Back of House

In the latest episode of Back of House, we are joined by Mick Gibb, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), to dive into the challenges and opportunities shaping the night time economy. Mick is a passionate advocate for hospitality venues, working closely with government to improve late-night trading conditions. In this episode, he shares sharp insights on: - Why industry operators need to be active and engaged. - The value of public transport and the direct impact it has on the night time economy. - How under-30s are seeking niche, values-aligned experiences

Michael and Luke take time recap some of the work done by the Office of the 24-Hour Economy. Commissioner during 2024, while discussing some of the trends evident in the domestic and international hospitality sector. Supporting Information. At the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner we work with other government partners, local councils, industry and the community to build vibrant, diverse, inclusive and safe hospitality and entertainment precincts. We seek to enhance both the economic output of the state and amenity for residents and tourists alike. We aim to do this by improving the conditions for flexible day and night trading. In so doing the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner makes a positive contribution to the desirability of NSW as the best global location to live, work, play and invest. We seek to integrate planning and placemaking, diversify night-time activities, promote industry and cultural development, improve safety, mobility and connectivity and change the narrative around CBDs across Greater Sydney.

Born and raised on the Sunshine Coast, Tony remains deeply grateful for the unwavering support of the Sunshine Coast community throughout his culinary career. Tony's evolution from a young apprentice at the Hyatt Coolum in the 90s to the accomplished entrepreneur he is today is a testament to his unwavering commitment to success. His ventures consistently deliver exceptional dining experiences with creative and innovative concepts, unique venues, and talented teams. Three pivotal moments define Tony Kelly's career. Firstly, The Wine Bar Restaurant, his maiden foray into ownership, opened in 2003, garnering numerous accolades for its luxe fit-out, private dining room, degustation experiences, and extensive wine selection. This establishment served as Tony's declaration as a produce-driven, meticulous chef with a talent for commanding both his audience and his team. Tony's next chapter saw him excel at Stokehouse Q, where he attained two hats in the Good Food Guide. Working for the influential Van Haandel Group honed his culinary prowess and reinforced his dedication to pleasing guests. In 2017, Tony's path connected with Dirk Long, owner of The Wharf, Mooloolaba, leading to the creation of Rice Boi, a bustling Asian street food hotspot that ignited the Sunshine Coast dining scene. This unique venture marked the inception of Tony's enduring success. Today, Tony Kelly oversees and contributes to his diverse portfolio of brands while actively participating in industry discussions, mentoring emerging entrepreneurs, and engaging with students interested in hospitality careers. Tony is always interested in future opportunities for the group and enjoys the creative process of putting together new concepts for the Sunshine Coast community.

R U OK? is a public health promotion charity that encourages people to stay connected and have conversations that can help others through difficult times in their lives. Our work focuses on building the motivation, confidence and skills of the help-giver – the person who can have a meaningful conversation with someone who is struggling with life. R U OK? contributes to suicide prevention efforts by encouraging people to invest more time in their personal relationships and building the capacity of informal support networks – friends, family and colleagues - to be alert to those around them, have a conversation if they identify signs of distress or difficulty and connect someone to appropriate support, long before they're in crisis.

“This episode of Back of House features restructuring expert Morgan Kelly and founder of Sumo Salad, Luke Baylis. Morgan and Luke discuss the challenges facing the hospitality sector and ways operators can position their business to not only survive these challenges but reposition to thrive. Luke also shares his personal views and experiences of experiencing financial distress, going through the voluntary administration process and emerging from voluntary administration.”

Raised in Melbourne Australia, Adrian started his hotel career in Canada at the iconic luxury Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. He has 30 years’ experience in hotel operations including a range of senior executive roles with the global hotel group, Accor. Adrian has demonstrated a range of skills managing a large decentralised team across Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and French Polynesia, working with global project teams and developing strong relationships with investors, owners and industry consultants. Adrian has built market leading capability in commercial performance, guest experiences, restaurant and bar concepts, hotel distribution, hotel openings and takeovers and business integration. He is a passionate advocate for the Tourism Industry and has a long history of active board participation on a range of industry organisations across the Pacific.

