Category Archives: LFW Your Canberra

FASHFEST Model Casting Smashes Record!

This year’s model casting has smashed a record for Canberra with more than 470 models already applying to strut their stuff on the catwalk at the capital’s largest red carpet fashion event. The number of registrants continues to grow, surpassing last year’s record of 300 by a long stretch.

Diversity has always been important to FASHFEST and this year is no different. FASHFEST is on the lookout for male and female models of different ages and ethnic backgrounds. At last year’s event, Red Corner Boxing was looking for athletic models, Karen Lee required a mature look and Prodigal Daughter and Hana Apparel Design selected models that helped them celebrate the ethnic diversity of their designs (Africa and the Middle East).

This year’s judging panel features:

Hayley O’Neill, a Sydney-based stylist and Fashion Office Coordinator at Marie Claire Australia, who originally hails from Canberra.
Robert Coppa, an internationally renowned fashion photographer who has been behind the lens for 12 years.
Victoria Schnable, owner of Victoria’s Models, Canberra’s longest running agency.
Tina Nikolovski, a photographer and now director of Canberra’s newest modelling agency, Devojka Models, established in 2015.
Andrea Hutchinson, Managing Director of HAUS Models, herself former model from Switzerland.
2015 model hopefuls ‘walking the walk’ – image by http://www.cumminsphoto.com.au

The casting is a relaxed day full of selfies and fun with music by DJ Hamish Lardi, who has built his profile playing iconic Canberra events and nightlife venues, NeonHoney, a Canberra-based singer-songwriter, and Ashley Feraude, FASHFEST’s official music director, a DJ and music producer who operates under the alias Magnifik.

“The music will give the models a taste of what they can expect at the live shows. It is also about keeping the energy up so the models can feel good and do their best,” says Ashley.

This open casting is available to all models 16 years of age and above. It will be held from 10am on Sunday 22 May at the National Convention Centre, a major FASHFEST partner.

It’s JAZZ time on the Sapphire Coast!

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The Merimbula Jazz Festival celebrates 36 years of jazz this year. That’s right! Thirty-six years of swinging, singing, and stomping on the Sapphire Coast over the June long weekend, and it’s getting bigger every year! By Aine Dowling

As well as some fantastic jazz from great performers from Canberra, Victoria, and New South Wales, there are two main features of the Festival this year. First up is the black tie event; the Jazz Festival Ball on Thursday 9 June at Club Sapphire where you can dance the night away to the Festival All Stars, enjoy a great cabaret show, and relax with a glass of bubbles and yummy three course meal; all included in the ticket price. Bookings for the ball are essential.

Another fantastic initiative is the Jazz Quest which has been running for the past four years and has been a huge success. The Quest is open to musicians aged 25 years and under, and its aim is to encourage young and up-coming musicians in the world of jazz, and to help their musical development along with competitive experience. Two of the previous winners include singer Liam Budge, and jazz pianist Kade Brown—both of whom have gone on to huge success and acclaim in their fields, with Kade selected for the Julliard Winter School as both student and mentor.

Jazz Quest 2015 Winners

The Quest is held at the Lakeview Hotel at the end of the Saturday night program. Judges usually include five of the top musicians at the Festival who view the performances of each competitor. There are a number of categories including confidence in performance, technical ability, entertainment value, and the ability to perform different styles and instruments through two different performances to show their ability. Cash prizes are awarded to the winners, and second and third placements, and both the Quest (and the prize money) goes a long way to help the career of young jazz musicians around Australia.

The popular jam session follows the Quest and gives everyone the chance to get on stage and perform with all sorts of musos and singers. If you can keep the pace going until 2am you’re welcome to join in the fun!

The Jazz Festival runs from Friday night (10 June) until Sunday night at four main venues around the town, and local Canberra acts heading down for the weekend include smooth jazz duo In 2 Deep; check them out if you can.

