THE INSIDE WORD
CRUEL COVID AND HARSH REALITY OF A LOCKDOWN
HERE are just two examples of the effect the lockdowns are having on local enterprises.
For the past 30 years Rachel Dansey has created a unique business for herself by wrapping, plaiting and braiding hair and airbrushing tattoos on visitors and locals alike.
“The last three lockdowns on top of the last year of reduced tourist numbers have made the business unviable and I am seriously considering ending the business I have built and love to do.”
Paul Greentree, from Culinary Catering, has a similar tale, and for his business the sudden lockdown was heartbreaking.
“We had four events last Saturday that were all cancelled at the last minute. A 1am call would have made the world of difference for everyone in events and hospitality.
“All the food had to be thrown out, staff were stood down, and then dealing with upset clients. It’s been 18 months now and we’re still living on a razor’s edge hoping to get through this.”
Hopefully when this is over we can all get out and support all local businesses because Lord knows they really need our help.
BEEN THERE, NUNN THAT
WITH the Olympics in full swing it is a good time to pay tribute to one of our greats. On Wednesday, Glynis Nunn, who is now the executive director of the Gold Coast Academy of Sport, celebrated the 37th anniversary of her winning the gold medal at Los Angeles in the heptathlon. “Because we are in lockdown I am, like everyone else, watching the Games in Tokyo, especially the athletics of course.
“Although I like teasing the swimmers because they only have to do one event to get a gold medal – I had to do seven,” she laughed.
“Looking back it is all a bit surreal. I do look at the current training methods and wonder what I could have achieved if I had the benefit of modern sports science. Every now and then I think back and go, ‘Geez, I really did something extraordinary’, but I did train bloody hard, as do all Olympic athletes.”
And she has a wish for the current crop. “Hopefully after the success of these Games, corporate Australia will come to the party a bit more and sponsor some of our amazing athletes who are not as well known. It would make their journey so much easier.”
ARCHIE ON CLOUD WINE
WE do love a good idea and Archie Cox (pictured with Moyra Major) has a ripper.
As someone who has worked in the hospitality industry for 20-plus years, including stints at The Playroom, Conrad Jupiters and as account manager for Moët Hennessey,
he really knows wine.
“Travelling through Europe I always loved how you could go to a cafe or bar and they would have brilliant wines on tap. That got me thinking, so when I left Moët Hennessey last year I launched Carafe Wines.
“We purchase bulk wine from some of the best producers in the land and then I set about blending our own labels. It makes it so much easier for the venues because there is no chance of oxidisation from a half-empty bottle and it is so much better for the environment as it reduces the huge amount of glass waste.
“We supply all the popular varieties – rosé, sauvignon blanc, pinot gris, shiraz and pinot noir. All the venue needs to do is pour the wine into an elegant carafe and serve to the customer. The response has been terrific and the customers are loving the freshness of the product.” Who’s a clever boy!
BOB AND MONA STILL COOKE-ING WITH GAS
LOCKDOWN restrictions have curtailed a very special celebration that was to have occurred today. Bob and Mona Cooke were due to celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary with a party at the D’Arcy Arms Irish pub in Surfers Paradise.
The Irish connection is deliberate. With three children and one on the way, Bob and Mona migrated here from Ireland in 1967. Not content with just four they went on to produce another three children and now have an extended family of 38 proud Aussies. Bob is 87 and Mona is 86 and have been regulars at D’Arcy Arms for well over 30 years, proving once again that Guinness could well be the secret to a long and happy life. Congratulations to both on their blue sapphire anniversary.