General Manager – Member Experience & Compliance
- If you could get free tickets to any event in the world – what would it be?
I think it would have to be the Superbowl. I went to my first NFL game when I was 16 and I’ve been intrigued ever since. I have absolutely no idea what’s going on most of the time, but I love the spectacle.
- If you could go for coffee with anyone in the world – who would it be?
Tough question. I’m answering this in the middle of the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival and so I’m going with Gai Waterhouse – what a truly inspiring women who would have the most wonderful yarns!
- Tell us about your best restaurant / dining / holiday
The best holiday I’ve ever been on is a tight, tight race between South Africa in 2016 and Italy in 2019 both for very, very different reasons. South Africa was like nothing I’d ever experienced before. It was wild. Literally. The landscape, the animals, the people, and the wine. Italy was such a glorious trip too (also for the wine), but I think for the reason that we spent the whole three weeks in one country rather than the typical European adventure of cramming so many countries in. Bologna and Moderna (Massimo Bottura’s amazing Franceschetta 58 was sublime!) are just such special spots to visit.
- What do you love about this industry?
I’ve grown up in hospitality, having poured my first (and worst!) beer when I was 18. It’s a family that I feel very connected to. An industry that flows through my blood. The pride our member’s have in their hotels is what spurs me on to do my best for them every day. They take risks that I am nowhere near brave enough too and that’s why we do what we do at AHA (Vic)
- Which trend in hospitality excites you the most right now?
It’s not so much a trend as becoming the norm now, but I do love to know the story behind my food and wine. Tell me where it’s from and why it’s important to you!
events and administration coordinator
- If you could get free tickets to any event in the world – what would it be?
Hozier. I missed out on tickets to his show twice, so if anyone knows any leads on a ticket or two ticket, please let me know.
- If you could go for coffee with anyone in the world – who would it be?
Tree Paine. She’s most notably known as Taylor Swift’s publicist and that is her sole and only client. She is renowned for being one of the most powerful people in the entertainment industry, which is heavily male dominated but she doesn’t give interviews or put herself in the spotlight. I think it would be fascinating to have an insight into her journey, her day-to-day and how she thinks/problem solves in her job.
- Tell us about your best restaurant / dining / holiday
My family was very big on driving holidays around Australia when I was growing up. We would always try a country pub whenever we were staying somewhere in between destinations for the night after a long drive. I vividly remember staying in a really old pub with painted concrete floors. The waitress was lovely and kind, so younger me took a risk and ordered Garlic Prawns for the first time and it was love at first bite. I can’t remember the pub or where it was in Australia, but I remember a great dinner with my family, laughing at some inside joke from the day, eating something totally new and loving every bit of the night.
- What do you love about this industry?
I love that despite different trends, experiences and venues, there is something really special about creating spaces where people go to stay or share a meal/drink and make memories with family and friends. You can see the passion through everyone in this industry and while a guest or customer might not remember every detail, they’ll always remember the feeling they were left with from that experience. I think that is really powerful and special to be able to help shape that.
- Which trend in hospitality excites you the most right now?
Guinness is making huge waves with the younger crowds at the moment. I’ve always grown up in a household that loved a Guinness at Christmas or when it was rarely found on tap, so it’s great to see it popping up in so many places on tap now! I hope this trend is here to stay.
partnership and events manager
- If you could get free tickets to any event in the world – what would it be?
I don’t follow NFL but I think going to the Superbowl would be unreal.
- If you could go for coffee with anyone in the world – who would it be?
Hamish Blake.
- Tell us about your best dining experience?
I was gifted a lunch at Tedesca Osteria in Red Hill. The whole experience was perfect, with some of the best food and service I’ve ever experienced. The menu is prepared for you, so the only decision you have to make is what drinks you’ll enjoy over the long lunch.. and yes it was long! We started at 12:30pm and didn’t leave until 5:30pm. You’re welcome to go for a walk in the garden where they grow most of their own produce throughout which was a nice touch. It is a ‘nicer occasion’ restaurant, and if anyone else is thinking of going I’d suggest booking now to avoid the three-month waitlist we had. I also dream about a scallop I had on a holiday in San Sebastian (Spain) and would love to go back.
- What do you love about this industry?
The connections you make and the hospitable nature of everyone within it.
- Which trend in hospitality excites you the most right now?