In 2 Deep – photo by Hot Shots Photography

Big bands include Connextion Big Band, In Full Swing, and the Royal Military College Big Band, plus some terrific school bands. Vocal ensembles include Rhythm Syndicate (who also perform at the ecumenical Gospel Church Service on the Sunday), and Shades of Monday, and you can check out some great swing dancing from Canberra Swing Katz.

If you like the south coast and you love jazz … what more could you want?

Get more info on the Merimbula Jazz Festival from their website or Facebook page.

So you want to be a Model …

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By Wendy Johnson

Keen to model at the largest and most stylish fashion event on the capital’s social calendar?

FASHFEST is gearing up for the 2016 model casting, to be held 22 May at the National Convention Centre. And already the number of model hopefuls applying has smashed last year’s record of 300.

The casting is ‘open’ which means models don’t have to belong to an agency. Indeed, since FASHFEST is big on training, applicants don’t even have to have previous modelling experience. If they have what it takes, they’ll cross the line and get to be in Canberra’s red-carpet fashion event. The only restriction is that models have to be 16 years of age on the day of the casting.

But what does it take to be a model? Internationally renowned photographer Robert Coppa—one of the five-member judging panel for the casting—says fluidity of motion is paramount as is the ability to exude confidence.

Robert Coppa

“You have to ‘own’ what you’re doing as a model. Coming in and out of poses confidently and smoothly, as though you’ve done it 100 times is the key,” says Robert. “With catwalk modelling you’re meant to look aloof and slightly disengaged because it’s all about showing off the designer fashion.”

The models are each assigned a number and have to glide up and down the makeshift catwalk before the judges. They’ll walk to music by Hamish Lardi, NeonHoney and FASHFEST’s official music director, Ashley Feraude. Keeping nerves calm is a challenge for some, even those with experience.

Other members of this year’s judging panel are Hayley O’Neill, Sydney-based fashion stylist and Fashion Office Coordinator at Marie Claire Australia, who originally hails from Canberra, and the owners of Canberra’s top modelling agencies Victoria Schnabl, Victoria’s Models, Andrea Hutchinson, HAUS Models, and Tina Nikolovski, Devojka Models.

FashFest Judging Panel 2015

As with previous years, FASHFEST is looking for diversity in its models, in part to meet the aesthetics of the different fashion designers who launch new collections on the catwalk. For example, with FASHFEST 2015, Red Corner Boxing required that ‘healthy, clean sports’ look. Other designers, like Karen Lee (who has launched a collection every year since FASHFEST began) require a mature, sophisticated look. Still others, like Hana Apparel Design and The Prodigal Daughter, require a look that celebrates their ethnicity.

While it’s serious stuff, Clint Hutchinson, co-founder of FASHFEST, says the model casting is a relaxed day and heaps of fun.

Nick Ellis (producer) directing operations at 2015 model casting

So if you think you’d like to give it a go, register for the 22 May model casting. If nothing else, you’ll have a great day and gain some great experience. Registration a must before the day of the casting, and you can register at www.fashfest.com.au

Lost and Found—a leap of faith with boyandgirlco

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At first glance you don’t see the whales, but when you do—it’s pretty cool. Two of these graceful creatures feature on a new line of t-shirts being launched this month by Canberra’s boyandgirlco. By Wendy Johnson.

But these aren’t just any old t-shirts. These tees are special in many ways.

Can you see the whales?

For starters, they’re part of boyandgirlco’s new social initiative called Lost and Found. Funds from sales go to women and children affected by economic domestic violence, to help them get a head start in their lives. The tees also feature original artwork by a local artist. And they’re produced to the highest of international ethical standards, which means the earth is respected and so too are the makers.

The founders of boyandgirlco, Anita and Carlo Krikowa, started Lost and Found as an extension of their work in giving back to the community—a philosophy they adopted from the get go with the business donating to Menslink and Domestic Violence Crisis Service ACT.

Both experienced domestic violence and both want to keep on giving to the community. So they thought outside the square and started Lost and Found.

