3 minute read
Message from the General Manager
Thank you to you and your team at DEC. You were exceptionally accommodating, and nothing was a hassle. That is rare. [The team] set a very high standard that I think most other theatres in Australia fall a little short of. [They] really understood what was required and what to use and how to get it, with little to no input from me.
CLIENT TESTIMONIAL
PILLAR 2 —
We are resilient and determined to provide great experiences at every interaction at DEC by providing welcoming and safe spaces, building skills and confidence, stretching our capacity across all areas of the business, and building shared visions with our government and other partners.
OUTCOMES —
This year tested and proved the resilience of DEC. We implemented regulations and guidelines for Covid-19 provided by the Northern Territory Government and Live Performance Australia. We responded to vaccine passports and changing rules. We achieved compliant operations and communicated remarkably well with staff and patrons.
Even though a drop in sales and attendance was anticipated, actual attendance at events was higher than expected. Customers were grateful and glad to be back in the theatre and mostly willingly compliant. Customer feedback was positive.
During 2021-22, we focused on workforce wellbeing and holistic support to manage the challenges of lockdowns, illness, isolation, and general staff shortages. The casual pool and core pool of staff were flexible and adaptable and willing to assist in any area required. There were significant challenges with workforce availability, especially within the casual workforce, the product of national shortages of backpackers and general staff shortages.
The workforce was supported by leadership in multiple ways. Mental Health First Aid training was shared by a key leader to build team capacity and support. Meetings were held with staff for professional development checkins. Staff were regularly reminded of employee assistance options. Staff gathered for social catch ups, barbeques in the loading dock and a Christmas bake off.
The leadership team took advantage of periods of lower program delivery to guide internal development work. For example, the technical team developed written resources and tools to guide less experienced hirers (such as community groups and schools) to achieve the best results for their performance in the most efficient manner.
The team focused on maintaining good humour, promoting wellbeing and celebrating every achievement on the journey. DEC staff were able to share learnings and experience with industry peers who reached out for support in understanding Covid related requirements. Industry capacity building support was provided in enabling Charles Darwin University Live Production and Technical Services students to get hands on practical experience with flyline systems in the venue.
During the year, the production team received new equipment enhancing production quality and receiving great feedback. Front of house teams continued to provide smooth and safe events and business services. Times of reduced delivery enabled a focus on efficiency. Work on standard operating procedures, VenueOps, staff cross training and communication protocols will help DEC reach its potential.
A VenueOps review project was undertaken and resulted in quality and efficiency improvements to bookings and enquiries, central information management and data entry. Behind the scenes, excellent efficiency improvements will power DEC as an exceptional venue for MICE events. More streamlined event set ups drove smoother operations and greater revenue retention.
The Talent Learning Management System implementation was well received. Core technical and operational employees provided excellent input, adding procedures and building content in the system. The high level of engagement with the system has resulted in increased compliance in managing safety and customer service risks.
There were 24 minor safety incidents - none of significance. Incident tracking and reporting processes saw improvements, primarily in identifying trends promptly, enabling early intervention.
We continued to be resilient and to apply flexible and practical responses to Government mandates, regulations, and guidelines for Covid-19. Staff worked from home during lockdowns. The withdrawal of the majority of Covid restrictions and strict mandates in June 2022, allowed DEC to reframe Covid-19 as an ongoing reality. This reality will be managed within business-as-usual operations allowing DEC to operate as a professional, influential, and resilient Centre.
GRAVITY & OTHER MYTHS — THE PULSE
One of Darwin Festival’s biggest commissions had 30 acrobats and 22 choristers on The Playhouse stage. The outstanding performance embodied seemingly impossible human movement and voice in a unique and stunning performance that captivated and temporarily transported audiences into itself. Rebooking five near sold out shows, to only four, due to Darwin lockdowns, caused almost equal human triumphs to provide seats to all who had previously purchased tickets.
