there is an<br />
upside.The work<br />
from homers now<br />
have exceptionally<br />
fit labradors<br />
and perfectly<br />
manicured front<br />
and back lawns.”<br />
• All new EGMs to spin at a rate of<br />
three seconds per game.<br />
There were also announcements<br />
around mandatory pre-commitment<br />
and carded play that will be<br />
introduced subject to “thorough<br />
consultation with industry through<br />
an implementation working<br />
group”. There was a ‘promise’ that<br />
it will take into account trials in<br />
other jurisdictions and the Crown<br />
Melbourne experience, which will<br />
have mandated pre-commitment<br />
and carded play on all EGMs by the<br />
end of <strong>2023</strong>.<br />
It is another example of a State<br />
Government chasing reform without<br />
proper consultation.<br />
Whilst these reforms generated<br />
considerable publicity, the AHA|<strong>SA</strong><br />
has been quick to point out to our<br />
local Members of Parliament that<br />
Victoria’s proposed actions still fall<br />
short of matching South Australian<br />
harm minimisation standards.<br />
We have had $100 load up limits<br />
since 2020, a mandatory six-hour<br />
closure for two decades, and the<br />
three second spin rate is now<br />
commonplace.<br />
South Australia is still ahead of the<br />
game as the only jurisdiction with<br />
facial recognition technology and<br />
Automated Risk Monitoring. That<br />
is in addition to our nation leading<br />
training through Gaming Care.<br />
It is curious that gaming found itself<br />
back on the national agenda after<br />
several of our casinos fell foul of<br />
authorities with money laundering<br />
issues. So why is it that the<br />
Victorian announcement appears to<br />
target ‘Mum and Dad’ operators?<br />
It’s yet another sugar hit for the<br />
unregulated online space.<br />
Comparisons with Great Britain in<br />
terms of gaming are rarely useful,<br />
as their land-based environment<br />
is very different to ours, but the<br />
UK Government have announced<br />
a White Paper into assisting pubbased<br />
gaming to succeed as a tool<br />
to combat the rapid and dangerous<br />
growth in on-line activities.<br />
An interesting approach!<br />
TOURISM AUSTRALIA<br />
APPOINTMENT<br />
It was fantastic to learn that our<br />
outgoing CEO, Ian Horne, has<br />
been appointed to the board of<br />
the nation’s most prestigious<br />
tourism body, Tourism Australia<br />
(TA). This is great recognition of<br />
our newly merged accommodation<br />
organisation Accommodation<br />
Australia and the AHA, both locally<br />
and nationally. It is also a wonderful<br />
recognition for Ian.<br />
Whilst his advocacy in liquor and<br />
gambling was what often attracted<br />
the media headlines, he has a<br />
strong background in tourism and<br />
accommodation, and regularly<br />
held important discussions with<br />
Government on behalf of our<br />
members with accommodation.<br />
Ian’s past appointments include:<br />
• South Australian Tourism<br />
Commission: Board Member<br />
2006 to present<br />
• Adelaide Venue Management<br />
Corporation: Board Member<br />
<strong>2023</strong> to current<br />
• Business Events Adelaide: Board<br />
Member & Deputy Chairperson<br />
2015 to present<br />
• <strong>SA</strong> Minister of Tourism’s Advisory<br />
Board: Member 1990 to1993<br />
• <strong>SA</strong> Tourism Industry Council<br />
(<strong>SA</strong>TIC), forerunner to TiC<strong>SA</strong>:<br />
Chairperson 1990 to 1992,<br />
Vice Chair 1988 to 1990, Board<br />
member1987 to 1998<br />
• Adelaide Convention & Tourism<br />
Authority, now Business Events<br />
<strong>SA</strong>: Board member 1988 to 1993,<br />
Treasurer 1989 to 1990, Vice<br />
Chairperson 1990 to 1992.<br />
Ian replaces AHA (WA) CEO, Bradley<br />
Woods, who has retired from the<br />
TA Board after two terms, and<br />
ensures the AHA’s voice and now<br />
that of Accommodation Australia,<br />
continues to be heard at the highest<br />
levels of Government.<br />
David Basheer,<br />
AHA|<strong>SA</strong> President<br />
Back to Contents www.ahasa.asn.au | <strong>Hotel</strong> <strong>SA</strong> | 5
EVOLUTION NOT<br />
REVOLUTION –<br />
INTERNAL REFORM<br />
From the CEO<br />
ANNA MOELLER<br />
Prior to commencing my role<br />
as Chief Executive Officer of the<br />
AHA|<strong>SA</strong> Branch I spoke about my<br />
intention that moving forward<br />
would be a process of evolution, not<br />
revolution.<br />
At the same time as states across<br />
the nation propose and contemplate<br />
quite sweeping reforms, particularly<br />
in relation to gaming, we too have<br />
engaged in a process of far less<br />
revolutionary internal reform.<br />
Positive progress and growth<br />
are especially satisfying (and<br />
streamlined) when existing staff are<br />
identified as having skill sets that<br />
can be embraced and utilised for<br />
the benefit of both the organisation<br />
and our members.<br />
I am happy to announce that several<br />
staff members will be expanding<br />
their roles to in turn optimise the<br />
service and support that we are able<br />
to deliver to industry and individual<br />
businesses.<br />
Our Workplace Relations service will<br />
now incorporate both Liquor and<br />
Gaming services that we provide<br />
to members. In addition to existing<br />
staff we will grow the team with an<br />
additional recruit possessing skills<br />
across all three jurisdictions.<br />
“Our Workplace<br />
Relations<br />
service will now<br />
incorporate<br />
both Liquor and<br />
Gaming services<br />
that we provide<br />
to members.”<br />
Further to the creation of<br />
Accommodation Australia, the<br />
result of a merger between the<br />
Accommodation Association<br />
of Australia and Tourism<br />
Accommodation Australia, our<br />
focus on the tourism sector will<br />
be enhanced and resourced<br />
accordingly.<br />
Our presence in the communications,<br />
social media and digital marketing<br />
space will substantively increase<br />
in order to grow the profile of the<br />
association, our individual members<br />
and our industry.<br />
Finally additional resources will<br />
be injected into government<br />
relations and advocacy, stakeholder<br />
engagement and networking,<br />
providing greater connectivity with<br />
those that have the power to control<br />
our destiny as an industry.<br />
To find out more about these<br />
changes and who will be doing what<br />
where tune into my short video for<br />
this month.<br />
Anna Moeller,<br />
AHA|<strong>SA</strong> CEO<br />
6 | <strong>Hotel</strong> <strong>SA</strong> | www.ahasa.asn.au Back to Contents
F R O M T H E C E O<br />
Watch Video <br />
Watch Video <br />
The Gaming Care Team is being restructured and expanded to<br />
provide better services to members. See video on page 7 for details.<br />
Back to Contents www.ahasa.asn.au | <strong>Hotel</strong> <strong>SA</strong> | 7
B E S T B U R G E R<br />
Winning burger by Griffins <strong>Hotel</strong><br />
Chef, Luke Brabi.<br />
A tinge of nostalgia<br />
for <strong>SA</strong>’s Best Burger<br />
SPONSORED BY: Thomas Foods Australia<br />
TYLER MAUND<br />
Sitting in the backseat of his parents’<br />
‘car, stuffing a handful of French<br />
fries between the pattie and bun<br />
of a delicious burger, is a vivid<br />
memory for Griffins <strong>Hotel</strong> Chef Luke<br />
Brabin, the winner of <strong>SA</strong>’s Best Pub<br />
Burger <strong>2023</strong>.<br />
“It’s a bit of nostalgia from what you<br />
remember of your childhood,” said<br />
Luke, who began at the Griffins <strong>Hotel</strong><br />
in February this year.<br />
“I grew up getting cheeseburgers<br />
and chucking the chips in, this<br />
burger is a play on that and it gives<br />
you that texture.”<br />
Crispy French fries were just one<br />
