GREENHILLS NEWS AUTUMN 2011
A bulletin from Greenhills Conference Centre covering some of the events and achievements in recent months.
ACCREDITATION & AWARDS
The Greenhills Centre was delighted to be recognised last September with an ACCREDITATION award from the National Accommodation, Recreation & Tourism Accreditation Inc. This NARTA Accreditation is endorsed, recommended or accepted as a standard of achievement by departments of education in Victoria, South Australia & Tasmania ( and favoured by NSW, WA and Qld) as well as several church denominations and State parks and outdoor recreation authorities. Throughout Australia some 39 venues and service providers in the accommodation, recreation & tourism industry have been Accredited. As the only venue Accredited in the ACT Region, Greenhills provides assurance that our facilities, operation and service are of high standards.
Jessica Morthorpe is currently evaluating Greenhills Centre for rating and recognition under The Five Leaf Eco-Award for Christian Venues. Having developed and administered this award program for churches, Jessica is now extending the criteria to recognise camp and conference venues within Christian Venues Association and piloting this work at Greenhills. Watch this space!!
TRANSFORMED!
Transform v.t. to change in appearance, condition or character.
(Macquarie Dictionary)
Over the past six months, much of Greenhills Centre has been transformed. The Manager's Residence has been done up inside and out (including drainage and gardens), Cabins 1 & 2 painted throughout with beds/digital TVs added, the Connie Christie Chapel has being upgraded, and the Murrumbidgee Units are being refurbished with new bathrooms and ceiling insulation. Other outside areas, including adjacent Scouts property and Block 66, have been cleaned up and cleared of weeds and the central park area has been landscaped brilliantly Greenhills is most grateful for the great effort and contributions made over this period by Stephen & Bruce, plus volunteers. The contributions by volunteers from Melba Shed, Rotary Clubs and Wesley's MMMM Group has been outstanding. All friends of Greenhills should take the opportunity to arrange a visit to see these wonderful improvements.
MEET THE MANAGERS
After 8 years of devoted service from Managers Paula & Ed Challenger ended in September, new Managers Kathy & Stephen Schlenk commenced in late November. With previous experience running “Tatachilla”, a Christian campsite near Adelaide, they have 'hit the ground running', and Greenhills has been blessed with their enthusiasm, knowledge and abilities.
CUSTOMER SERVICE HOSTS
In March, two Customer Service Hosts were appointed, in lieu of the former Assistant Customer Service Manager (Jose), to assist with the hosting of groups, bookings, room preparation etc, Kelly Arnold and Cherie Smeal. Kelly is also assisting with administration duties an extra day each week.
FAREWELL AND THANK YOU TO HERB AND CYRIL
After years of service to Greenhills Centre, Cyril Trezise has discontinued his duties as Duty Manager in January. Cyril's involvement as a volunteer, committee member and Committee Secretary have made him a permanent Friend of Greenhills, as well as a good friend to many of the groups including management, staff and contractors.
Herb Heath has also recently retired from regular volunteer service. Herb's contributions to the maintenance and development of Greenhills, in partnership with Norma, has been very extensive (including two “Herb's Sheds”), and Herb has been such a part of the Monday Volunteers that he will be sorely missed.
The Norma Heath Lounge and the memorial tree in the central area, will be constant reminders of the love and dedication that the Heaths have shared at Greenhills.
NEW BOARD MEMBERS
At the beginning of 2011, three new Board Members were appointed.
Don Gruber, the instigator of Melba Shed - a joint project between Rotary Club and North Belconnen Uniting Church - brings a wealth of experience in financial management and community service.
Genevieve Power has relevant business experience, and a commitment to Greenhills that extends back to Max Hill's management period, the bushfire recovery on the (then) Management Committee, with many Rotary working bees in recent years.
Rev. Duncan Macleod is the Presbytery Minister, and has direct experience as a minister for youth and families, and as a consultant in online communications, youth work and faith development.
DIARY DATES
Events at Greenhills over the next six months include:
Sunday 7th August - 1-4pm, Greenhills Open Day
Saturday 3rd September - Rotary Working Bee, 3 of 4
Monday 5th September - Community Working Bee, 2 of 2
Wednesday 12th October - Greenhills AGM