Anita says funds are channelled through the partnership with Domestic Violence Crisis Service Act so they get to the right people. “The priority is economic domestic violence which isn’t as well-known as other forms of domestic violence,” says Anita. “It’s when an abuser controls all the money in a relationship. It means the victim might have no access to bank accounts or an adequate allowance or even the money needed to get or hold down a job.”

The t-shirts are nothing short of wearable art, with the designs created by the resident artist at boyandgirlco, Canberra’s Katie McAuliffe, known affectionately as Bookie.

Models wearing boyandgirlco tees

Bookie adores the animal kingdom and is known for creating art with a warm and fuzzy story book feel. boyandgirlco intend to create a new design each season. The inaugural tee features whales but you’ll need to take a close look before you see all that is truly before you.

boyandgirlco t-shirt’s are as ethically produced as you can get by Earth Positive Apparel. They’re made using 100 per cent organic cotton, 73 per cent recycled water and 90 per cent renewable energy. The workers who make them are protected by Fair Trade laws.

The women’s tee is stylish with a semi-scoop neckline and stitched rolled sleeves. The men’s tee is a classic crew neck. The cotton is super soft and will get softer over time with the right care. And each one comes with a tag made of recycled birch that you can use as a bookmark.

boyandgirlco hasn’t just expanded the social good platform. They’ve expanded their business overall. They started out solely making sustainable furniture out of discarded pallets, but they’ve evolved into a lifestyle company that also makes homewares and clothing. Everything the company creates is unique, handcrafted and sustainable.

And, they’re out there participating in several community activities. This Friday, 8 April, they’ll be in Garema Place doing demonstrations on how to deconstruct a pallet and how to build at planter box at National Youth Week, run by the Youth Coalition of the ACT. The youth week festival runs from 2 to 7, and what’s more—it’s free.

Take a leap of faith with boyandgirlco

boyandgirlco t-shirts are only available through Cardif Collective, Green Square Kingston (upstairs in the Cusack Centre) and through www.boyandgirlco.com.au at $59.95.

London calling The Duxton!

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Duxton Kerbside Markets are back in 2016 with a twilight pop-up hosted by The Duxton, O’Connor, and shaking up the market scene with a real street/kerbside market feel a la Brick Lane in London! By Aine Dowling

Image courtesy The Duxton

With more than 25 stallholders, you can grab a bargain in clothing, vintage, homewares, aromatherapy, food and wine, art and design, jewellery and accessories, toys, and much more! You can also enjoy The Duxton’s great hospitality with burgers, steaks, pizza, salads, and yummy desserts, and kick back to cool music from Afi Ayup.

Here’s a little sample of what to expect—and enjoy!

Hummingbird Vintage—who doesn’t like a bit of vintage … ladies and men’s trendy vintage fashion at great prices. I know this because it’s where I bought my gorgeous tartan kilt last year, and it is a real kilt not just a pleated skirt.

Image courtesy Hummingbird Vintage – image from Hummingbird

Wyx and Wax make the most amazing candles. Remember these? How good do they look?

Candles from Wyx and Wax – image courtesy Wyx and Wax

Treat yourself to something special from Bonty or Glitterbomb

Bonty Bangle – image from Bonty

Glitterbomb pendant – image courtesy Glitterbomb

Then, take home a cheery bunch of flowers from Daisy’s Daisies, or a natural sweet treat such as this brand new Gungahlin honey with lemon, pear and vanilla, from Canberra Urban Honey

Gorgeous flowers from Daisy’s Daisies – image courtesy the florist

Canberra Urban Honey – image courtesy producer

Duxton Kerbside Markets are on this Thursday 31 March from 6 – 10pm.

From Didgeridoos to Art-Deco

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The didgeridoo building in Yass has been somewhat of a landmark over the years. A run-down, boarded-up building—vacant for 19 years, and with its three didgeridoos in the forecourt you can imagine it being a common meeting place for visitors; ‘meet you at the didgeridoos—you can’t miss them’, and indeed you couldn’t … until now. By Aine Dowling

Tootsie is the brainchild of local mosaic artist Michaela Pothan, who has brought the building out of its sad and dusty 19 year hiatus and turned it into an art-deco butterfly—full of colour, life, and energy, and with its new name, it’s raring to go!

