Scott Wright

Rydges General Manager appointed in Brisbane

Rydges South Bank Brisbane has welcomed the return of Scott Wright who has taken up the position of General Manager, 12 years after he first joining the hotel.

Wright began his EVT career at the Rydges South Bank in 2011 as Director Rooms and has remained with the operator since, working at Rydges Queenstown for a short time before he was appointed General Manager of Rydges Fortitude Valley in 2018.

“Rydges South Bank is one of the city’s shining lights for the booming ‘Bleisure’ sector, which is combining business and leisure travel,” said Wright.

“Last month, new research saw Brisbane become a destination of choice for international small and medium-sized businesses travelling to Australia. Data from Corporate Traveller revealed more than 24 per cent of bookings into Australia were heading to Queensland.

“Brisbane now leads the list, with a 3.8 per cent margin over Sydney. This is excellent news for everyone associated with the hospitality industry, and will only increase as the world focuses on our city for the 2032 Olympics.”

Club Wyndham Wanaka welcomes new leader

Wyndham Destinations Asia Pacific has appointed Shrikant (Shree) Borishaha as the new General Manager for Club Wyndham Wanaka.

Borishaha brings over eight years of hospitality leadership experience, most recently as General Manager at Parehua Resort in Martinborough.

Shrikant Borishaha

“Shree has worked for global names in hospitality and has an exceptional track record leading and developing high performing teams, exceeding business targets and delivering incredible customer experiences while keeping control over costs,” said Wyndham Destinations Asia Pacific, Senior Vice President Resort Operations, Warren Cullum.

“The responsibility Shree has been given in a relatively short hospitality career shows the development opportunities available to people who work hard and show promise in the industry.”

Having spent his entire career in the New Zealand centres of Christchurch, Wellington, Queenstown and Martinborough, Borishaha has actively supporting each community through a position on a tourism board or charity memberships.

Gabriel Tiete joins Iron Creek Bay as Head Chef

Iron Creek Bay Farm Stay has named Gabriel Tiete as the new Head Chef of Orani restaurant, as well as its multi-award-winning property, Maylands Lodge.

Originally from Brazil, Tiete was previously Sous Chef at renowned Greek restaurant, Urban Greek in Hobart, and prior to that posting, at Skina Café Restaurant and Bar as the Chef Consultant and Demi-Chef at the famed Botswana Butchery in Queenstown.

Gabriel Tiete

Tiete will redesign a full a la carte menu for Orani and revamp the Maylands Lodge culinary offering, where he will introduce a traditional afternoon high tea service.

“Tasmania has some of the best producers and products in Australia and to be able to support our local farmers and producers is an honour and a responsibility,” said Tiete.

“I have a great appetite for learning, and it has led me to work alongside some of the industry’s luminaries and great chefs. I have absorbed wisdom and integrated their teachings into my own culinary method which I am thrilled to showcase in my next chapter at Iron Creek Bay Farm Stay’s restaurant.” he continued.

Tiete will combine his expertise across many different cuisines, including American barbecue, charcoal, and grill, to bring fresh dishes and bold flavours to the menu.

Visit Sunshine Coast names new Public Relations Manager

Visit Sunshine Coast has appointed Maddy Schilg to the position of Public Relations Manager.

Maddy Schilg

Schilg – who recently returned to Australia after five years living in London – brings extensive destination travel media experience including public relations roles at agencies such as One Green Bean in London, where she worked on accounts including Tourism Australia, Qatar Tourism, TUI and dnata’s Gold Medal and Travel2 brands.

She will work closely with travel media in Queensland and across Australia, as well as producing content to promote the destination.

“With so much to promote here on the Sunshine Coast, public relations plays a crucial role in our operations and we’re excited to welcome Maddy to the VSC family,” said Visit Sunshine Coast CEO Matt Stoeckel.

Schilg replaces Lauren Grounsell who is on maternity leave and set to return to the organisation later next year in a new marketing role as Brand and Content Manager.