The story of Sam Young is one that’s been pressure-cooked, flash-fried, and is now braising on a low, gentle simmer. Inspired by the taste of his travels to Italy, Canada, Hong kong, Vietnam and Malaysia to name a few, he has worked in Sydney’s top restaurants like Mr. wong, Ms.g’s, Queen chow, Totti’s and more recently as Lotus’s head chef. As one of Australia’s top chefs, he believes that it takes more than just flavours to elevate food from good to great – it’s the complete experience that comes with it. Currently, Sam Young hosts exclusive dinners as a private chef and is a creative collaborator with the industry’s brightest talents and go-to eateries. Moving from planned menus into curated dining experiences, he loves delighting diners with his #bsyexperience twist – often with shavings of truffle or dollops of caviar. His specialities include sourcing only the finest australian produce, innovating crowd favourite dishes, and pairing his dining experiences with his one-of-a-kind big personality.

Meet Michael Rodrigues, the state's first 24-Hour Economy Commissioner. Michael launched the Time Out brand in Australia under license in 2007 and in his time at the helm grew the audience across print, digital and social channels to in excess of 1,000,000 Australians monthly. In recent years and prompted by the challenges facing Sydney's night-time economy he launched and chaired the Night Time Industries Association which was instrumental in lifting the lockout laws, and shaping the State of NSW's 24-Hour Economy Strategy. In February 2021 Michael was announced as the state's inaugural 24-Hour Economy Commissioner, a role he commenced on 29 March 2021.

Antony Jones - CEO Ben Collis - Head of Commercial & Marketing Michael Rodrigues & Luke Butler discuss the journey of two industry stalwarts, taking the reins of an iconic Sydney based hospitality group. About The Boathouse Group; The Boathouse Group is a collection of unique and iconic hospitality venues located in picturesque locations around Sydney and on the Central Coast of NSW, Australia. The Boathouse journey began in 2008 with the opening of The Boathouse Palm Beach café, the group now comprises of ten beautiful venues with offerings including dining, accommodation, weddings, events and homewares. Our mission at The Boathouse has always been to create experiences that people love. From great coffee, high quality fresh food, friendly service and inspiring interiors including an abundance of plants & flowers that have started many a great conversation.

In a recent episode of the Back of House Podcast, Ajuria Lawyers took centre stage as special guests, delving into the intricate landscape of immigration within the hospitality sector. This dynamic conversation provided invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by businesses navigating the complex web of immigration laws. Ajuria Lawyers, renowned for their expertise in immigration law, brought a wealth of knowledge to the table, addressing the specific concerns of the hospitality industry. From visas for skilled workers to compliance with changing regulations, the podcast explored the nuances that can make or break success in the sector. The engaging dialogue touched upon strategies for recruiting international talent, ensuring legal compliance, and maximising the benefits of a diverse workforce. For those tuned in who found themselves nodding along or with burning questions on immigration matters within the hospitality sector, Ajuria Lawyers extended a virtual hand. Listeners were encouraged to reach out with their queries or seek assistance for their unique situations. The invitation to contact Ajuria Lawyers became a call to action for businesses and individuals alike who recognize the importance of expert guidance in navigating the legal intricacies surrounding immigration. Whether you are a restaurateur looking to expand your team with international talent, a chef seeking clarity on visa options, or an employee facing immigration challenges within the hospitality industry, Ajuria Lawyers stands ready to provide tailored solutions. Their commitment to understanding the unique needs of each client sets them apart, ensuring a seamless and legally sound immigration process. As the episode concluded, the Back of House Podcast left its audience not only informed but equipped with a direct line to the professionals at Ajuria Lawyers. For those in the hospitality sector grappling with immigration concerns, the next step is clear: reach out, ask questions, and embark on a journey toward success with the support of seasoned immigration experts.