The moment Chrissie Williams stepped onto Orpheus Island for the first time, it was love at first sight.

The trip was supposed to be just a casual catch-up with some friends who were running the lodge at the time, but it didn’t take long for Chrissie to realise that her time in tropical North Queensland was only just beginning.

“I knew Ross and Jen who were the General Managers on Orpheus, and I just came to visit them,” she said.

“But I fell in love with the island and its culture, and I was back here working as Assistant General Manager within a few months.”

Six years later, she’s General Manager of the lodge and she’s never looked back.

Chrissie’s whole career has been surrounded by water. Starting out working on boats, diving, and managing teams she eventually found herself working at resorts on Lizard and Hayman Islands.

But the move to Orpheus took things to the next level and allowed her to spread her wings and explore other types of roles.

“I was learning a lot of new things at the start. My background has been mainly on boats, so getting involved in areas like food and beverage, housekeeping, and maintenance was great,” she said.

Having proven herself as a highly capable, reliable, and hard-working member of the Northern Escape Collection team, Chrissie’s often been called upon to share her knowledge and expertise at the other properties, and in various areas of the business.

It’s these experiences that have been not only beneficial to the broader team, but also allowed her to develop professionally.

“I’ve spent a month up at Daintree Ecolodge helping the new General Managers get settled into the property,” she said.

“I also went over to Townsville for a few weeks working closely with the reservations team when they were a bit short-staffed. It was a really great experience for me to learn more about that side of the business and how it all works.

“When Beechmont Estate became part of the collection I worked there for seven weeks, managing that property until the new managers arrived. It was so great to get to spend time learning so much about the other properties.”

Despite all of the lodges having their own unique charm, Chrissie says Orpheus will always be her favourite.

While living and working in a remote area can have its challenges, she says there are definite upsides. Including being able to explore some of the most stunning locations in the country with guests or during your down time.

“There are so many amazing spots on Orpheus but one of my favourite places is Picnic Bay which is a 20-minute hike from the lodge to the other side of the island. I also love paddleboarding out the front of the lodge and watching the sun go down,” she said.

“Remote living isn’t for everyone, but I love it. The fact that it takes all staff less than two minutes to walk to work is a bonus – there’s no excuse for being late!”

Morris Group Executive Director Hayley Morris hosted over 70 guests for the first panel event of the new Net Optimism series, which aimed to showcase businesses and solutions that are working towards a low carbon, circular and more equitable economy.

Hayley was joined by Greenpeace Australia Pacific CEO, David Ritter, E3Sixty Limited CEO, Cameron Bain, and Revolve Your World Founder, Luke McConell for a thought-provoking conversation on waste and how we can shift mentalities from a linear economy to a circular one, with reduction, reuse and recycling at the centre of all consumption.

“We want to educate businesses and communities about the waste procedures available to them until there’s no more waste, or until waste becomes part of the community in a circular, constructive way. I actually want to put myself out of a job,” Revolve Your World Founder Luke McConell said.

The panelists agreed that there is reason for optimism with E3Sixty CEO, Cameron Bain, saying the future looks fantastic and that collectively we will come up with the right answers.

Greenpeace CEO, David Ritter agreed, stating “Life fights for life. Given half a chance, nature will re-emerge. And if there is one thing we know, it’s that human beings working together can achieve just about anything. Despite the scale of the challenge, we must retain the vision, the dedication, the confidence, the commitment that the world flourishing is there for us on the horizon. If we cannot imagine a future where the world is flourishing, we will not be able to build and nurture one.”

Hazelwood Estate, the luxury country retreat set in Queensland’s Scenic Rim, is rebranding as Beechmont Estate and becoming part of Northern Escape Collection, a curated portfolio of boutique lodges and experiences owned by Morris Group.

Morris Group Executive Chairman Chris Morris said the name change celebrates the estate’s location near the town of Beechmont in the stunning Gold Coast hinterland in line with the collection’s other properties: Orpheus Island Lodge and Mt Mulligan Lodge.

“Beechmont Estate will continue offering guests the same outstanding experience and unique brand of understated luxury it’s become renowned for over the past 14 months; whether it’s a getaway in our elegant yet relaxed accommodation, dining at our chef-hatted restaurant, The Paddock, or hosting intimate weddings and corporate retreats.”

Northern Escape Collection CEO Ross Penegar said Beechmont Estate’s ethos perfectly aligns with the collection’s focus on sustainability.

“We’re committed to reducing our impact on the environment and making a positive impact on the local community,” Mr Penegar said.

“The Paddock team will continue to build real paddock-to-plate connections with diners and strive to bring guests along on the journey and immerse them in our passion for the environment.”

Mr Penegar said the restaurant would continue to be a destination for foodies to enjoy the region’s exceptional relaxed fine dining experience.

