have a lot of underutilized land, and we’re exploring ways to develop it, including potential residential investments to diversify our portfolio.” Hart also emphasizes the importance of streamlining internal operations. “We’ve invested in upgrading our IT systems to improve financial outcomes and guest experience. Our property management system now integrates across all businesses, allowing us to track and reward customers seamlessly. We’re also developing a customer loyalty program to provide exclusive benefits to our regular visitors.” PUTTING PEOPLE FIRST With a workforce ranging from 150 to 250 employees, depending on the season, Kimberley Accommodation Group strongly emphasizes staff engagement, retention, and overall well-being.“We’re a very stafffocused business,” says Managing Director Dannielle Hart. “Our service is only as good as the last staff member that served the last customer.” The company’s flat hierarchy and family-style culture reflect this commitment to people. Despite the high turnover typical of the hospitality industry, Kimberley Accommodation Group has cultivated a loyal team, with many employees returning year after year. Hart credits this to the company’s ethos: work hard and have fun doing it. “Even my parents still know the names of most of our staff,” she shares. “We have long-term employees who feel like part of the family, and we do everything we can to create a supportive and engaging workplace.” Many of the workforce consists of visa holders who live on-site. Kimberley Accommodation Group fosters a strong sense of community among its staff as part of its dedication to inclusivity and employee wellbeing. “Because a lot of our employees don’t have family close by, we focus on building a home away from home,” Hart explains. “We host social events, regular barbecues, and an annual staff appreciation day where we shut down the entire business so everyone can celebrate together.” Kimberley Accommodation Group is also a proud participant in the PALM Scheme (formerly the Seasonal Worker Program), a government initiative that supports workers from Pacific Island nations. Having been part of the program’s pilot phase in 2012, the company has since welcomed many permanent and returning employees through this initiative. “It’s a fantastic program that allows us to provide stable employment opportunities while ensuring our team remains strong year after year,” Hart says. Kimberley Accommodation Group has introduced an 94 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 07, ISSUE 03
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