of several crucial ingredients that<br />
elevated Luke’s burger over his<br />
competitor’s, as twelve finalists from<br />
<strong>SA</strong>’s best hotels had their burgers<br />
judged by an expert three-person<br />
panel on July 18.<br />
<strong>2023</strong> marked the 15th annual<br />
running of the AHA|<strong>SA</strong> Pub Burger<br />
Challenge, featuring 40 entries from<br />
across South Australia.<br />
The burgers were critiqued against<br />
a range of criteria, including<br />
presentation, ingredients, taste,<br />
meat content and value for money.<br />
Although confident he had a burger<br />
that could get tongues wagging,<br />
being officially labelled as South<br />
Australia’s best was satisfying for<br />
Luke, especially when directly pitted<br />
against other exceptional chefs.<br />
“It always feels rewarding when<br />
there are quite a few entries and<br />
competition,” he said.<br />
“I know the products that we are<br />
using are top notch, they speak<br />
for themselves.<br />
“Chefs are chefs, but we are nothing<br />
without the produce to be honest.”<br />
WINNING INGREDIENTS<br />
Luke’s winning creation this year<br />
was a mouth-watering wagyu beef<br />
burger, featuring Mayura station<br />
wagyu beef, smoked barossa bacon,<br />
ketchup, chimichurri, tomatoes,<br />
pickles, cos lettuce and of course –<br />
crispy french fries.<br />
It is impressively the second time<br />
that Brabin has won the challenge,<br />
winning the <strong>SA</strong> Pub Burger title in<br />
2019 whilst working as executive<br />
chef at the Feathers <strong>Hotel</strong>.<br />
“This year’s burger was different<br />
to 2019, but similar in some ways,”<br />
he said.<br />
“It is the same beef from Mayura<br />
Station down in Millicent, which is a<br />
no-brainer for me because it’s such a<br />
great product.<br />
“It’s a bit of a different burger flavour<br />
wise, has a bit of a punch, and a few<br />
8 | <strong>Hotel</strong> <strong>SA</strong> | www.ahasa.asn.au Back to Contents
B E S T B U R G E R<br />
huge influence on his early days in<br />
the kitchen.<br />
“I grew up always in the kitchen with<br />
granny,” he said.<br />
“My granny was a phenomenal cook,<br />
she guided me.<br />
“She was a real inspiration, and then<br />
it passed down through my mother.”<br />
little intricacies that we put in there<br />
that set it apart from the others.”<br />
The process of architecting the<br />
perfect pub burger doesn’t happen<br />
overnight, and for Brabin, it starts<br />
with backing his own judgement,<br />
basing the burger on what flavours<br />
he enjoy and listening to feedback<br />
he receives from those who taste it.<br />
“It’s about finding what works, what<br />
I like to eat, the flavours I like to eat,”<br />
he said.<br />
“I love making<br />
people smile<br />
through food.”<br />
“I put that out and see what people<br />
like, get the feedback, and if it’s good<br />
we stick with it.”<br />
It is a procedure that involves trial<br />
and error, with plenty of tinkering<br />
with ingredients necessary before<br />
arriving at the end result.<br />
“If you’ve got a salty sauce and<br />
pickles that are also full on, you have<br />
to watch the levels, so there is a bit<br />
of playing around to ensure it is not<br />
too in your face.<br />
“You have got to balance the<br />
seasoning of it and the texture,<br />
which is why I added in the really<br />
crispy French fries.”<br />
DOUBLE CROWN FOR LUKE<br />
It’s a winning formula that seems<br />
to be standing the test of time, and<br />
with 20 years of experience as a<br />
chef, it’s no shock to see Luke win<br />
the challenge for a second time.<br />
“The old fella’s still got it,” he<br />
laughed.<br />
At 41 years-old, Brabin is certainly<br />
no ‘old fella’ in chef terms, but he<br />
possesses a wealth of knowledge<br />
that has been curated through<br />
valuable career experiences both<br />
home and abroad.<br />
Brabin began his journey in the<br />
hospitality industry at the Hilton<br />
Adelaide in 2003, where he served<br />
his apprenticeship and worked under<br />
renown chef Cheong Liew, before<br />
embarking on a new challenge in<br />
Melbourne in 2009.<br />
His experiences in Melbourne<br />
saw him working as a sous chef<br />
in Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant<br />
Maze, before executive chef roles<br />
at The Botanical <strong>Hotel</strong> and Half<br />
Moon <strong>Hotel</strong>.<br />
After his time in Melbourne,<br />
Brabin moved to China to work<br />
as the executive chef at the Regal<br />
International East Asia <strong>Hotel</strong><br />
in Shanghai.<br />
FAMILY PASSION<br />
Three chefs competing in<br />
<strong>SA</strong> Best Burger Challenge.<br />
Whilst these career moves have<br />
helped shape Luke into the chef he<br />
is today, an early introduction into<br />
cooking through family was where<br />
he discovered his passion.<br />
Originally from New Zealand, his<br />
family moved to Australia when he<br />
was just three months old, and he<br />
credits his grandmother for having a<br />
With a national chef shortage still<br />
impacting Australian kitchens, Brabin<br />
admits that the industry has its<br />
challenges.<br />
“It’s getting a little bit better, but in<br />
terms of quality across the industry it<br />
is a problem,” he said.<br />
“Since Covid, a lot of people have left<br />
the industry, which is hard.”<br />
THE MODERN CHEF<br />
Whilst the nature of life as a chef<br />
can be demanding, Luke believes<br />
there are ways of making it easier<br />
on people, and he prioritises being<br />
accommodating of his own staff.<br />
“I balance my kitchens, people get<br />
nights off every week, especially<br />
people that have children,” he said.<br />
“I’ve got two kids and I never miss<br />
Saturday sport.<br />
“It’s just about people being<br />
understanding of other people, and<br />
not expecting what was expected<br />
years and years ago.<br />
“It has changed a lot, for the good<br />
of chefs.”<br />
JOYS OF BEING A CHEF<br />
For any young person considering<br />
embarking on a career as a chef,<br />
Luke believes life in the role can be<br />
incredibly fulfilling, and citing the<br />
opportunity to make other people<br />
happy through your own creation.<br />
“It’s just about making other people<br />
happy through food,” he said.<br />
“I know for me it’s such an important<br />
part of my life at home, and for<br />
my kids.<br />
“At home we grow all our own<br />
vegetables and chickens, we live in<br />
the country, and it’s a big part of my<br />
family and I like to bring that to work<br />
and share that with others.<br />
Back to Contents www.ahasa.asn.au | <strong>Hotel</strong> <strong>SA</strong> | 9
O N E F O R T H E R O A D W I T H V A U G H A N Y<br />
SCOTT’S<br />
SPOT<br />
BY SCOTT VAUGHAN<br />
Hello all and welcome to the latest edition of Scott’s Spot.<br />
OFFICE NEWS<br />
Not a heck of a lot to report,<br />
however there was some concern<br />
for Workplace Relations Manager,<br />
Owen Webb. Unfortunately, when<br />
walking through Rundle Mall on a<br />
wet day, Owen has a tendency to<br />
slip and slide down the 528 metre<br />
paved thoroughfare. Of concern is<br />
that he talks himself into this at the<br />
start of each journey.<br />
This photo was taken last week by a concerned<br />
pedestrian however I can assure all our members<br />
that Owen is safe and well.<br />
Watch Video <br />
REGIONAL MEETINGS<br />
There have been two regional<br />
meetings since the last edition<br />
hosted by the <strong>Hotel</strong> <strong>August</strong>a <br />
in Port <strong>August</strong>a and the <strong>Hotel</strong><br />
Renmark in the Riverland.<br />
Massive thanks to these venues<br />
for hosting, with attendances once<br />
again incredibly strong from both<br />
members and corporate partners.<br />
Enjoy the super sister chat with<br />