“The Paddock has built itself a strong reputation for showcasing the region’s best famers and providores, and championing sustainable, local produce in a spectacular location,” he said.

“So we’re excited to be part of that journey and seeing our vision for the restaurant can grow in the future.”

With the Scenic Rim recently being named in Lonely Planet’s top ten destinations to visit globally in 2022, Northern Escape Collection looks forward to introducing more domestic and international guests to the region over the coming year.

When Juan Zabaleta started his first job with Colonial Leisure Group nine years ago, landing a career in sales wasn’t even remotely on his radar.

Having just arrived in Australia from Colombia, Juan took up a job as a kitchen hand at Lucky Coq with no idea where it could take him.

“CLG was actually my first ever employer because I used to work in a family business back home,” he said.

“I had zero hospitality experience and very limited cooking skills, but I got the chance and I wasn’t going to waste it.”

Those early days in the Lucky Coq team were formative for Juan. He says it not only helped him improve his limited English at the time, but also grow professionally.

“It massively contributed to developing my professional and interpersonal skills and take them to a whole new level,” he said.

“I was getting more confident in my role, becoming more eager to learn, and absorbing as much as I could. I was only supposed to be staying in Australian for six months but I decided to stay and see where this path would take me.”

Over the years that followed, that growth continued. Juan took up roles behind the bar at Lucky Coq and the Botanical Hotel before moving into his first management role where he discovered his passion for the daily operations.

He completed a Bachelor of Business while managing the Botanical and helping out at Portsea Hotel during the peak summer season; and he got some experience in head office learning the ins and outs of running venues.

In 2019 he joined the CBCo Brewing team as a Duty Manager which saw him running the public bar. But some experience working closely with the sales team at events, sparked his interest, and when the chance came up to take on a Brand Ambassador role in October 2021 he jumped at it.

“I’m amazed every day how the people skills and negotiation skills that I’ve been developing over the years without realising it are helping me in the new role. Having that constant interactions with people over the years really helps you build some important transferrable skills.

“I would totally recommend a sales role to anyone. The key is to be genuine no matter what – find out what makes you different and special and use it.

“Sometimes that’s the simplest way to choose the right path. Whatever you do, do it with passion and concentrate on learning and getting better and the rest will eventually fall into place.”

Joshua started with Morris Group in 2018 as a Senior Accountant in CLG’s finance team. Over his time, he’s worked across several of the businesses including Northern Escape Collection, CBCo and various Morris Group finance projects, before landing a role with Zap Bi.

Before Morris Group, he started his career with accounting firm, Pitcher Partners, which he says not only gave him a great foundation for building his career in the field, but also gave him some incredible experiences including a six-month secondment to work in San Francisco.

Have you had a leadership role before now? Did you always aspire to be in a leadership position? How did you get there?

Starting in professional services was a great foundation for leadership, because each year you take on more responsibility and there is very clearly defined roles that expand year on year. From a leadership perspective it starts slowly. In your second year you take a role mentoring graduates; in year three you start reviewing work and providing job reviews and feedback; then you step up to managing projects and staff members.

In that time, I was exposed to many different leadership styles – and it was very clear to me the type of leaders and managers I enjoyed and thrived working under and also others that I don’t think got the best out of me. I also participated in leadership training run by external trainers which provided ideas and perspectives on different ways to manage and lead a team.

What’s your approach to leadership? How do you motivate your team?

My approach to leadership is pretty simple – to try and be someone others hopefully will be motivated by. Part of this includes always being respectful to those your work with, but at the same time challenging them to get out of their comfort zone so that they can also succeed, learn and grow. I also don’t believe the same approach to leadership works on everyone. So it’s important to be adaptive and open to change and adjustments to get the best out of everyone.

What do you love about being a leader? What motivates you?

What are some of the challenges that come with being a leader? Are there particular challenges you face because of the industry you work in? How do you overcome them?

I think one of the most challenging aspects is letting go of control and trying to be across everything. I think it’s essential to do this to ensure the rest of the team continues to get new opportunities. It can be a lot harder than it should be. But in letting go and shifting responsibilities you can show faith and trust in your team which is hopefully rewarded with greater commitment.

What other leaders inspire you? Do you have any role models?

I have always been inspired by the everyday people that are going through a tough time but continue about their life with a smile and positive energy. I think this positive perspective on life really inspires me to be better and do better. An inspiring leader who recently comes to mind is the way Geelong Cats Captain, Joel Selwood, held himself on AFL Grand Final day. I’m no Geelong supporter, but I admired how he went about his celebrations. He would have been well within his rights to make the moment all about himself and his teammates, but instead he accepted his premiership medal and had a brilliant moment with the Auskicker, giving the him his boots and posing for a picture. He also shared special moments with a Geelong water boy who has down’s syndrome. I think these little moments shared with others is what makes him a great leader.

