Director of Business Affairs Update – Operations & Staffing

Financial Services

During the first six months of the year, the Financial Services team successfully completed the 2024 audit, revised the 2025 budget, ensured compliance with Fringe Benefits Tax requirements, adhered to Australian Government Financial Questionnaire guidelines, and continued developing workflows for the new payroll system, Definitiv. In May, we welcomed Erin Dance as Accounts Payable Officer.

Argyle Motor Lodge

The Argyle Motor Lodge team was actively engaged throughout the peak tourism season (December to April). Occupancy rates peaked at 86% in February, with January and March achieving 82% and 80%, respectively. As the winter months approach, occupancy is expected to decline in line with seasonal tourist patterns. This quieter period provides an opportunity to undertake facility enhancements in preparation for the next busy season.

Human Resources

The Human Resources team is progressing with the automation of recruitment and onboarding processes within our HR system, ELMO. These enhancements are scheduled to go live at the end of July. Planning has also commenced for 2026 staffing requirements to ensure the School has the right people in place to meet future resourcing needs.

Risk & Compliance

Between January and June 2025, 127 risk plans for school excursions and events within Tasmania were approved. Popular destinations included Parliament House, the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, Kingston Beach, and Lenah Valley’s Linear Park. Notable events included the Shine Your Light Festival, which involved over 280 students; the Primary School Cross Country, with approximately 250 participants; and the Senior School Work Experience Program, which saw more than 150 students engaged in businesses across Tasmania.

In addition, eight interstate and international trips were assessed and approved, including Quaker Exchanges to the USA and UK, a language trip to Germany, the annual Year 6 Canberra trip, and a pending music camp in Texas.

Facilities & Services

The maintenance team continues to deliver improvements across the School, including the refurbishment of the outdoor space for the Starlight Playground at Friends' Early Learning. The redesigned area will provide our three-year-old children with a dedicated space for outdoor learning, complete with a built-in Gathering area.

Friends Health & Fitness

We are pleased to welcome Amy Thole to Friends Health & Fitness in the role of Business Operations Supervisor.

Amy brings a wealth of experience in business operations and management across various industries, alongside her qualifications as a Personal Trainer.

“With a strong passion for health and wellness, and a background in Personal Training, I’m excited to bring both my energy and expertise to this role. My experience in office management, project development, and implementation has equipped me with the organisational and collaborative skills necessary to contribute effectively to a dynamic team.”

 

“I’m particularly looking forward to working with a team that has a strong foundation and a clear vision—one that is committed to designing programs and spaces that nurture wellbeing across the entire Friends’ community.”

Please join us in welcoming Amy to Friends Health & Fitness as she begins supporting the Centre’s continued growth.

Friends Swimming

Based on his incredible results at the Australian Open Championships in Brisbane, Friends Swimming’s very own Riley Su has achieved selection in the Australian Para Futures Squad. As a member of this squad, Riley has recently attended a training camp at the Australian Institute of Sport. As a community we are very proud of what Riley has been able to achieve and look forward to seeing what the future holds for him!

We would also like to congratulate Declan Kohl who was one of five coaches from around Australia selected to coach at this camp. This was a well-earned achievement for Declan and we are excited for Declan to share his knowledge with our Friends Swimming team. 

Shaun Sargent - Director of Business Affairs