publicans Heidi and Penny <br />
from the <strong>Hotel</strong> <strong>August</strong>a regarding<br />
their foray into the hotel industry<br />
and their recent freehold purchase<br />
of the hotel.<br />
Unbeknownst to Gary and Didier,<br />
they were spotted in the board room<br />
surveying a new construction site<br />
across the road on Grenfell Street<br />
next to The Griffins <strong>Hotel</strong> . Pretty<br />
normal I guess, however wearing<br />
safety helmet and high vis was a<br />
little odd I would have thought!<br />
10 | <strong>Hotel</strong> <strong>SA</strong> | www.ahasa.asn.au Back to Contents
O N E F O R T H E R O A D W I T H V A U G H A N Y<br />
If you have any entertaining<br />
stories and photos to<br />
share, please email them to<br />
svaughan@ahasa.asn.au .<br />
PLEASE ENJOY THESE PHOTOS TAKEN OVER THE LAST FEW MONTHS<br />
The stunning dining room renovation at the Lonsdale with full renovations to be completed for the<br />
Spring season.<br />
The Excelsior <strong>Hotel</strong> glowing on a brisk<br />
winter’s day.<br />
Was great to catch up with publicans, Craig and<br />
Tammie from the Swan Reach <strong>Hotel</strong> at the<br />
Renmark regional. They are doing great things, so<br />
go for a drive to check the pub out. You will be well<br />
looked after.<br />
Welcome to Travis Blundell, new publican at the<br />
Lobethal <strong>Hotel</strong> , pictured admiring his beer<br />
pour!<br />
Welcome to the recently opened Bute <strong>Hotel</strong> ,<br />
who are now members of the AHA|<strong>SA</strong>.<br />
Peninsula <strong>Hotel</strong> new accommodation suites<br />
ready to take bookings.<br />
Outdoors at the Loxton <strong>Hotel</strong> .<br />
Scott “Benno” Bennett patrolling the bottle shop<br />
at the <strong>Hotel</strong> Royal , Torrensville. Stunning<br />
redevelopment nearing completion.<br />
The stylish Salt at the Elliot with Events Manager<br />
Ryan Smith, along with publican Matt Kelly. They’re<br />
looking forward to hosting the regional meeting in<br />
late <strong>August</strong>.<br />
Back to Contents www.ahasa.asn.au | <strong>Hotel</strong> <strong>SA</strong> | 11
O N E F O R T H E R O A D W I T H V A U G H A N Y<br />
REGIONAL MEETINGS<br />
It was fantastic to see a large turnout to the AHA|<strong>SA</strong> regional meeting in Port <strong>August</strong>a at <strong>Hotel</strong> <strong>August</strong>a <br />
on 11 July. Massive thanks to the wonderful publicans, Heidi and Penny for hosting this event along with their<br />
incredible team. The food and hospitality was amazing.<br />
It was also a fantastic Regional Meeting at the beautiful redeveloped <strong>Hotel</strong> Renmark on 25 July.<br />
A big thanks to Darren Baker and his wonderful team for hosting.<br />
To all of our hotel members and corporate partners who attended in large numbers, thank you for making these<br />
days so worthwhile and enjoyable.<br />
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O N E F O R T H E R O A D W I T H V A U G H A N Y<br />
R E G I O N A L M E E T I N G S<br />
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P U B L I C A N P R O F I L E<br />
The exterior of Ceduna <strong>Hotel</strong>.<br />
<strong>SA</strong>’s Best Kept Secret?<br />
BY DION HAYMAN<br />
Famous for its Oysterfest that lures<br />
5,000 devotees annually, Ceduna<br />
might have also earned the moniker<br />
as the ‘Pleasantly Surprised’ Capital<br />
of Australia.<br />
It’s a backhanded compliment<br />
David Carr hears repeatedly from<br />
first-time visitors, who find both the<br />
Ceduna Foreshore <strong>Hotel</strong> Motel and<br />
its environs delivering beyond their<br />
wildest dreams.<br />
David has been CEO of Ceduna’s<br />
waterfront hotel since 1995 and<br />
braces himself on any given<br />
morning he wonders through the<br />
bistro as hotel visitors enjoy a free<br />
continental breakfast.<br />
“I have so many tourists who come<br />
through and say Ceduna’s a lot nicer<br />
than they thought it was or ‘I can’t<br />
believe you’ve got this hotel here’,”<br />
David said.<br />
“And I say, ‘I have to put up with this<br />
every day!’”<br />
The admiration is no surprise to<br />
David who dusts himself down with<br />
picture postcard views across Murat<br />
Bay on call.<br />
It’s got a bit to do with his<br />
longevity at the 57-room beacon<br />
of the famous road stop between<br />
Australia’s west and east coasts.<br />
That and his fervour for giving back<br />
to the town and its people.<br />
COMMUNITY OWNED<br />
The Foreshore has been a<br />
community-owned hotel since<br />
1949 and also runs the adjacent<br />
caravan park.<br />
“It’s very fulfilling, I’m very proud<br />
and passionate about the hotel<br />
and its position as a community<br />
benefactor,” he said.<br />
Every dollar spent is used to<br />
underwrite local projects, sponsor<br />
sporting teams or is reinvested in<br />
the hotel.<br />
“I say to people, ‘it’s not my hotel, it’s<br />
our hotel’.<br />
“And the more they frequent our<br />
hotel, the more funds will be<br />
available for sponsorship and<br />
improvements.<br />
“I look at all the organisations, how<br />
else are they going to get funding?<br />
“We can help a lot of them so they<br />
don’t have to spend their time<br />
fundraising which improves the<br />
quality of life for everyone living in<br />
Ceduna.”<br />
For example, the hotel put $200,000<br />
towards building the new modern<br />
playground on the Ceduna<br />
foreshore.<br />
It sponsors the New Year’s Eve<br />
fireworks and assists local sporting<br />
clubs, including tennis, cricket,<br />
bowling, athletics and junior<br />
dancing.<br />
The Foreshore also commits<br />
$50,000 a year to the Western Eyre<br />
Football League and $30,000 to the<br />
Netball Association.<br />
OYSTERFEST SPONSORSHIP<br />
By far its biggest annual<br />
sponsorship is the $75,000 it<br />
outlays on the Oysterfest, held each<br />
year since 1991 on the October<br />
long weekend.<br />
It’s a festival which more than<br />
doubles Ceduna’s population of<br />
14 | <strong>Hotel</strong> <strong>SA</strong> | www.ahasa.asn.au Back to Contents
R EPGUIBOLNI AC L A N M EP ER TO IFNI GL SE<br />
David Carr with grandson.<br />
around 3500, as around 24,000 of<br />
the bivalve molluscs are shucked<br />
and served in a multitude of ways.<br />
David takes a long-term view about<br />
the Foreshore’s decision to back<br />
the festival.<br />
“We acknowledge that the<br />
Oysterfest is the single largest<br />
advertisement for Ceduna,” he said.<br />
“We promote it and the benefit for<br />
us, after you take the sponsorship<br />
out, is less than break even but<br />
it’s such a large focal point for<br />
the town.”<br />
The hotel bargains on return<br />
business to justify its spend, as<br />
well as the desire to support and<br />
maintain the prestige of Ceduna’s<br />
unofficial title.<br />
“We all hang our hats on the ‘Oyster<br />
Capital of Australia’. I think (we have<br />
it) because our council jumped on<br />
that name first.”<br />
It is one which some rival west<br />
coast and interstate towns may<br />
dispute but David is adamant it is<br />
deserved.<br />
“I would think the volumes of<br />
oysters between Smoky Bay and<br />
Ceduna would exceed the volumes<br />
out of Coffin Bay.”<br />
But neither man nor country town<br />
can survive on oysters alone – there<br />
are a multitude of reasons people<br />
visit Ceduna.<br />
“Most tourists are passing through,<br />
probably 80 per cent of them.<br />
“But we do have a group who go to<br />
the caravan park every year who<br />
come to fish and stay for six to<br />
eight weeks.<br />
“Quite a few people will go mulloway<br />
fishing and camping out west.<br />
“There’s the whale watching at the<br />
head of the Bight, some come on<br />
their way to see the WA wildflowers.<br />
“And there’s a 4WD track called<br />