Tootsie, in case you’re wondering, is the old Chevy parked out the front—well actually that’s not the real Tootsie. The real Tootsie has gone to Gundagai to be rebuilt but the other Chevy is close enough. “Tootsie was my grandfather’s car,” says Michaela, “and when I was younger he gave her to me. She’s been languishing in the shed for many years; seemingly forgotten—much like this building, but now she’s undergoing a transformation too.” Step inside the new building and into the wonderful world of art-deco. With pressed tin ceilings, retro furniture, and an impressive collection of artworks, Tootsie is a gallery and coffee shop in one with the art and furniture all part of the café experience.

Enjoy a coffee in the cafe corner complete with retro furniture

The building now includes the revamped entry with its stunning mosaics and café corner, the gallery, a large workshop, and a beautiful outdoor garden area which we’ll come back to later. Michaela is running the gallery as a collective with works from many local artists including painters, photographers, mosaic artists, and glass and metal workers. Pieces from Peter Crisp Gallery and artist Jan Matson are just a few of the local names on display. Mosaic classes are held in the workshop.

Artwork by Jan Matson

The artwork will change fairly regularly as Michaela plans to run theme based art—at least for the paintings. The gallery opened in November 2015 with Girt by Sea—an Australian theme which included oceans, beaches, and landscapes—now its Beauty in the Beast and includes smiling paintings of poultry and pigs, dogs and cats, snow leopards, big cats, and wildlife, and a selection of simply stunning photographs of horses by local photographer Nicole Godding, as well as the most amazing metal sculptures in the rear garden.

The garden also includes The Wall—again a brilliant initiative by Michaela who decided that a blank wall was just not good enough, and, to encourage community involvement in the development of the gallery, contacted mosaic artists in Australia and around the world to contribute a small panel to be attached to the wall. The artists responded with enthusiasm and the result is breathtaking. The wall is not complete—pieces are still to come from overseas, but the response has been amazing.

Mosaic Community Art Project includes local, national and international artists

“Artists just loved the idea and got right behind the project,” says Michaela. “We received some beautiful local pieces, and then the international responses started to come in. We sent them specifications and they sent their mosaic piece back on light webbing and we just fixed it to the wall and grouted it on. On seeing photos of their piece on the wall, many interstate and international contributors have now decided to come and visit and view the wall in person—something that will also contribute to the Yass tourist industry.”

Mosaic Community Art Project – garden steps

So take a trip out to Tootsie and soak up the art and ambience and enjoy coffee and cake at the same time. And, while you’re there, see if you can spot the hidden items on the entrance mosaic. During the renovation, six items were discovered under floorboards, in wall cavities, and other nooks and crannies and were included in the mosaic. Can you spot them?

All images by LFW

Peace and Quiet with Banjo Paterson

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Life in the fast lane getting you down? You don’t have to go far to recharge your batteries in the total peace and quiet of Wee Jasper, and spend some time with the memory of Australia’s most well-loved poet and writer, A. B. (Banjo) Paterson. By Aine Dowling

Relax in The Garden Wing private garden

Once the home of Banjo Paterson, Coodravale is an iconic Australian homestead, and from 1850 was used as a station property until purchased in 1908 by Paterson together with a member of the Lindeman wine-making family. Paterson lived at Coodravale until 1911 when he returned to Sydney. Coodravale Homestead is now a private residence owned by John Robinson and Rosemary McKenzie, and extensive renovations and upgrades have turned a large rambling homestead with servants quarters into a beautiful home, and The Garden Wing; stunning self-contained accommodation including large double bedroom, bathroom, lounge/dining, kitchen, and wide verandah with amazing views of the valley.

Just 90 minutes from Canberra (via Yass) the first thing you notice at Coodravale is the absolute peace and quiet. Surrounded by lush gardens and paddocks of 16 acres and 500 metres of Goodradigbee riverfront, this is the perfect place to relax and wind down after a week in the ‘dusty, dirty’ city. The second thing is the generous hospitality from hosts John and Rosemary, who treat their visitors as long-time family friends without being intrusive.