What advice would you give to aspiring leaders?

I think my biggest advice is always look for ways to grow yourself, both personally and in your career. I believe if you do this, opportunities will present themselves.

Marketing Manager Kimberley Wilkinson first started working at the property 11 years ago, when she accepted a job as a Guest Service Agent.

Her plan was to stick around as a casual for a few years while she studied tourism at university. But for Kimbi (as she prefers to be called), not sticking to the plan turned out to be the best plan.

A decade after her first shift, she landed her in her dream job as the luxury resort’s Marketing Manager.

“Honestly, it never crossed my mind that this could or would become a career for me,” she said.

“I’ve always loved tourism, hospitality, and marketing. Being in marketing was always my dream but I never thought that starting out working in guest services could one day lead to me being Marketing Manager and part of the Executive Management Team.

Over the course of her career, Kimbi has held eight different roles, each one giving her new skills, new experiences, and new insights into how to deliver exceptional experiences for guests.

She’s managed the busy team in the hotel’s reception and front office, been Revenue Manager, Business Development Executive, Reservations Sales Manager, and coordinated the marketing for the dynamic gaming portfolio.

“I’ve naturally progressed into different roles and said ‘yes’ to any opportunity that has come my way,” she said

“I’ve really loved learning about all the different departments within The Ville and how they all need to work together to ultimately provide a seamless and fun experience for our customers.

“I think my experience has helped me be adaptable to change, and allowed me to step outside of my comfort zone.”

While her dream gig does come with its fair share of challenges, Kimbi says the fast-paced environment and diversity is the thing she loves the most.

“I think the things I find the most challenging about my role are the mains reason why I enjoy my job so much. Every single day is different,” she said.

“I love that one day I can be working on a major event like Melbourne Cup or Christmas, or relaunching our Vantage Rewards program, and opening a new VIP gaming room; and the next I could be working on an influencer campaign, creating a casino promotion, organising a photoshoot, proofing menus, or working on sponsorship agreements.”

For Kimbi, there’s a lot to love about working at The Ville. But more than anything, it comes down to the people – although, she says that view certainly helps!

“I’m very grateful I get to work with such a positive and supportive team that works extremely hard, but has fun at the same time,” she said

“I wouldn’t be where I am without the support from the people I work with on a daily basis.

“I genuinely wake up every morning happy to come to work. I have made lifelong friends in my time here, and working here has played such a significant role in my life.”

Generations of overgrazing and land clearing left Barragunda Estate‘s environment in bad shape. But with some experimenting, innovation and a whole lot of passion, things are turning around.

When European settlers arrived in the Cape Schanck area in the early 1800s, Barragunda became prime pastoral land.

Unfortunately, the settlers’ practices of land clearing and overgrazing have since had serious consequences on the environment causing large pockets of erosion, and the loss of wildlife biodiversity.

After the Morris Family became custodians of the land in 1999, its rejuvenation became a labour of love for Morris Group Executive Director Hayley Morris.

Her increased interest and knowledge in regenerative agriculture has been the driving force behind the property’s switch towards more sustainable practices.

“Couple that with huge coastal winds, and the erosion sites just keep growing unless you actively work to increase ground cover and get roots back in the soil. When the land is bare, there’s no protection from the wind so it’s really difficult to have a diverse ecosystem.

“Diversity in plants means diversity in mammals, birds and insects. When that balance is out, you end up with outbreaks of pests and large mammals which can then create their own environmental issues.”

With the tireless work and expertise of Hayley along with Barragunda Property Manager Darryl Rogers, chef and organic gardener Simone Watts, and the team of farm hands, the effects of generations of overgrazing are being reversed.

“We’ve introduced rotational grazing which means we rotate the livestock every few days instead of every few weeks. This means they’re never on an area long enough to overgraze,” Hayley said.

“They’re also in smaller paddocks, allowing for their manure and urine to fertilise the soil which helps strengthen the root systems. Water is retained in the soil making it more drought-proof, and carbon is pushed underground where it belongs. All of this means our paddocks bounce back faster and are more resilient.”

The team’s also been hard at work planting trees and ground cover, and fencing off parcels of native vegetation which equates to about 40 per cent of the property.

“The erosion sites are repairing, there’s been an increase in the diversity of native grass species, and a decrease in weeds,” Hayley said.

“We’ve also implemented regenerative methods to our orchard and market garden, meaning we don’t till the soil, or use synthetic pesticides and fertilisers. We have our own compost, drip irrigation, and we use mulch to reduce water loss.”

Although the team has already achieved a great deal, Hayley says there’s still more to come.

“What we’re aiming for is a ‘closed loop’ farming system that regenerates itself. We still rely on some outside inputs like fertilisers and compost, but eventually we’ll produce all of this ourselves,” she said.