Googs Track which attracts a lot<br />
of people.<br />
“But the local people pay the bills.<br />
We rely on them. The tourists are<br />
the ones who fill up the business<br />
and are the cream on top.”<br />
STAFFING<br />
Like the visitors, many of David’s<br />
staff are just passing through.<br />
New arrivals are offered shortterm<br />
accomodation (up to three<br />
months) in a house owned by the<br />
hotel until they find something more<br />
permanent.<br />
“We’re just starting to see a few<br />
more backpackers come through<br />
(post Covid) but it’s still slow at the<br />
moment,” he said.<br />
There are stayers too. David has 14<br />
full-timers on his books, with 40 of<br />
his 95 staff having worked at the<br />
Foreshore steadily for more than<br />
five years.<br />
Back to Contents www.ahasa.asn.au | <strong>Hotel</strong> <strong>SA</strong> | 15
P U B L I C A N P R O F I L E<br />
They’ve witnessed consolidation in<br />
the town. There is no less farming<br />
land but neighbour buyouts have<br />
seen fewer farmers owning more<br />
property.<br />
Wheat, salt and gypsum continue to<br />
sustain Ceduna.<br />
Iluka Resources’ opening of the<br />
zircon-rich Jacinth-Ambrosia<br />
mine in 2009, 200km northwest<br />
of the town, has also added a new<br />
dynamic to the region.<br />
“We had 80 per<br />
cent occupancy<br />
last year across<br />
the hotel which<br />
was excellent,<br />
especially when<br />
you consider<br />
where we are.”<br />
PUB IMPROVEMENTS<br />
The <strong>Hotel</strong> Motel has also evolved in<br />
David’s time and includes the bottle<br />
shop rebuild in 1999.<br />
The old hotel was demolished in<br />
2006 to make way for today’s grand<br />
establishment.<br />
Superior accomodation suites,<br />
including one spa room, made for<br />
a second storey in 2013 with a new<br />
function room completed in 2020.<br />
The spa room proves extremely<br />
popular at a price point of around<br />
$200 per night and is normally<br />
booked out up to four months in<br />
advance.<br />
“A lot of corporates come through<br />
now and they plan well and truly<br />
ahead,” David said.<br />
“We had 80 per cent occupancy<br />
last year across the hotel which<br />
was excellent, especially when you<br />
consider where we are.”<br />
It’s a far cry from the Covid crunch<br />
which was felt as hard as anywhere<br />
View from the hotel balcony.<br />
by businesses relying on tourism<br />
in Ceduna.<br />
“We are on the end of the road (out<br />
of South Australia) and they closed<br />
the WA border.<br />
“So whilst the Riverland and<br />
Port Lincoln may have been busy,<br />
we weren’t.”<br />
It’s Ceduna’s remoteness which<br />
David admits also makes it difficult<br />
to keep abreast of the newest fads.<br />
“I don’t get to Adelaide, Port Lincoln,<br />
Melbourne or Sydney to see what<br />
the latest trends are – if there’s a<br />
particular type of liquor or food<br />
or ambience that we should get<br />
ready for.”<br />
Although he insists he’s a good<br />
listener.<br />
“We rely a bit more on people<br />
mentioning stuff …”<br />
But with nearly three decades at<br />
the helm, David is clearly doing<br />
something right.<br />
“There’s been about three times<br />
where they’ve had a change of<br />
management and I was demoted<br />
three times as they tried a different<br />
organisational structure but I’m<br />
currently the CEO again and have<br />
been for 10 years.”<br />
Now almost 62, the former<br />
banker can’t imagine working<br />
anywhere else.<br />
“I’ve looked at retiring a couple of<br />
times but I thought, ‘what else am I<br />
gonna do?’<br />
“There’s no such thing as a dull day<br />
here at the hotel and we have the<br />
benefit of supporting the community.”<br />
WHAT’S NEXT?<br />
Contributing to the building of a new<br />
indoor stadium for Ceduna’s kids is<br />
on the Foreshore’s list of projects<br />
slated for action.<br />
“The basketball stadium closed<br />
down 20-odd years ago and two<br />
generations of kids have missed out<br />
on playing basketball and indoor<br />
sports,” he said.<br />
“I would like to think we can assist<br />
the town in getting a serious indoor<br />
complex.<br />
“Also to reinvigorate some of the<br />
foreshore with lighting and there’s<br />
Alexander’s Beach – trying to<br />
upgrade that.”<br />
So there’s no reason to ever leave,<br />
according to David, a camping and<br />
fishing fanatic born and raised<br />
in Tumby Bay who has worked<br />
almost exclusively up and down the<br />
Eyre Peninsula.<br />
“I’m a country lifestyle person. The<br />
casual country living. I leave home<br />
at 8.25, get to work at 8.30 and go<br />
home for lunch if I want.<br />
“I can do anything I want to do here.”<br />
16 | <strong>Hotel</strong> <strong>SA</strong> | www.ahasa.asn.au Back to Contents
<strong>2023</strong><br />
HOTEL INDUSTRY<br />
AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE<br />
AWARDS<br />
<strong>SA</strong>VE<br />
THE<br />
DATE<br />
TUES<br />
31 OCT<br />
<strong>2023</strong><br />
ADELAIDE<br />
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CENTRE<br />
#AHAAWARDS #<strong>SA</strong>HOTELS<br />
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<strong>2023</strong> Women in<br />
<strong>Hotel</strong>s Conference<br />
T U E S D A Y 2 2 A U G U S T 2 0 2 3<br />
E O S B Y S K Y C I T Y<br />
@ W O M E N I N H O T E L S<br />
LEARN.<br />
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The biennial Women in <strong>Hotel</strong>s Conference brings<br />
together women from across the South Australian<br />
hotel industry to be informed, inspired, share their<br />
knowledge, and strengthen their networks.<br />
The <strong>2023</strong> conference provides a comprehensive<br />
range of presenters on topics such as leadership,<br />
communication, marketing, sustainability and<br />
much more.<br />
A highlight of the program will be our keynote<br />
speaker Sam Bloom - a woman with a powerful<br />
story to share and an incredible example of the<br />
extraordinary things we can all achieve in the face of<br />
adversity.<br />
The conference dinner concludes the day with<br />
special guests, announcing the inductees into the<br />
Women in <strong>Hotel</strong>s ‘Hall of Fame’ in recognition of<br />
hoteliers that have made a significant contribution to<br />
the <strong>SA</strong> hotel industry.<br />
We encourage ALL female hotel staff to attend the<br />
conference. There is something in it for everyone.<br />
REGISTRATIONS CLOSE: TUE 15 AUG <strong>2023</strong><br />
For more information, visit the AHA|<strong>SA</strong> website <br />
18 | <strong>Hotel</strong> <strong>SA</strong> | www.ahasa.asn.au Back to Contents
Staff Excellence<br />
In The Spotlight<br />
BIANCA DAWSON – CHIEF TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICER<br />
If you’re interested in improving your recruitment,<br />
induction and staff motivation, don’t miss the first guest<br />
speaker at the upcoming Women In <strong>Hotel</strong>s Conference.<br />
Bianca Dawson Chief Training and Development Officer<br />
at Australian Venue Co, has spent more than 15 years<br />
developing staff development courses.<br />
As a former CEO and the founder of the Her Hospo<br />
Hospitality Leadership Program, she will bring a uniquely<br />
hotel-focused and female-centric approach to managing<br />
and leadership.<br />
“I will be talking about fostering and mentoring your<br />
emerging leaders,” said Bianca, who has more than<br />
25 years’ experience.<br />
“This will include the key principles of leadership in a<br />
hospitality environment, how it differs from managing,<br />
the importance of education – and also celebrating<br />
achievements.”<br />
Bianca’s talk will also touch on goal setting and answer<br />
questions such as “How do I lead my team?” and “What<br />