The pubs in my area have really great wine lists and food to match. I love that I don’t have to go anywhere too fancy to have a really great food and drink experience.
marketing and communications lead
- If you could get free tickets to any event in the world – what would it be?
It would be the Oscars. I have loved movies and all things showbiz for as long as I can remember. I would love to be the one interviewing the stars!
- If you could go for coffee with anyone in the world – who would it be?
Javed Akhtar is a famous Indian writer, philosopher and poet whose work I thoroughly enjoy. Probably the one person I would listen to for life advice.
- Tell us about your best restaurant / dining / holiday
One of the best holidays I’ve had was when I was 20, and decided to go on a Contiki tour across Eastern Europe with strangers from across the world who came together to explore a new country. That was my first introduction to solo traveling and the experience of making friends from different parts of the world, where I ended up thinking, “Wow, Aussies are chill, I should probably move there,” and here I am!
- What do you love about this industry?
Besides being a huge foodie and hoping to try every eatery in Melbourne- I also love meeting new people. Working at AHA (Vic) and writing for the Hotel Today magazine has introduced me to some of the most incredible people working in the industry. Their passion, willingness to upskill and constantly better their staff, and relentless effort to serve customers with a smile on their faces no matter what the situation is, has made me fall in love with the industry.
- Which trend in hospitality excites you the most right now?
Foodwise- being vegetarian when I moved here 7 years ago was painful. Fast forward to now, with such innovation and effort put into veggo dishes at pubs and hotels makes me super excited to try something new every time I visit a venue. The new alternate meat options in the market are getting better by the day, and I’m here for it!
workplace relations advisor
- If you could get free tickets to any event in the world – what would it be?
A gin tour of London.
- If you could go for coffee with anyone in the world – who would it be?
My mum. She is a 5-minute drive away but thanks to my kids, I rarely get a word in with her! Despite the lack of chats, we are close and she’s my inspiration for so many things in life.
- Tell us about your best restaurant / dining / holiday
Clover Cottage in Berwick, (now sadly closed-down) it had such a unique, ‘old-world’ charm. Think, gentleman playing a grand piano, a 5 – star bistro and a gentle meander around an English rose garden in between courses! Just the best!
- What do you love about this industry?
The warmth and vibrancy of our people really sets us apart and always makes me proud to be one of them!
- Which trend in hospitality excites you the most right now?
Not a trend, but I appreciate the explosion of non-alcoholic drink options we have on our menus. Having these options helps our venues be the welcoming and inclusive places that we love them to be.
member experience and events coordinator
- If you could get free tickets to any event in the world – what would it be?
The MLB World Series with the Philadelphia Phillies playing.
- If you could go for coffee with anyone in the world – who would it be?
My nana, just to have one more conversation with her would be special.
- Tell us about your best restaurant / dining / holiday
My honeymoon in the Maldives, it was just the most perfect holiday location, the food and service exceptional and of course, the company was pretty good too!
- What do you love about this industry?
Hospo touches everyone’s life and it gets to be a part of their memorable experiences.
- Which trend in hospitality excites you the most right now?
I’m not really into trends, just give me give consistently great service, food and drink offerings and I’ll be back, with friends!
aa (Vic) member services executive
- If you could get free tickets to any event in the world – what would it be?
I love the atmosphere and energy at sporting events, so I think I’d have to go with tickets to the final of the Australian Open.
- If you could go for coffee with anyone in the world – who would it be?
I would have a coffee with Gerard Whateley so I could pick his brain all things footy and Olympics.
- Tell us about your best restaurant / dining / holiday
I was lucky enough to do a semester of exchange in Krakow, Poland when I was at uni, this study trip became the best extended holiday I’ve ever taken! I was able to travel with new and old friends, and I got to eat (and drink) my way through new countries and cuisines – the dream!
- What do you love about this industry?
There are so many things I love about our industry, but I always come back to the people. It’s so energising and motivating being around people that love having a chinwag, making connections, creating special moments and anticipating the needs of others. It’s a pleasure working with so many like-minded people!
- Which trend in hospitality excites you the most right now?
I love seeing all the innovative, and often super simple, ways that venues are focusing on enhancing the guest experience for people with additional needs. It’s so exciting that venues are seeing this as a standard part of operating and the customer experience, and not just an after thought.