Jolowicz extols PHAN members to tap their wealth of knowledge

The Professional Housekeepers Association of NSW's (PHAN) members offer a prodigious intellectual property 'database' and it should be tapped more to the benefit of all executive housekeepers.
The 2015 PHAN committee
The 2015 PHAN committee
PHAN members Irina Zavarzina (left) and Keshni Raj (right) with Accommodation Linen's Lynne Davis
PHAN members Irina Zavarzina (left) and Keshni Raj (right) with Accommodation Linen’s Lynne Davis

The Professional Housekeepers Association of NSW’s (PHAN) members offer a prodigious intellectual property ‘database’ and it should be tapped more to the benefit of all executive housekeepers. That was a key message imparted by PHAN’s president Maureen Jolowicz at the Association’s 2015 annual general meeting.

PHAN held its very well attended annual general meeting on Tuesday 14 July at the Sydney Campus of Blue Mountains Hotel School. Guest speakers delivering information on SoapAid were Matthew Dyson and Steve Hooper. A dinner, sponsored by Lawrence Dry Cleaners and IHS, was held afterwards.

“At last year’s AGM I spoke about being kind to ourselves,” said Jolowicz. “So, this year I want to build on that theme and talk more about how we can help each other.

“Our industry is now undergoing constant change on many fronts and by collaborating more we could make our professional lives easier.”

Roland Funk from Swisstrade with PHAN members Renugah Jagadisan (left) and Elizabeth Sonza
Roland Funk from Swisstrade with PHAN members Renugah Jagadisan (left) and Elizabeth Sonza

Jolowicz referred to a number of areas that present executive housekeepers with constant challenges. They include major refurbishments; other ‘projects’; new equipment; tendering; and IT such as econnect implementation.

“We have a wealth of knowledge within PHAN and we need to share it with each other,” she emphasised.

She thanked the Blue Mountains Hotel School for its AGM hosting hospitality; the very valued suppliers that much such an important contribution to the Association; and her committee members for their sterling efforts.

Secretary Zarife Melick presented a review of the 2014 AGM minutes while treasurer Nela Neves outlined to members PHAN’s healthy financial situation.

PHAN has close to 60 members and, as reflected at the 2015 AGM, they are a most enthusiastic and support group.

The newly-elected 2015 committee comprises president Maureen Jolowicz, vice president Grace Esogon, secretary Zarife Melick, treasurer Nela Neves and committee Keke Stewart, Kevin Ball, Yulli Kennedy, Michael Gilzean, Gudrun Ackermann, Kamila Smirski, Nenita Poquiz and Renugah Jagadisan. Lalini De Silva is now PHAN’s public officer, replacing Mavis Hedrik

SoapAid’s vital role

Guest speakers representing SoapAid Matthew Dyson (left) and Steve Hooper with PHAN president Maureen Jolowicz
Guest speakers representing SoapAid, Matthew Dyson (left) and Steve Hooper, with PHAN president Maureen Jolowicz

The AGM also included a very interesting presentation on SoapAid by Matthew Dyson and Steve Hooper. They explained that to-date some 130 hotels (comprising 128,000 rooms) between Sydney and Melbourne are involved in this vital effort.
www.soapaid.org

‘Saving Lives’, particularly the young, in third world countries is SoapAid’s raison d’etre. “People are dying simply because they cannot wash their hands,” Dyson said.

He added, “We need more soap, we can’t get enough soap.”

In essence, with the assistance of Rotary Club, used soaps are collected from hotels and then go through a system of re-processing (in a Melbourne facility), packaging, and then distribution to the needy.

www.phan.org.au

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