The Novotel Wollongong Northbeach, Peoplecare and TAFE Illawarra are busy preparing for the 2017 Amazing Race Wollongong this Friday.
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The annual event started by the Novotel’s Emily Squires and Chantelle Drolc is now in its sixth year.
The proceeds will go to the Kokoda Youth Foundation, Lifeline, the AIME Mentoring Program and the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, as part of the AccorHotels Community Fund.
Wollongong TAFE students have been busy planning the September 29 race around the streets of Wollongong that will involve a new course.
Diploma of event management student Kate Darby said she was already enjoying the hands-on experience. She said it was a chance for her and the other students to showcase their skills. It also providing them with connections to more than 20 businesses involved.
Peoplecare is the major supporter and chief executive Michael Bassingthwaighte said “we have had teams in before and this year we were really keen to have a significant role. This is a chance to support the community in Wollongong and a range of charities in partnership with the Novotel and TAFE. I think an important part it the mentoring with TAFE students. Our marketing staff have been involved in that.”
Mr Bassingthwaighte said the annual event was a great team building exercise for all the businesses that entered employees.
He said one of the pit stops during the Amazing Race Wollongong would be the Peoplecare dental and optical clinic ‘where we will have a surprise in store for the contestants. It is a great cause that supports good charities”.
TAFE student Kate Darby is in the first year of a diploma of Event Management and said it was fantastic to be involved in the organisation.
“The best thing about this race is to be able to put what we are learning in TAFE into practice in a real event. And to work with industry professionals like Peoplecare and Novotel and all the sponsors who have come on board is just invaluable experience for the students”.
Head teacher of Tourism, Hospitality and Events Karen Tidang said TAFE knocked on Mrs Squires door asking to be involved. Tourism and hospitality students are also involved. “We have a long standing relationship with Novotel and the hotel has always assisted us”. Many students have started their careers with the Novotel and many have stayed a decade or more. “It is great to be able to nurture them and give them the skills and then provide them with job opportunities”.
Mrs Squires and Mrs Drolc said 40 teams participated in 2016 and they are expecting a similar result in 2017. ‘We are encouraging all the teams to dress up and have fun,” Mrs Squires said.
Peoplecare team members Erin Davey and Amanda Iannella, said their team would be running around the streets of Wollongong wearing purple scrubs on the day trying to win the prize for the best dressed team.
Registrations and information at www.racegong.com.au.
How it works:
- Just like in the Amazing Race seen on TV, teams will be challenged with clues, problems and the pressure of time.
- Teams will race from check point to check point experiencing tasks and activities that will challenge and entertain.
- Organisers are keeping tight-lipped about what’s in store for those taking part in the 2017 race this year, but it’s sure to be fun.
- The event will kick off at the Novotel Northbeach at 12.30pm and teams will have approximately 3 hours to get through around 20 checkpoints in and around Wollongong.
- Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third placed teams, best dressed and highest fundraising teams.
- The event provides great exposure for business and corporate teams and checkpoint sponsors. Team registrations are now open at www.racegong.com.au
- Details from the Notovel’s human resources department on 02 4224 3111 or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/racegong/.
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- Novotel Wollongong Northbeach wins three major Accor awards.
- Registrations open for Wollongong's Amazing Race involving Peoplecare, the Novotel Wollongong Northbeach and NSW TAFE