Friday, August 23, 2013
Mt Buller & Mt Stirling’s Newspaper PH: (03) 5775 2115
E: sales.mcourier@nenews.com.au
FREE
INSIDE SNOW IS FALLING: Just in time for the week of the Subaru Victorian Interschools competitions, more than 30cm of fresh snow has fallen across Mt Buller and Mt Stirling resorts bringing the depth to man made areas of more than 80cm and natural snow to 57cm. Among those enjoying the fresh powder was Hugo Cole who was all smiles as he prepared to set off on his Alpine GS on Monday morning, competing in division five of the Boys events. More photos page 14 and full report next issue. PHOTO: Andrew Railton
Snow sports future - P3
A woolly tale - P5
Celebrating 60 years - P9
SOCIAL - P10 -11
INDEX Skier profile ...........P6 Events calendar .....P8 Real estate.......... P16
Better communication By PAM ZIERKMAHONEY
Online technology the way of the future
BULLER Ski Lifts (BSL) was represented at a recent public inquiry into the opportunities for people to use telecommuting and E-Business to Work Remotely in Rural and Regional Victoria. BSL’s general manager, Laurie Blampied, and head of IT, Jonathon Cotterill, made a presentation to the parliamentary inquiry on the needs and accessibility of telecommunications on Mt Buller. Mr Blampied and Mr Cotterill were just two of eight local
company representatives from across the Mansfield Shire to make presentations to MPs Paul Weller, Damian Drum and Geoff Howard. Each company representative outlined how they used electronic communications within their business, the importance of ecommerce and what the future held for them. They also offered views on where the future lay and what they could do better if stronger and more efficient communi-
Attentive Staff
Convenient Location
cations were available. “With more than 800 employees from across the world coming to work at BSL every winter it’s essential that we continue to embrace and improve the way we use e-communication and e-business. “There are challenges to overcome but with support, we can ensure that all businesses across Mt Buller and surrounding areas are able to operate competitively in the modern market.” Also outlined were the ben-
Competitive Rates
efits of working remotely, either from home or an office, with some saying they were ‘tree changers’ living remotely for a better life style. At present BSL uses e-commerce for online sales such as B-Tags, marketing, staff recruitment, video conferencing, including Skype interviews, training and inductions, and as a means of communicating to employees with their rostering and payment advice. Mr Blampied said the compa-
ny expected B-Tag sales online to rise to around 30 per cent within the next year or two. “The B-Tag is a good example of what we can do by embracing the benefits of technology,” he said. “It has revolutionised the entire way we transact with the guest and vastly improved the service we provide. “Skiers and boarders move faster through the lift gates; they can use it as a debit card around the mountain and simply reload it online whenever necessary.” Continued page 3
Long Opening Hours
Excellent Equipment
Long opening hours, competitive rates, fast professional fitting and quality hire equipment are the cornerstones of the service provided by the Grimus Ski Centre. Forgotten your hat, gloves, goggles, sunscreen or just need a souvenir? Take a browse in the boutique.
Need your own skis or snow board repaired or tuned? The Wintersteiger Microjet Disc and our service technicians are on hand to bring your skis back to perfection either over lunch or overnight.
Whether beginner or expert, skier or snowboarder, the Grimus Ski Centre has the right equipment for your needs. Experienced fitting staff offer excellent advice and friendly service to ensure you have the most suitable gear.
Located at the end of Breathtaker Road right next to the Holden 6-seat chairlift on Bourke Street. Take the free village shuttle from your lodge right to the door. Convenient carry bags are available to easily transport your hire gear back to your lodge.
224 Breathtaker Road
HIRE ON MOUNTAIN FOR HASSLE-FREE CONVENIENCE
Tel: 5777 6990 or 5777 6396
D/51d00857/mbn23-11
GRIMUS SKI CENTRE
www.pensiongrimus.com.au