are the consequences if we don’t hit the goals we’re<br />
aiming for?”<br />
The one-day conference will be opened by the Minister<br />
for Tourism, Zoe Bettison on <strong>August</strong> 22.<br />
Tickets are still available – see the details on this page.<br />
Back to Contents www.ahasa.asn.au | <strong>Hotel</strong> <strong>SA</strong> | 19
W O R K P L A C E R E L A T I O N S<br />
When does a demotion<br />
amount to a termination?<br />
OWEN WEBB - AHA|<strong>SA</strong> WORKPLACE RELATIONS MANAGER<br />
One of the questions that members pose to the<br />
workplace relations team at the AHA|<strong>SA</strong> is whether<br />
an employer can lawfully demote an employee? The<br />
question is not a straightforward one, with several<br />
factors that need to be taken into consideration when<br />
determining the answer.<br />
A recent decision of the Fair Work Commission (FWC)<br />
Rory Maloney v Knowmore Legal Service Limited [<strong>2023</strong>]<br />
FWC 1780, provides some good insights into when a<br />
demotion would be considered a dismissal.<br />
In this case, Ms Rory Maloney (Ms Maloney) filed<br />
a general protections application to the FWC under<br />
s.365 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (FW Act) alleging<br />
that she had been dismissed from her employment<br />
with her employer, Knowmore Legal Service Limited<br />
(Knowmore).<br />
Knowmore filed a jurisdictional objection to<br />
Ms Maloney’s application on the ground that she<br />
was not dismissed from her employment.<br />
Deputy President Wright (DP Wright) in hearing the<br />
jurisdictional objection ultimately found that Ms<br />
Maloney had in fact been dismissed.<br />
Background<br />
Ms Maloney commenced her employment with<br />
Knowmore on 9 October 2014 as a Counsellor. In 2019,<br />
she was promoted to the position of Regional Client<br />
Service Manager and from March 2021 to 12 April <strong>2023</strong><br />
she was employed as a Support and Trauma Informed<br />
Practice Manager.<br />
Ms Maloney was employed on a salary of $112,571.04<br />
and her terms and conditions of employment were<br />
governed by the National Association of Community<br />
Legal Centres Enterprise Agreement<br />
2016-2020 (the Enterprise Agreement).<br />
On 20 March <strong>2023</strong>, Ms Maloney was given a letter<br />
from Knowmore alleging misconduct and advising<br />
her that Knowmore had reached a preliminary view<br />
that there were sufficient grounds to demote her to<br />
the role of Social Worker/Counsellor.<br />
Ms Maloney provided a verbal response to the<br />
allegations on 28 March <strong>2023</strong> and a written response<br />
on 29 March <strong>2023</strong>.<br />
On 5 April <strong>2023</strong>, Ms Maloney received a letter<br />
from Knowmore providing a final outcome of their<br />
decision, advising her that she would be demoted<br />
to Social Worker/Counsellor from 12 April <strong>2023</strong> for<br />
a period of 6 months, with the potential to progress<br />
to a senior practitioner role in the team at the<br />
conclusion of the 6 month period. With her salary<br />
reducing to $96,131,58 gross per annum.<br />
Ms Maloney had not attended work since<br />
5 April <strong>2023</strong>.<br />
On 1 May <strong>2023</strong>, Ms Maloney filed a general<br />
protections application involving dismissal<br />
alleging that the demotion was a dismissal and<br />
in contravention of Part 3-1 of the FW Act. In<br />
response, Knowmore objected to her application on<br />
jurisdictional grounds alleging that Ms Maloney had<br />
not been dismissed from her employment.<br />
To determine whether the FWC had the jurisdiction<br />
to hear Ms Maloney’s dispute, DP Wright needed to<br />
determine whether Ms Maloney had been dismissed.<br />
LEGISLATION<br />
Relevantly, s.386(1) of the FW Act states that a<br />
person has been dismissed if:<br />
(a) The person’s employment with his or her employer<br />
has been terminated on the employer’s initiative; or<br />
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W O R K P L A C E R E L A T I O N S<br />
(b) The person has resigned from his or her employment,<br />
but was forced to do so because of conduct, or a course<br />
of conduct, engaged in by his or her employer.<br />
However section s.386(2) of the FW Act outlines<br />
instances where a person has not been dismissed.<br />
Relevantly s.386(2)(c) states that a person has not been<br />
dismissed if:<br />
(c) The person was demoted in employment but:<br />
(i) The demotion does not involve a significant<br />
reduction in his or her remuneration or duties, and<br />
(ii) He or she remains employed with the employer<br />
that effected the demotion.<br />
SUBMISSIONS<br />
In objecting to Ms Maloney’s application on<br />
jurisdictional grounds, Knowmore submitted that:<br />
• Ms Maloney implicitly acknowledged Knowmore’s<br />
right to demote her, based on her oral and written<br />
submissions in response to the letter she received on<br />
20 March <strong>2023</strong>.<br />
• At no stage did Ms Maloney or her representative<br />
object to the proposed demotion on the basis that it<br />
was either a dismissal or unlawful.<br />
• Ms Maloney’s employment contract was varied on<br />
5 April <strong>2023</strong> confirming the demotion, but if the<br />
FWC determined that her contract was not varied,<br />
they relied upon her contract having a term which<br />
directed her to perform other duties.<br />
• The demotion would not constitute termination of<br />
employment if the relevant industrial instrument<br />
she was employed pursuant to contained a term<br />
expressly authorising a demotion. Knowmore<br />
argued that the Managing Misconduct Policy<br />
referenced in the Enterprise Agreement expressly<br />
authorising the demotion.<br />
Ms Maloney submitted that:<br />
• There was no express or implied terms in the<br />
Enterprise Agreement or the Managing Misconduct<br />
Policy enabling Knowmore to demote her.<br />
• The demotion was significant in terms of a<br />
reduction in her duties and remuneration.<br />
• She had not agreed to the demotion, citing<br />
Knowmore’s letter to her on 5 April <strong>2023</strong> where it<br />
stated in one of the sentences “ … in recognition<br />
of your comments about needing to consider your<br />
options … “.<br />
• Knowmore did not act in accordance with the<br />
Enterprise Agreement when they demoted her.<br />
• Her pay was changed without further discussion.<br />
Back to Contents www.ahasa.asn.au | <strong>Hotel</strong> <strong>SA</strong> | 21
W O R K P L A C E R E L A T I O N S<br />
DETERMINATION<br />
In determining the matter DP Wright looked at four<br />
key questions:<br />
Did Ms Maloney voluntarily consent to the demotion?<br />
Is the demotion authorised by the employment contract<br />
or an instrument governing it?<br />
Did Knowmore repudiate the contract of employment<br />
by demoting Ms Maloney?<br />
If Knowmore repudiated the contract, did Ms Maloney<br />
accept the repudiation?<br />
Did Ms Maloney voluntarily consent to the demotion?<br />
DP Wright found that Ms Maloney did not consent to<br />
the demotion for the following reasons:<br />
• Ms Maloney’s written response to Knowmore on<br />
29 March <strong>2023</strong> did not demonstrate that she had<br />
consented to the demotion.<br />
• Knowmore’s letter to Ms Maloney on 5 April <strong>2023</strong><br />
appeared to acknowledge Ms Maloney’s reluctance<br />
to accept the demotion.<br />
• Ms Maloney did not explicitly or implicitly consent<br />
to Knowmore reducing her pay and Ms Maloney’s<br />
contract specifically required any consent to a<br />
change in pay being confirmed in writing which did<br />
not occur.<br />
• There was no variation to the contract permitting<br />
the demotion.<br />
Is the demotion authorised by the employment<br />
contract or an instrument governing it?<br />
DP Wright found that Ms Maloney’s employment<br />