The Garden Wing private verandah

“We bought this property with a small B&B in mind,” says John. “We absolutely fell in love with it the moment we saw it even though it was covered in dust and cobwebs, and needed a new roof! The location is perfect—we’re far enough from neighbours to not notice them, but close enough to be part of a welcoming community.

“The gardens still need bit of work but we’re getting there. We have lots of seating and quiet spots scattered under the trees and there’s swimming holes in the river so you can cool off on hot days. The only noise at night is the occasional wombat trundling past the verandah, and the beautiful birdsong in the early morning. Every day we feel blessed to be living in such wonderful spot.”

Goodradigbee River just a few metres away

The Garden Wing is attached to the main house but has its own entrance, verandah, and garden. Everything is provided for your comfort from kitchen staples to your own BBQ, a well-stocked reading room, air-conditioning for the summer, and heating and snuggly doonas and lap blankets in the winter. And, if you do need anything else, John and Rosemary are only too happy to help.

Garden Wing bedroom with French doors to verandah

The Garden Wing bedroom with French doors to your private verandah

Wifi is also available, but seriously, why bother? This is wind-down time so learn a bit of history from John and his favourite book You Can’t Eat Scenery—Life in Wee Jasper from 1850 – 1970 which features Coodravale. Or bury yourself in Banjo’s famous works, a number of which he wrote while living at Coodravale, including A Mountain Station.

The Garden Wing at Coodravale offers exceptional self-contained accommodation in beautiful surroundings and company, where the stars are everlasting and the vision is truly splendid.

Images by LFW. LFW stayed at The Garden Wing courtesy of Coodravale.

http://www.coodravalehomestead.com/

Birds in The Nest at Gundaroo!

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Everybody needs a little bit of luxury in their life, so when I heard about The Nest in Gundaroo I couldn’t wait to check it out. By Aine Dowling

Photo by Lindi Heap courtesy The Nest

The Nest is a brand new boutique, luxury accommodation of five unique villas on the main street of Gundaroo. Managed by mother and daughter team Sylvia Gleeson and Lana Mitchell, The Nest accepted its first guests on Friday 11 December after a two-year build. Each villa (or nest if you prefer) is slightly different, but all are designed with comfort for the traveller in mind.

Up front is the entrance and reception, with a large open space that is available for rent to a local business and would make a perfect art/design collective. The five villas are at the rear of the property and there is ample parking at the front as well as each villa. Three villas are studio style and two are double storey with the bedroom in the loft. All villas include a king size bed and two have an extra day-bed. All have a lounge and dining area, kitchen with full size fridge, hotplates and microwave, full bathroom facilities, ceiling fans, and wood burning fires to keep you snuggly warm in winter.

Photo by Lindi Heap – courtesy The Nest

The villas have been furnished by 1825 Interiors and have an authentic country look and feel.

The Nest team approached the Gundaroo community for feedback before the build and according to Sylvia the community was overwhelmingly in favour of the boutique development. “We were thrilled that the community got behind us when we put our ideas up,” says Sylvia, “and since then they’ve been very enthusiastic about the accommodation. We invited them to an open day and red ribbon cutting by the Mayor of Yass before we opened, and the feedback on the villas was very positive.”

Heron bedroom – photo by LFW

Heron bathroom. Photo by Lindi Heap courtesy The Nest

Heron has been designed as a honeymoon, anniversary or special occasion suite, with full dressing area off the bedroom (to accommodate gowns and tuxedos), king size bed with lots of plump pillows and cushions, bathroom with double bath and shower, and full length verandah on which to sip your pre-dinner drinks or bubbly. The Heron sleeps two people.

Cockatoo has disabled and wheelchair access and facilities and includes king size bed and day-bed (sleeping up to three people), kitchen, bathroom, lounge and dining.

