PHAN AGM and announcement of new Committee 2014

The 10th AGM for the Professional Housekeepers Association of NSW was held on Thursday 27th March 2014 at the Menzies Hotel in Sydney. The new committee was voted in the with following results. The following officers were elected unanimously
President: Maureen Jolowicz
Vice President: Grace Esogon
Secretary: Zarife Melick
Treasurer: Nela Neves

Committee: Nenita Poquiz,
Michael Gilzean,
Kamila Smirski,
Kevin Lucas,
Young Oh,
Tracey Reed,

Brainstorming of events for 2014
Innovative products forum
Wellness and Grooming Seminar – scheduled for May
Hotel and sites visit throughout year
Thank you Staff Party – scheduled for September 2014
Best Practice Forum
An additional AGM scheduled for November 2014 – to meet compliance requirements
Christmas Party incorporating visit to city hotels to view seasonal décor   Motivational Speaker and Forum on Generational DifferencesColin James
Follow up a facilitator for a panel of students and industry

Presentation by Maureen Jolowicz

Maureen Jolowicz, President of P H A N, welcomed everyone to the tenth A G M for the Association.  She spoke to the high occupancy that prevails in the hotels across Sydney.  There is an annual average of 87% occupancy – which means very few windows of opportunity for Housekeeping to attend major projects, maintenance or special cleaning operations.  The industry has become very high pressure with higher occupancy, coupled with higher rates – and ultimately higher expectations by guests.

New and upgraded properties are coming on line – already advised an additional 300 rooms at Sheraton 4 Points, a new property across the street from her own Radisson Blue in Pitt Street – and of course the large Barangaroo development.  The forecast into 2017 is very healthy for hospitality – which carries with it the need to recruit, train and retain good staff.

The year for P H A N was a great year of connecting with others in our industry.  The work pressures already mentioned do make it hard for Executive Housekeepers to get to events and she encouraged all those present to focus on making time to meet, learn and connect with peers in the industry.  There remain some hotels in the Sydney C B D who may not be aware of the existence and function of PHAN and that will need to be addressed by the incoming new Committee.  She acknowledged the team of dedicated professionals who have served PHAN in the past year and a round of applause by all present was given in appreciation of their voluntary efforts.  Lalini de Silva and Helen Hofman will be stepping down from the Committee in the coming year due to increased responsibilities in their work places.  Frans van Lieshout is also stepping down to spend more time overseas enjoying his retirement.   This was greeting by laughter from all present and a promise from Frans to come to all events when he is in Australia.