contract did not permit the demotion. The Deputy<br />
President cited that the contract did not provide<br />
Knowmore with the authority to vary Ms Maloney’s pay,<br />
except where the parties agree to vary the contract<br />
in writing.<br />
The Deputy President also determined that the<br />
Enterprise Agreement did not authorise the demotion<br />
because there was no reference in the terms of the<br />
Enterprise Agreement or the Managing Misconduct<br />
Policy authorising a reduction in pay as an outcome of<br />
the disciplinary procedure.<br />
Did Knowmore repudiate the contract of employment<br />
by demoting Ms Maloney?<br />
DP Wright found that Knowmore repudiated the<br />
contract of employment by demoting Ms Maloney,<br />
because Ms Maloney did not voluntarily consent to the<br />
demotion, and the demotion was not authorised by the<br />
employment contract or the Enterprise Agreement.<br />
If Knowmore repudiated the contract, did Ms Maloney<br />
accept the repudiation?<br />
DP Wright found that Ms Maloney accepted the<br />
repudiation of her contract. Ms Maloney’s lawyer had<br />
written to Knowmore on 7 April <strong>2023</strong> alleging that the<br />
demotion was a dismissal and in a further letter on<br />
26 April <strong>2023</strong> her lawyer alleged that her employment<br />
had been terminated on 12 April <strong>2023</strong>.<br />
Both Ms Maloney and Knowmore agreed that the<br />
demotion resulted in a significant reduction in<br />
remuneration and therefore the exemption in section<br />
386(2)(c) of the FW Act did not apply in this matter.<br />
Accordingly DP Wright found based on the evidence,<br />
that Ms Maloney had in fact been dismissed and<br />
ordered that the matter be referred for a conciliation<br />
conference to determine the dispute under s.368 of the<br />
FW Act.<br />
Lessons for Employers<br />
This matter highlights the dangers for employers<br />
who demote an employee where there is a significant<br />
reduction in duties or remuneration, particularly in the<br />
absence of any express terms about demotion in an<br />
employment contract or industrial instrument.<br />
Members should speak to the AHA|<strong>SA</strong> workplace<br />
relations team if they are wanting advice on the<br />
processes involving demotion.<br />
Source: Rory Maloney v Knowmore<br />
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M E M B E R A D V I C E<br />
Introducing<br />
the contactless<br />
enabled ATM<br />
For Tap n Go ATM transactions<br />
using your mobile phone<br />
Boost daily<br />
foot traffic<br />
Increase in-store<br />
purchases<br />
Increase transactions<br />
at your ATM<br />
Digital<br />
ATM<br />
Accepting<br />
To find our<br />
more contact:<br />
Nick Atkins<br />
General Manager Retail Sales<br />
Mobile: 0427 893 290<br />
nick.atkins@ncr.com<br />
Visit us at ncr.com<br />
*Subject to card issuer availability<br />
Back to Contents www.ahasa.asn.au | <strong>Hotel</strong> <strong>SA</strong> | 23
M E M B E R A D V I C E<br />
The Benefits<br />
of Passing on<br />
Credit Card<br />
Surcharges<br />
In today’s increasingly cashless<br />
society, credit cards have become<br />
the preferred payment method for<br />
most patrons and guests.<br />
However, accepting credit card<br />
payments can come at a hefty cost<br />
for hotels.<br />
Credit card surcharges allow<br />
businesses to pass on the cost of<br />
credit card processing to patrons.<br />
“<strong>Hotel</strong>s should consider passing on<br />
merchant fees to customers, to help<br />
tackle the rising costs in running a<br />
hotel business through recovering<br />
merchant fees from customers,”<br />
advises Perks Director Tom Paine.<br />
“Some merchant providers make it a<br />
very simple process to automate the<br />
recovery via their terminals.”<br />
UNDERSTANDING CREDIT CARD<br />
SURCHARGES<br />
When a customer makes a<br />
purchase using a credit card,<br />
the business typically pays a<br />
processing fee to the credit card<br />
company. This fee is a percentage<br />
of the transaction amount and<br />
can vary depending on the type<br />
of card used and the agreement<br />
between the business and the credit<br />
card company.<br />
By passing on some or all of this<br />
surcharge, hotels can reduce the<br />
impact of processing fees on<br />
their bottom line. Ultimately, the<br />
main goal of passing on credit<br />
card surcharges is to increase<br />
profitability.<br />
This can have a significant positive<br />
impact on a venue’s profitability,<br />
especially for those that deal<br />
with high volumes of credit<br />
card transactions.<br />
While credit card surcharges may<br />
initially seem like an additional<br />
burden for customers, it is now a<br />
commonly accepted practice.<br />
Transparency is critical if you take<br />
this step. Clearly communicate<br />
the surcharge to customers before<br />
they make a payment. This can be<br />
done through signage at the point<br />
of sale, on your website, menus and<br />
accounts.<br />
Increasing profitability through<br />
credit card surcharges can have a<br />
ripple effect throughout the your<br />
hotel. It can provide the resources<br />
needed to add staff, upgrade your<br />
venue or increase promotions.<br />
HOW MUCH?<br />
• You know your market and this<br />
will dictate how much you can<br />
pass on.<br />
• If your patrons are well-heeled,<br />
they will barely notice it. If you<br />
operate in a lower economic<br />
area, a lower charge may be<br />
appropriate.<br />
• What are your competitors doing?<br />
• Consider a staged introduction.<br />
Start low to test the market and<br />
then increase from there.<br />
• The fear that surcharges will<br />
drive customers away is often<br />
unfounded. However, your<br />
frontline staff should be trained in<br />
what to say if they are questioned<br />
by patrons or guests.<br />
24 | <strong>Hotel</strong> <strong>SA</strong> | www.ahasa.asn.au Back to Contents
I N D U S T R Y N E W S<br />
I N D U S T R Y N E W S
W O R K P L A C E R E L A T I O N S<br />
Business plans<br />
specifically for<br />
hotels<br />
Annual business plans are ‘a dime a dozen’ on the<br />
internet but they lack specifics relevant to the hospitality<br />
sector.<br />
If you are new to the industry or struggling with<br />
planning, AHA|<strong>SA</strong> honorary treasurer and GM of the<br />
Hurley Group, Sam McInnes, offers the following advice:<br />
1. Be clear about what you want to achieve in the<br />
next 12 months and beyond. While most hotels<br />
aim for general overall growth, set goals for each<br />
department.<br />
2. Hospitality can be a numbers game: stock control,<br />
pricing, growth, wages etc. For most hotels, about<br />
half of gross profit goes in wages, so it’s very<br />
important to achieve the optimal staff structure<br />
and have the right system so that you’re accurate<br />
with payroll.<br />
3. Work through how you can achieve both sales<br />
growth and wage control. Analyse each aspect of<br />
your business. A kitchen, bar, gaming room and<br />
bottle shop all have very different percentages. You<br />
may need assistance from a finance professional -<br />
and AHA|<strong>SA</strong> partners have a wealth of experience to<br />
tap into.<br />
4. A substantial 5.75% wage rise went through at the<br />
start of July, which really applies to every employee.<br />
A good business plan will include modelling for<br />
wages moving forward.<br />
5. The industry is now doing away with ‘zombie<br />
agreements’, so you also need to work out the flow<br />
on cost of that.<br />
Sam McInnes, AHA|<strong>SA</strong> Honorary Treasurer.<br />
26 | <strong>Hotel</strong> <strong>SA</strong> | www.ahasa.asn.au Back to Contents
W O R K P L A C E R E L A T I O N S<br />
6. If costs are rising, it is vital to review your pricing.<br />