Cockatoo lounge area – photo by LFW

Magpie sleeps two people in its king size bed, and has big soft and squishy lounges to relax in, kitchen, dining, country bathroom, and verandah.

Magpie country bathroom – photo by LFW

Rosella and Kestrel are the loft villas with the bedroom upstairs. The Rosella also includes a day-bed and sleeps up to three people. Both villas have the same amenities with king size beds, kitchens, bathrooms, and lovely seating areas.

Rosella – photo by Lindi Heap courtesy The Nest

The Nest opened in early December and is already fully booked over the Christmas period. “We have award winning restaurants and cafés in Gundaroo,” says Sylvia, “including Grazing and Cork St Café pizzas, and both do function menus so are ideal for weddings, and special birthdays, events, and public holidays. We’ve already had enquiries from people who have booked small events and celebrations in Gundaroo and don’t want to drive home so they’re choosing to stay here and make their event even more special. The villas are perfect for a bridal party to prepare for the wedding, and one of our villas is set up especially as wedding/honeymoon suite and is perfect for the bride and groom on their wedding night.”

Kestrel – photo by Lindi Heap courtesy The Nest

Accommodation can also include continental or cook-it-yourself breakfast. Tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryer, and TV are included, and cots, high chairs and wifi are available.

Check out their website and find them on Facebook.

The Nest entrance – photo by LFW

CARDIF—there’s a new kid in town!

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Wendy Johnson checks out CARDIF, and CARDIF Collective, a brand new initiative for Canberra designers.

Chris in the studio – photo by Martin Ollman

When Chris Lloyd was young she knew creative veins ran through her body. She was fascinated by design and never hesitated to create fashion for herself, family and friends. She loved being surrounded by fabric, thread and scissors and her soul was always satisfied by the sweet sounds of her sewing machine.

Although passionate, Chris’s dream to be a designer was put on hold as she pursued a professional career in the public service and as an independent contractor. Such is life.

But after 20 long years, Chris has hauled her sewing machine out of storage and is starting her own fashion label—Minimum. If that isn’t exciting enough, Chris, and her husband David Traylen, have started CARDIF, Canberra and Region Designers in Fashion, which will open officially in early 2016.

Fashion fun at CARDIF – Photo by Martin Ollman

CARDIF is occupying an amazingly large space overlooking Green Square, Kingston, and providing centrally located, light-filled studio and retail space to selected fashion designers to help them realise their aspirations. It’s fitting that CARDIF is in Kingston, one of Canberra’s first commercial centres. It occupies 685m² space on Level 1 of the Cusack Centre.

“In looking for space for Minimum I quickly realised that rent can be super expensive,” says Chris. “But more than that, it can be lonely working on your own and creatives need to be inspired, share, learn and connect. It’s all important to the creative process.”

When Chris and David stumbled across the space they decided to take the plunge knowing that a lot of blood, sweat and tears would be needed to transform it, especially since it had sat empty for eons. Twelve individual studios will be available, as will a common area including two large cutting tables, storage, racking, a lounge and kitchen facilities. A pattern maker and machinist will be on site and available to designers on a fee-for-service basis.

Fireworks hat by Cynthia Jones-Bryson. Photo by designer, model Alice Anderson

Fireworks hat by Cynthia Jones-Bryson. Photo provided by designer, model Alice Anderson

CARDIF, a not-for-profit, also runs CARDIF Collective, the retail side of the operation. The designers occupying studios will sell to the public through the collective, as will other members of CARDIF.

Although there’s still a massive amount of work needed to finish the space, CARDIF Collective is hosting its first pop-up celebrating Christmas and giving visitors a chance to say hello, so from 12 to 22 December, close to 30 creatives will have Australian jewellery, fashion, millinery, accessories, homewares, accessories, and more, on show and for sale. “It’s a bit of a test run so not all the creatives involved in the pop-up shop are official members of CARDIF, but that’s not a worry at this stage,” says Chris. “The aim is to give visitors a chance to see the space and say hello.”

