L-R Gerry Bourke and Grace Falconer-Smith.

Two new Property Managers have been placed by Quest Apartment Hotels into two upcoming openings in Regional Victoria ahead of the anticipated gradual resumption of corporate travel through the region.

The serviced apartment company has hired Grace Falconer-Smith as Property Manager for Quest Wangaratta, which is due to open doors to guests next month. Falconer-Smith is highly experienced in the hospitality sector, moving to the company from her former role as Human Resources Adviser at Falls Creek Ski Lift. Prior to that, she worked across a number of departments for QT Falls Creek as part of the Event Hospitality stable.

Moving southwest, the soon-to-open redeveloped Quest Ballarat has seen the company promote from within, naming long-time Business Development Executive, Gerry Bourke, as Property Manager. Bourke has been with Quest for seven years and will relocate to the mid-west Victorian outpost for his new role, saying he is looking forward to immersing himself in the local community.

An artist’s illustration of Quest Wangaratta, opening in November 2020.

“I am delighted to be stepping into the role of Property Manager at Quest Ballarat Station, which will provide a new standard of apartment living for the corporate and leisure traveller in an attractive regional location,” he said.

Quest Ballarat Station, announced last year, is a project from Pellicano Group which will be incorporated as part of the former Goods Shed, which is being converted into a multi-purpose Convention Centre which will feature restaurants, retail offerings and a transport interchange linking to direct V-Line trains to Melbourne.

Quest Ballarat Station will be the company’s second in the regional Victorian city.

Quest Chief Operating Officer, David Mansfield, says the company’s final two openings of the year has fortified the company during a difficult year.

“Quest is only as good as its people, so we are incredibly pleased to have found two talented and well-respected industry professionals to lead the establishment and ongoing success of Quest Wangaratta and Quest Ballarat Station,” he said.

“We are incredibly proud to have continued delivering properties which will not only support demand for business and leisure travel as restrictions continue to ease, but respond to a discernible gap in regional markets, which when filled will provide important economic stimulus by way of supporting Australia’s visitor economy.”