If you feel that you are guessing, get advice from a<br />
good accountant. Remember that you should also<br />
take into account what your competitors are doing<br />
and what your local market will pay.<br />
7. Should you change operating hours? Do these need<br />
to be trimmed if wage growth is becoming a problem<br />
in quiet times, or if patron visiting patterns have<br />
changed? Or do you need to expand your trading<br />
hours to take advantage of untapped market?<br />
8. Under the heading of sales, marketing and<br />
promotion, it’s important to understand your local<br />
demographics and your broader target markets.<br />
9. Do your research. More information is available<br />
than ever before - who lives locally, how old they are,<br />
occupations, how many dogs they have etc. This<br />
will influence what your offer, how it promoted,<br />
pricing etc.<br />
10. How will facilities be used? Are you a suburban<br />
hotel that is pulling from your local area, or are you<br />
more of a destination hotel that is weighted towards<br />
functions and events, acting as a meeting place and<br />
a go-to spot.<br />
11. What are the threats and opportunities within our<br />
area. Is there a new licensed café opening, which is<br />
going to take some of your business? Or is there a<br />
club you can sponsor and build a better relationship<br />
with? Are there changes to road conditions nearby?<br />
Is there a development close by that could attract a<br />
flow of tradies if you offer specials at lunchtime or<br />
after work?<br />
12. For new projects, check off and document every<br />
aspect, including licensing, building regulations,<br />
neighbour issues, planning rules etc.<br />
13. It is important you have a good relationship with<br />
your bank. Be transparent with them about where<br />
you are and what your plans are. Be prepared<br />
to shop around for a good relationship and<br />
good pricing.<br />
14. Overextending with capital projects is a risk and has<br />
definitely caused some failures in the past. For the<br />
cost of funding, don’t stick with a ‘here and now’<br />
interest rate. Take a realistic, longer term view of<br />
interest rates.<br />
15. Understand the arrangement you have with the<br />
landlord about renovation. What’s the lessee<br />
paying? What’s the increase in rental following the<br />
renovations if the landlord’s paying?<br />
16. Tap into the AHA|<strong>SA</strong> network. Industry partners can<br />
offer a wealth of advice. So, too, can other publicans<br />
that you meet at regional meetings or other<br />
AHA|<strong>SA</strong> events.<br />
Back to Contents www.ahasa.asn.au | <strong>Hotel</strong> <strong>SA</strong> | 27
M E M B E R A D V I C E<br />
ACCOUNTANCY SERVICES<br />
Bentleys <strong>SA</strong> 8372 7900<br />
Perks Accountants & Wealth Advisers<br />
08 8273 9300<br />
Winnall & Co. 8379 3159<br />
ARCHITECTS & INTERIOR<br />
DESIGNERS<br />
Mister Lincoln 0402 777 326<br />
Studio Nine Architects 8132 3999<br />
ART & FRAMING<br />
Art Images Gallery 8363 0806<br />
ATMS<br />
Banktech 0408 462 321<br />
Cashzone 1300 305 600<br />
Next Payments 1300 659 918<br />
AUDIO VISUAL<br />
Big Screen Video 1300 244 727<br />
Novatech Creative Event Technology<br />
8352 0300<br />
BACKGROUND MUSIC<br />
Foxtel Music 1300 148 729<br />
Moov Music 1300 139 913<br />
Zoo Business Media 07 5587 7222<br />
BANKING & FINANCE<br />
Bank <strong>SA</strong> 0403 603 018<br />
Perks Accountants & Wealth Advisers<br />
08 8273 9300<br />
BEVERAGE GASES<br />
BOC Limited 0424 647 568<br />
Supagas 8252 7472<br />
BEVERAGES<br />
Accolade Wines 8392 2238<br />
Australian Liquor Marketers 8405 7744<br />
Big Shed Brewing Concern 8240 5037<br />
Campari Group 02 9478 2727<br />
Carlton & United Breweries 13 BEER (13 2337)<br />
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners 8416 9547<br />
Coopers Brewery 8440 1800<br />
CUB Premium Beverages 8416 7819<br />
Diageo Australia 0401 120 872<br />
Empire Liquor 8371 0088<br />
Lion 8354 8888<br />
Liquor Marketing Group 8416 7575<br />
Oatley Fine Wine Merchants 1800 628 539<br />
Options Craft Liquor Merchants 8346 9111<br />
Pernod Ricard Australia 8208 2400<br />
Samuel Smith & Son 8112 4200<br />
Treasury Wine Estates 8301 5400<br />
BOOKKEEPING<br />
Perks Accountants & Wealth Advisers<br />
08 8273 9300<br />
Winnall & Co. 8379 3159<br />
CASH HANDLING / TERMINALS<br />
Banktech 0408 462 321<br />
BK Electronics 0431 509 409<br />
Cardtronics 03 9574 4878<br />
Coms Systems 0408 462 321<br />
GBay/Aruze Gaming 0424 700 888<br />
Next Payments 1300 659 918<br />
CLEANING & HYGIENE SUPPLIES<br />
Bunnings Group 0435 630 660<br />
Bunzl 08 8245 6222<br />
CLEANING COMPANIES<br />
A Cleaner World 0426 887 364<br />
SCS Group 1300 664 647<br />
COFFEE SUPPLIERS<br />
Grinders Coffee 1300 476 377<br />
COMPUTER & IT SERVICES<br />
Boylen 8233 9433<br />
Compnow 8133 8000<br />
DEFIBRILLATORS<br />
AED Authority 03 8710 8666<br />
St John 1300 78 5646<br />
ENERGY & SOLAR SOLUTIONS<br />
Class A Energy Solutions 8391 4853<br />
PowerMaintenance 1300 700 500<br />
Trans Tasman Energy 1300 118 834<br />
EQUIPMENT/SUPPLIES/HARDWARE<br />
Bunnings Group 0435 630 660<br />
Bunzl 08 8245 6222<br />
FACIAL RECOGNITION TECHNOLOGY<br />
COMS Systems 1800 324 918<br />
Vix Vision 0400 310 326<br />
FINANCIAL PLANNING<br />
Perks Accountants & Wealth Advisers<br />
08 8273 9300<br />
Winnall & Co. 8379 3159<br />
FIRST AID<br />
St John 1300 360 455<br />
FOOD SERVICES<br />
Bidfood 0427 099 558<br />
Galipo Foods 8168 2000<br />
PFD Foodservice 8114 2300<br />
Thomas Foods 8162 8400<br />
FURNISHINGS<br />
Concept Collections 1300 269 800<br />
Mister Lincoln 0402 777 326<br />
GAMBLING SERVICES<br />
The Lott 132 315<br />
UBET 8354 7300<br />
GAMING ANALYSIS<br />
Independant Gaming Analysis 8376 6966<br />
Winnall & Co 8379 3159<br />
GAMING FLOAT RECONCILIATION<br />
GBay/Aruze Gaming 0424 700 888<br />
GAMING LOYALTY<br />
Bluize 1300 557 587<br />
GAMING MACHINE SERVICES<br />
Ainsworth Game Technology 0409 171 616<br />
Aristocrat Technologies Australia 8273 9900<br />
Coms Systems 0409 283 066<br />
GIFT CARDS<br />
The Card Network 1300 375 346<br />
GBay/Aruze Gaming 0424 700 888<br />
IGT 8231 8430<br />
Independant Gaming Analysis 8376 6966<br />
Konami Australia Pty Ltd 0409 047 899<br />
MAX 8275 9700<br />
Scientific Games to Light & Wonder<br />
0400 002 229<br />
Statewide Gaming 0448 076 144<br />
HEALTH INSURANCE<br />
Bupa 1300 662 074 (#2146982)<br />
HOTEL BROKERS<br />
Langfords <strong>Hotel</strong> Brokers 0410 605 224<br />
McGees Property <strong>Hotel</strong> Brokers 8414 7800<br />
HOTEL MANAGEMENT<br />
H&L Australia Pty Ltd 1800 778 340<br />
HOTEL MARKETING<br />
Digital Marketing AOK 1300 658 543<br />
INFORMATION SYSTEMS/SITE PREP<br />
Max Systems 8275 9700<br />
INSURANCE<br />
Aon Risk Solutions 8301 1111<br />
KITCHEN & BAR EQUIPMENT<br />
Bunnings Group 0435 630 660<br />
Bunzl 08 8245 6222<br />
Mister Lincoln 0402 777 326<br />
Stoddart Food Service Equipment<br />
0468 923 320<br />
LEGAL SERVICES<br />
Eckermann Lawyers 8235 3990<br />
Piper Alderman Lawyers 8205 3318<br />
Ryan & Co Solicitors 0421 595 815<br />
Wallmans Lawyers 8235 3018<br />
MEDIA<br />
FIVEaa 8419 1395<br />
Foxtel 1300 138 898<br />
Solstice Media 8224 1600<br />
MIGRATION<br />
Migration Solutions 8210 9800<br />
ONHOLD/MES<strong>SA</strong>GING<br />
1800 ON HOLD 8125 9370<br />
PAYROLL & HR RESOURCES<br />
Perks Accountants & Wealth Advisers<br />
08 8273 9300<br />
Tanda 1300 859 117<br />
Winnall & Co. 8379 3159<br />
POS SYSTEMS<br />
Bepoz 1300 023 769<br />
Bluize 1300 557 587<br />
H&L Australia Pty Ltd 1800 778 340<br />
PROPERTY VALUATIONS<br />
Knight Frank Valuations & Advisory<br />
8233 5222<br />
RETAIL LIQUOR MARKETING<br />
Liquor Marketing Group 8416 7575<br />
SIGNAGE & PROMOTIONAL ITEMS<br />
The Banner Crew 8240 0242<br />
SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT MEDIA<br />
