Executive PA Australasia Issue 2 2019 | Page 41

EVENTS Melbourne’s Southbank district welcomes new luxury hotel Sydney Opera House opens first new venue since 2004 The Sydney Opera House has opened the doors of its latest function and events space – the Yallamundi Rooms – marking the completion of the next major project in its $273 million program of renewal works. By transforming office space into a multi-purpose events venue, more of the Opera House has been made available for public use and with extra open space created on the Northern Broadwalk. The rooms are the first new venue development at the Opera House since 2004. The Yallamundi Rooms will be available for a range of occasions, including community celebrations, intimate gatherings, private events and small-scale performances. The flexible space has capacity for up to 400 people standing or 180 seated, with several room configurations available. Floor- to-ceiling windows offer sweeping views of Sydney Harbour. “We set out our ambitions for a decade of renewal, to ensure the Opera House continues to inspire generations of artists, audiences and visitors… the Yallamundi Rooms are another example of how we are realising that ambition,” says Louise Herron, Sydney Opera House CEO. S Queensland’s Sunshine Coast secures new convention centre The Sunshine Coast, two hours drive north of Brisbane, is home to some of Australia’s best beaches and coastal living and they’re set to receive a new purpose-built convention centre. The Convention Centre will be open to local, interstate, and international visitors after April. The $8 million development is part of The Shakespeare Property Group’s growing portfolio in the region, following its purchase of the Novotel Twin Waters Resort in September 2018. Shakespeare Property Group CEO and Executive Director, Yak Yong Quek, said he was pleased “to deliver the Sunshine Coast this much- needed facility to capitalise on fresh opportunities in the business and events space.” Queensland Tourism’s Development Minister, Kate Jones, is pleased with the new development. “We are confident that further investment in infrastructure such as this will increase the capacity for the Sunshine Coast to attract events, conferences and exhibitions.” S Accor has opened its newest luxury Melbourne hotel, Shadow Play by Peppers, in the city’s Southbank arts and entertainment district. The 46-storey hotel features one and two bedroom apartments, with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the bay and Melbourne city. It includes a number of guest facilities including a gym, heated pool, sauna and an enclosed garden space on the top floor. Avant garde design elements feature throughout the property. On arrival, guests are welcomed to the hotel in an appointed lobby on the ground floor, which flows into Edwin Wine Bar & Cellar. This brand new venue is positioned to be one of Melbourne’s finest food and wine experiences with its seasonally curated menu and extensive wine list, with distinct Victorian flavour, meticulously selected by the Edwin Wine Bar & Cellar’s sommelier. “We’re excited visitors to Southbank can now experience Peppers’ unique style and acclaimed hospitality,” says Simon McGrath, Accor Pacific COO. “[The hotel] has added a new level of sophistication and luxury to Melbourne’s accommodation offering, which caters perfectly to an increasingly selective global market that is looking for quality, location and facilities of a world- class calibre,” Shadow Play by Peppers is the brand’s second Melbourne property. The first, Peppers Docklands, opened in January 2016. S Issue 2 2019 | Chief of Staff 41