Designer Edwina Woods – photo by Martin Ollman

Several designers have already signed up to CARDIF studio space. Edwina Woods has already moved in, soon to be followed by Chris with her label Minimum and Cynthia Jones-Bryson, who has just won the coveted Crown Oakes Day Invitation Only Myer Millinery Award for her headpiece inspired by fireworks.

“CARDIF will become a centre of excellence and support fashion designers to grow and develop,” says Chris. “The idea is to provide affordable, long-term creative and retail space for designers, both established and emerging, who have a desire to make their brand commercially accessible and who want to connect direct with customers.”

Internal space at CARDIF Collective – photo by Martin Ollman

Workspaces range in size from approximately 10 m2 up to 28 m2. Design studios can be rented by one designer or shared. A second call for applications will take place early in 2016 (designers can express interest at any time by email).

For more information on the CARDIF Collective Christmas pop-up—times and a list of designers—head to www.cardifcollective.com.au and for more information on CARDIF, visit www.cardifact.com.au

Local Canberran wins Lifetime Award!

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Those of us who know Canberra well, know that it’s a city unlike no other in Australia. Some of what makes the capital a glorious spot is right before our very eyes—like our national icons, natural beauty and festivals. But there is so much more beneath the surface to discover, as the likes of Jenifer Dwyer Slee know full well. By Wendy Johnson

You see, Jenifer is the Director of Sales and Marketing at the National Convention Centre, working for the InterContinental Hotels Group. One of her big passions is positioning Canberra as a ‘go-to’ destination in the highly competitive conference industry. Jenifer’s passion for what Australia offers in the industry has led her to be honoured with a Lifetime Award from the Professional Conference Organisers Association, for ‘Support, Encouragement and Mentoring to the Business Events Sector in Australia’.

“I love Canberra,” says Jenifer. “I really do.”

It’s a big statement when you consider that Jenifer has lived in or near some pretty special spots while working for more than 26 years in the luxury hotel market, including at Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort and Spa, Sheraton Noosa and in starry-eyed Sydney. After an exciting career in hotels, Jenifer made one of those massive decisions to take a major turn. She moved to the world of convention centres, which brought her to Canberra.

Jenifer is one of only eight Australians, and the only Canberran, to receive this Lifetime Award, in part for her majestic efforts in positioning this country to be a winner in the industry.

Barry Neame, President of the Professional Conference Organisers Association, who presented Jenifer with the award in Adelaide at the association’s eight annual conference on 30 November, sums it up this way: “Jenifer truly cares about bringing business to Australia and to Canberra and has been open and generous in sharing her knowledge in how the hotel sector operates with association members, to help with their professional development and upskilling. This includes helping young people entering the industry acquire quality skills and quickly. Jenifer has always been open to being a mentor and it’s strengthened the industry as a whole.”

Jenifer’s efforts not only benefit IHG and the National Convention Centre, they boost the local economy and generate economic wealth for many in business here, with visitors touring about and indulging in our food scene, local arts and design movement and events and activities.

“It’s good for everyone when we score a major conference,” says Jenifer. “We work hard at it but have a high success rate in winning conferences and events once decision makers have experienced the benefits of coming to Canberra for themselves.” With the growth in tourism in the coming years, the dedication of Canberrans like Jenifer is sure to stimulate even more to visit the capital and surrounds.

“I agree with what The New York Times wrote about us,” says Jenifer. “We have big-sky beauty, breezy civic pride and a decidedly hipster underbelly. Combine that with our vibrancy and developed world-class professionalism and you’ve got the perfect destination.”

Images by Martin Ollman

LFW MAGAZINE

never lost for words

Category Archives: LFW Your Canberra

FASHFEST Model Casting Smashes Record!

It’s JAZZ time on the Sapphire Coast!

So you want to be a Model …

Lost and Found—a leap of faith with boyandgirlco

London calling The Duxton!

From Didgeridoos to Art-Deco

Peace and Quiet with Banjo Paterson

Birds in The Nest at Gundaroo!

CARDIF—there’s a new kid in town!

Local Canberran wins Lifetime Award!