SYDNEY SUPERDOME

The question was "Lead or be Led". At the SSD I have seen some of the most amazing transformations take place, as staff I have been leading have stepped up to the plate to take the lead themselves.

The Olympics is going to be the most spectacular event on the calendar in our industry. It is an event I have heard veterans of games gone by, talk about with such emotion and spirit that I have expected to see personal development for not only myself but those around me, as we are about to be touched by the same experience.

So here we are with 5 Mondays and 31 days to go and already I can see the wheels of evolution in progress. Kellee Nicholl, Nichole Rennie, Peter Coates and Harry Raad have all moved from the SSD to take on opportunities to become better leaders and in effect better followers. Glen Kelly and Peter Emery have stayed with me, in our own house and have both seen the opportunities open to themselves, to gain and to grow.

On a personal note, I thank all the team who have worked and continue to work with us at the SSD. It does not seem all that long ago when we were waiting for our delivery of Rubbermaid bins to arrive. Michael Macdonald, Anne Fantin, Brian Wilson and myself unloading a 40 foot container of bins at 11pm, then trying to assemble them all over night. Being in a building, which was still under construction, which had no door numbers or directional boards, being totally disorientated and having an absolute ball of a time. We are now 1 year old. Some staff have changed some have stayed. Of our original crew, three of the four permanent staff remain, Glen Kelly and Peter Coates, both started with us as casual employees and earned their full time positions. Along the way we have built a crew of seven permanent staff who have been supported by a great team of casual staff who complete our team. To all the team - Thank you and Happy First Birthday SSD.

SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL AQUATIC AND ATHLETIC CENTRES

Last month at the Aquatic Centre was testing trying to keep staff motivated in the bump-in period (no patrons makes it difficult to keep anyone motivated.) We got through it and another month along the same line will be a challenge. SOCOG move in this month so the tempo will pick up a lot. Changes have been the order in the last few weeks with the Olympic overlay really starting to take shape.

The Athletic Centre had a few minor carnivals at the end of the month (it was good to get a blower on my back again) and they all ran smoothly. John Hunter and Kim Perkins serviced the event, with Michael Kritakis John and myself completing the post cleans in good time and to our normal high standard.

A special mention to the crew at the Aquatic and Athletic Centres for their help and support for the short time I was there. Kim Perkins, Michael Kritakis, Damien Burns, Kylie Hall and John Hunter. And I must thank Paul (the boss) Rowlands for throwing me into the sink or swim and I hope the results were good.

Relationships were made and I think the team at the Aquatic and Athletics Centres were glad to see the real value of having Cleanevent as part of their team heading into the Olympic Games.

SYDNEY ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE

The man was here and so were Mickey and Minnie, Snow White and her mates. Now the OCA and SOCOG have taken over but it’s business as usual.

At the SEC the team continues to play hard from the Venue Manager through to casual staff, it’s "hands on."

Remember "respect comes easier when deserved".