Minus 5

“Minus 5” is a vodka bar in Sydney’s Circular Quay built entirely of ice! Visitors stay for only 30 minutes at a time, that being the maximum time the body can endure the bar’s chilly minus 5 degree temperature.

Everything is made of ice – the walls, the seats, even the glasses you drink from. Guests are given sheepskin lined jackets, gloves and boots to wear while in the bar.

Minus 5 even host team building days. A work team have the opportunity to build an ice sculpture or solve the mystery of “The Rescue of Catalina Pasquale”.

The bar is constructed from 46,000 litres of cold water. The ice is imported from Canada as they have high density ice there which holds is shape longer. Minus 5 recycles the water for the use of watering office plants in Sydney’s CBD.

See more at: http://www.minus5experience.com/Page.php?page=38

International Visitors to Australia

The UK continues to be the greatest source of visitors to Australia, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. And the second most common place of origin of our visitors is still New Zealand.

Tourism Australia provides comparative statistics on the number of international visitors to Australia. According to the latest statistics, the number of visitors in January was 2% less than the numbers visiting Australia in January of the previous year. However, the total numbers visiting in December and in February were up by 7% on the previous year.

For more information on visitors to Australia, see http://www.tourism.australia.com/Research.asp?sub=0318

Work on an Island

Read about the experiences of a past Kenvale student who went to work on Hayman Island for a few months:

Hayman Island presents a unique experience and environment for guests and staff alike. Situated in the magnificent Great Barrier Reef, it is often advertised as a place where one can experience retreat, indulgence, adventure, romance, revitalisation and relaxation. With its prestigous membership to the Leading Hotels of the World organisation, it boasts world class service, bringing with it many challenges and training opportunities for the staff who work there.

People often hear about the natural beauty and amazing activities that the island offers including helicopter rides, seaplane tours, cruises, romantic sunset dinners, weddings- anything is possible at Hayman! However guests and visitors rarely wonder about the staff experience- the people that make these dreams a reality. There are endless job opportunities available from engineers, landscapers and retail assistants to food and beverage attendants, front office staff, chefs, housekeepers, gym instructors, children minders, hairdressers, skippers- the list goes on!

Being a totally privately owned and isolated island means that all staff must live on the island, in the Staff Village located behind the resort itself. Living on an island has many advantages including being minutes from a beach and pool and also being able to take advantage of all the activities available to guests (at discounted prices!). However there are set backs that include having limited access to shops, being restricted mostly to the staff village (as the resort is out of bounds) and living in shared accommodation. This is not to say it is not a great opportunity to meet many poeple who share the same goals as you, and have many opportunities to be trained. It is well known on the island that promotion from the inside is preferred.

Living and working on Hayman Island is a challenge, an experience and an opportunity. Living and working with the same people alllows close friendships to be formed, while at the same time can be challenging. Being trained to Leading Hotels Of The World standards allows for many future employment opportunities and having the opportunity to explore the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef is amazing.

Each day on the island is different to the one before with new obstacles and challenges, and new experiences that have a wow factor for guests. It is a once in a lifetime experience that must be experienced to be understood!!

Making a Difference

Jeff Gambin and his wife Alina have been putting their hospitality expertise to the service of the community for the last 14 years. Former restaurateurs, they have committed themselves to helping the homeless in various ways.

Seven days a week, all year around, they serve more 400 hot meals a night from a van. They also help provide long term solutions – since 1993 they have helped more than 1200 people find jobs and housing! They also have a restaurant in Leichardt where they provides hands-on hospitality training for those in need.

Their organization is called JEF (Just Enough Faith). It has no religious affiliation. They are always looking for an extra hand or donations of all kinds – from food to farming equipment! www.justenoughfaith.org

How many of us think we are too busy to help with good works like this, when maybe its just a matter of comfort? How many hours are gobbled up in front of the television, when we could be getting out and making a difference?

Latte Art

Those who work in hospitality know it well – presentation is everything. And when it comes to coffee, the crowning touch is to finish it off with latte art.

From swirls to hearts, to rosettes - latte art takes many forms.

How is it done?? There are two main methods – free pour latte art, and etching. Free pour works solely on the control of the milk flow from the jug. Whereas in etching, a design is drawn in with an implement. It works on the froth, the etching and the use of powders.

For a guide on latte art, and more impressive images, see http://www.xpressivo.com/theespressoguide/recomended_latte_art.asp

Look out for the designs of Luigi Lupi – he is a master!