Foxtel 1300 790 182<br />
STAFF TRAINING & RECRUITMENT<br />
Adelaide Institute of Hospitality 8338 1492<br />
The Kingsmen 0410 416 655<br />
Maxima 8340 7766<br />
Perks Accountants & Wealth Advisers<br />
08 8273 9300<br />
St John 1300 360 455<br />
SUPERANNUATION<br />
HostPlus 0418 327 607<br />
WEBSITES<br />
Boylen 8233 9433<br />
28 | <strong>Hotel</strong> <strong>SA</strong> | www.ahasa.asn.au Back to Contents
GAMING CARE<br />
GAMING CARE works with all South Australian <strong>Hotel</strong>s with gaming<br />
machines to reduce the harm caused by problem gambling.<br />
Providing the hotel industry with the capacity to respond to community concerns related<br />
to the harm associated with gambling by contributing to early intervention and support<br />
for problem gamblers and their families.<br />
Minimising the harm caused by problem gambling behaviour by fostering a compliant<br />
and proactive industry that works with regulators, gambling help services and gaming<br />
patrons to minimise harm caused by gambling.<br />
Assisting licensees and hotel staff with their compliance obligations, and supporting<br />
venue staff through education and training regarding the recognition of problem<br />
gambling indicators and assisting in accurately documenting patron behaviour.<br />
Providing licensees and hotel staff with the confidence and skills required to engage<br />
directly with patrons who are showing indicators of potential problem gambling, enabling<br />
them to intervene early and refer the patron to a gambling help service, or other support<br />
options if required.<br />
Contact your local Gaming Care Officer, or our Office, for<br />
information on how Gaming Care can assist your venue.<br />
T 08 8100 2499 F 08 8232 4979<br />
E info@gamingcare.org.au<br />
4th Floor AHA|<strong>SA</strong> House<br />
60 Hindmarsh Square, Adelaide <strong>SA</strong> 5000<br />
For any assistance or support<br />
please contact your local<br />
Gaming Care Officer, or our<br />
office for information on how<br />
Gaming Care can assist your<br />
venue.<br />
Back to Contents www.ahasa.asn.au | <strong>Hotel</strong> <strong>SA</strong> | 29
CORPORATE PARTNERS <strong>2023</strong>/24<br />
GAMING CARE<br />
D I A M O N D<br />
P L A T I N U M<br />
G O L D<br />
S I L V E R<br />
131 733<br />
AED Authority<br />
Ainsworth Game Technology<br />
Australian Liquor Marketers<br />
Bank<strong>SA</strong><br />
Big Screen Video<br />
Bluize<br />
Boylen<br />
Campari Group<br />
Digital Marketing AOK<br />
Empire Liquor<br />
Foxtel<br />
IGT<br />
pfdfoods.com.au<br />
Konami Australia Pty Ltd<br />
PFD063 <strong>Hotel</strong> <strong>SA</strong> Advert (1/4 Page).indd 1<br />
For full product range and details<br />
of your nearest branch<br />
Light & Wonder<br />
18/05/09 11:47 AM<br />
Liquor Marketing Group<br />
Novatech Creative Event<br />
Technology<br />
Oatley Fine Wine Merchants<br />
Options Craft Liquor Merchants<br />
Ryan & Co. Solicitors<br />
Samuel Smith & Son<br />
Stoddart Food Equipment<br />
Tanda<br />
B R O N Z E<br />
1800 ON HOLD<br />
A Cleaner World (ACW)<br />
Adelaide Institute of Hospitality<br />
Banktech<br />
Bentleys Accountants<br />
Big Shed Brewing Concern<br />
BK Electronics<br />
BOC Limited<br />
Bunnings Group<br />
Cashzone<br />
Class A Energy Solutions<br />
Compnow<br />
COMS Systems<br />
Concept Collections<br />
Eckermann Lawyers<br />
GBay/Aruze Gaming<br />
Independant Gaming Analysis<br />
Knight Frank Valuations &<br />
Advisory <strong>SA</strong><br />
McGees Property <strong>Hotel</strong> Brokers<br />
Mister Lincoln<br />
Next Payments<br />
Perks Accountants & Wealth<br />
Advisers<br />
Piper Alderman Lawyers<br />
PowerMaintenance<br />
SCS Group<br />
Solstice Media<br />
Statewide Gaming<br />
Studio Nine Architects<br />
Supagas<br />
The Banner Crew<br />
The Kingsmen<br />
Trans Tasman Energy Group<br />
Vix Vision<br />
Wallmans Lawyers<br />
Bunzl<br />
Langfords <strong>Hotel</strong> Brokers<br />
St John<br />
Winnall & Co<br />
H O T E L I N D U S T R Y S U P P O R T E R<br />
Art Images Gallery<br />
Maxim<br />
Bupa<br />
Migration Solutions<br />
The Card Network<br />
30 | <strong>Hotel</strong> <strong>SA</strong> | www.ahasa.asn.au Back to Contents
L I C E N S E E T R A N S F E R S<br />
JULY <strong>2023</strong><br />
HOTEL LOCATION EFFECTIVE DATE NEW LICENSEE<br />
Ardrossan Motel <strong>Hotel</strong> Ardrossan 13.06.23 Perks Property Developments Pty Ltd<br />
<strong>Hotel</strong> Victory Sellicks Hill 08.06.23 Victory <strong>Hotel</strong> Investments Pty Ltd<br />
Lobethal <strong>Hotel</strong> Lobethal 28.06.23 Lobethal <strong>Hotel</strong> Custodians Pty Ltd<br />
Locky’s <strong>Hotel</strong> Gladstone Gladstone 03.07.23 Locky’s <strong>Hotel</strong> Gladstone Pty Ltd<br />
Robertstown <strong>Hotel</strong> Robertstown 05.07.23 Maxtild Pty Ltd<br />
Roxby Downs Tavern Roxby Downs 21.06.23 Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group Pty Ltd<br />
Sedan <strong>Hotel</strong> Sedan 30.06.23 Kirstie Preen<br />
South Australian <strong>Hotel</strong> Mount Gambier 08.06.23 S.A. <strong>Hotel</strong> Pty Ltd<br />
N E W A H A | S A M E M B E R S<br />
Darke Peake <strong>Hotel</strong><br />
OFFICE HOLDERS<br />
CONTACT<br />
OFFICE<br />
Level 4, 60 Hindmarsh<br />
Square, Adelaide <strong>SA</strong> 5000<br />
POSTAL<br />
PO Box 3092,<br />
Rundle Mall <strong>SA</strong> 5000<br />
P (08) 8232 4525<br />
P 1800 814 525 Toll Free<br />
F (08) 8232 4979<br />
E information@ahasa.asn.au<br />
W www.ahasa.asn.au<br />
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL<br />
DAVID BASHEER<br />
<strong>SA</strong>M McINNES<br />
President<br />
Secretary Treasurer<br />
MATTHEW BINNS MATTHEW BRIEN<br />
Vice President<br />
Executive Council<br />
LUKE DONALDSON ANNA HURLEY<br />
Deputy Vice President Executive Council<br />
COUNCIL<br />
BRAD BARREAU<br />
ANDREW BULLOCK<br />
SIMONE DOUGLAS<br />
TREVOR EVANS<br />
JASON FAHEY<br />
TRENT FAHEY<br />
COREY FARMER<br />
ELISE FASSINA<br />
JAMES FRANZON<br />
TONY FRANZON<br />
JOHN GIANNITTO<br />
TOM HANNAH<br />
ANDREW KEMP<br />
Executive Council<br />
MATT ROGERS<br />
Executive Council<br />
PETER JOHNSON<br />
JASON KELLY<br />
GUY MATTHEWS<br />
KAREN MILESI<br />
ANDREW PLUSH<br />
DARREN STEELE<br />
ADMINISTRATION<br />
ANNA MOELLER<br />
CEO<br />
NATARSHA STEVENSON<br />
Chief of Staff<br />
ALI<strong>SA</strong> WENZEL<br />
Financial Controller<br />
OWEN WEBB<br />
Workplace Relations, Liquor<br />
Licensing & Gaming<br />
GARY COPPOLA<br />
Legal and Advocacy<br />
SCOTT VAUGHAN<br />
Membership & Business<br />
Services<br />
KATHERINE TAYLOR<br />
Accommodation<br />
Australia (<strong>SA</strong>) and<br />
Tourism<br />
Communications<br />
LUCY RANDALL<br />
Events & Partnerships<br />
DIDIER VOLLERIN +<br />
Liquor & Gaming<br />
LIZ TURLEY<br />
Training Coordinator<br />
BELINDA RICHARD<br />
Executive Assistant<br />
Views expressed in <strong>Hotel</strong> <strong>SA</strong> are not necessarily those of the AHA|<strong>SA</strong> or the publisher and neither can accept, and therefore disclaims any liability, to any party for loss or damage<br />
caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. We do not endorse any advertising materials, services offered within advertisements or products,<br />
special offers or goods promoted therein.<br />
PUBLISHER<br />
+<br />
3/288 Glen Osmond Road, Fullarton <strong>SA</strong> 5063<br />
P (08) 8233 9433 W www.boylen.com.au<br />
TIM BOYLEN Managing Director<br />
tboylen@boylen.com.au<br />
JAMIE RICHARDSON Advertising<br />
sales@boylen.com.au<br />
PATRYCJA WHIPP<br />
Studio Manager/Graphic Designer<br />
We design, build and host beautiful<br />
hotel websites that link with your<br />
third-party software.<br />
boylen.com.au<br />
08 8233 9433<br />
Back to Contents www.ahasa.asn.au | <strong>Hotel</strong> <strong>SA</strong> | 31