“Simone is working on establishing a collective where young farmers can rent plots in the garden, so they can sell their produce together under the brand of Barragunda Collective.

“A big key to our vision at Barragunda is to be a place where people can connect with farming and break down that divide between the city and rural life. We have an amazing opportunity to test and try things and then teach others what we’ve learned.

For Simone Phillips, working at Mt Mulligan Lodge is a lot like putting together a great big puzzle.

As the lodge’s Tours and Experiences Manager, when she’s not taking guests out for guided tours around the outback property and its surrounds, she’s doing her bit to help piece together the intricate story the land has to tell. And it’s still a work in progress.

“My life’s work has brought me to a place that encapsulates all the things I am deeply passionate about. But the story and how it is told is a balancing act based on respect,” she said.

“Mount Mulligan, or Ngarrabullgan, is of extremely rich and diverse cultural value. Visitors travelling to these areas are fascinated by all its complexities and intrigue.

“So, there’s a lot of value in representing this history in a true and respectful manner. It’s a wonderful educational tool which can bring about a greater understanding, appreciation and deeper meaning to our guests’ experience at the lodge.”

Part of Simone’s work thus far has been beginning to form strong relationships with the local indigenous community. The Djungan people are known as the Traditional Owners of Ngarrabullgan but there are many other groups who are notable in the area.

“I’m in the process of opening up conversations with the Traditional Owners, but this will be ongoing and takes time to form their trust and state my intentions,” she said.

“There is a big story to be told of the multi-layering of history that has taken place over a short period when we talk about European settlement, and the ancient history of the First Nations people.

“Collaborating and working alongside the Traditional Owners, pastoralists and conservationists will only enhance the guest and staff experience and do the place justice. Helping to piece it all together is my honour, privilege and passion.”

Alex King’s career has seen him work alongside some of the world’s top chefs in renowned restaurants all over Europe, including running a private chalet in the French Alps.

Choosing just one career highlight is not a simple task. But for Alex, the opportunity to learn from the best of the best was crucial in helping him grow into the talented chef he has become.

“My biggest career accomplishment is too hard to pick,” he said.

“It’d have to be when I worked as a stagiaire at L’Enclume which has just won its third Michelin star, and also working with Andrew Fairlie at his two Michelin star restaurant, Gleneagles.

“I took very valuable lessons from working at these places and I feel they moulded me to where I am today.”

For Alex, the pathway to become a chef had already been paved by his father. All he had to do was follow, whether his dad liked it or not.

“From a young age I was always interested in cooking. I think part of it was because my dad is a chef,” he said.

“When I was younger I would spend hours during the school holidays at Dad’s work. I was always surrounded by food.

“So when I got older I knew that’s what I wanted to do even though my dad wanted me to do a different trade. I think I’ve always been addicted to crazy. The kitchen is home for me.”

Alex has worked across a few of the different hotels in the Morris Hospitality portfolio and these days he is bringing his wealth of experience to Portsea Hotel, creating elevated modern Australian pub food that showcases the best fresh seasonal produce.

In the process he’s passing on everything he’s learned to his team of talented young chefs, developing the next generation of industry leaders.

More than $240,000 of support has been awarded to grassroots organisations working to support our environment and communities nation-wide.

Morris Family Foundation approved funding to five projects at its recent board meeting working in the key impact areas of environment and climate; regenerative food systems; and mental health and wellbeing.

One of the foundation’s major partners, Greenpeace Australia Pacific, received renewed funding to expand their highly successful REenergise campaign.

Over the past two years the campaign has seen 21 major Australian companies commit to 100 per cent renewable energy, which will result in reducing the country’s carbon emissions by 6.7 million tonnes per year.

The next phase of the campaign will focus on increasing the uptake of electric vehicles through corporate fleets and government policy.

Existing partners The Resilience Project and the Mornington Peninsula Foundation were approved for funding to continue their work delivering resilience, mental health and wellbeing programs at schools on the Mornington Peninsula.

The program works to build resilience and provide opportunities to discuss mental health among teachers, students, and parents. This is the third year of funding two schools that do not have the means to fund the program themselves.

Three brand new projects were funded via Sustainable Table for their work in building a regenerative food system.

The foundation contributed to funding to support two farmer networks, the Central Queensland Landscape Alliance and Regenerative Cane Farming Network.

Both networks provide support and knowledge-sharing amongst farmers to help lead the transformation of their region’s agricultural practices from conventional to regenerative.

Funding was also provided to Sustainable Table to support the growth and development of Kandanga Farm Store on the Sunshine Coast.

The farm store is regenerative farming-focused alternative to conventional rural supply stores that provides information and products that enable and support regenerative farming practices.