Meet Stu, our property manager that does it all!
What first drew you to working at Billabong?
After working many years in very fast paced trades across the Sydney region, the opportunity to work on a 12 acre tranquil bush setting in an all weather outdoor environment was ideal.
What is one memorable moment from Billabong that always makes you smile?
While getting to use my combined skills across a broad range of projects. No one day is the same, I enjoy a challenge.
What is your favourite part of the property, the spot that always makes you pause?
Whether it’s mowing the lawns near the yoga deck, or tidying the driveway between the 2 Billabongs, I always take a moment to breathe and take in the beautifulness and “chill” that are these fabulous water areas. From the noises, animals and quiet, no better spot.
How does it feel for you to see guests unwind and reconnect whilst you are keeping everything running behind the scenes?
There is nothing better than on a cold or rainy morning welcoming, smiling guests for a quick chat and coffee stop around a big blazing fire at the lounge, before they disappear off for a spot of 7 am yoga.
What’s the trickiest challenge you have faced managing the property?
I get a kick out of guests enjoying themselves without me being in the way, while keeping systems running smoothly, I use my “ninja” like skills, to be quiet and out of sight as much as possible, or impact on any of the classes. Of course im always up for chat, or advise if required.
Is there a recent project or improvement you are particularly proud of?
Most of the tasks performed at the Retreat being preventative or reactive involve noise. Having to work around the guests, wellness treatments, yoga programmes etc always involves multitasking across half a dozen projects at any one time.
Get something started, need to leave that for now, as noise constraints inhibit, while moving onto something else. Prioritising tasks around guests is tricky sometimes. But a great challenge, to get the job complete in a timely manner.
If you could add one dream feature at the retreat, what would it be?
Installing the wooden sliding doors, in the Waterside Pavillion to make it enclosed. This was a really cool project, that also involved laying the floor, knocking a wall out and installing a kitchenette, lighting, fans and A/C. This project really created a great chillout space and area for workshops etc out of the elements overlooking the magic of the Billabong.
What do you do to relax after a big day at the retreat?
After hours, I play touch football and do quite a lot of fishing. Weekends are trail biking or camping, and cruising in my early model Falcon muscle car.
If you could add one dream feature at the retreat, what would it be?
Dream feature, jetskis, LOLZ. Maybe some kayak or canoe type activities.
