News Archive

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March 2009 Newsletter

What.....March already?

It only seems like yesterday that we were having a Berocca and a hearty New Years Day recovery breakfast. Now we've got our Easter Packages out and I'm wondering where the year has gone.

Winter Conferencing is almost upon us. We have some great promotional rates for the cooler months. Get your conference quote in now to be eligible to shop or enjoy a romantic weekend on us. All the details are below.

Our famous Chef Stu, is getting his hearty Autumn and Winter recipes ready. This month he's come up with an all-round favourite dessert with a twist.

Hope to see you soon.

Paul Cutler
Sales Manager

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Contents (scroll down to view):

• Inspiration of the Month
• A Taste of the Mirage - Stu, our Celebrity Chef, is at it again, this time with his pick for autumn.
• Trivia Time - We're on a roll with the theme.
• Best Value Winter Offers for 2009! PLUS win a Romantic Weekend for two.
• Upcoming events - Bridal Open Day & Sunday Chill on Sydney's Northern Beaches + Easter Beach Bunny Packages
• Team Building Tips

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Inspiration of the Month

'A good deed is never lost: he who sows courtesy reaps friendship; and he who plants kindness gathers love.'

- Basil

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A TASTE OF THE MIRAGE - Stu's Autumn Apple & Rhubarb Crumble
(Serves 4 - 6)

Ingredients

• 1 bunch rhubarb cut into 2cm chunks
• 4 plums
• 2 apples
• ¼ cup sugar
• 2 tbsp water
• ½ cup sultanas
• ½ cup flaked almonds

Crumble topping

• 150g diced butter
• 250g (1 cup) plain flour
• 135g brown sugar (3/4 cup)
• ¼ tsp each of ground nutmeg and cinnamon

Rub together until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs Method
Cut rhubarb into 2cm chunks
Quarter and stone plums
Peel, quarter and core apples and cut into thick wedges
Pre-heat the oven to 180ºC.
Heat a heavy-based saucepan over medium heat and add the fruit, sugar and water.
Reduce the heat to low, cover and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring often, until the fruit becomes a chunky puree.
Stir in sultanas and almond flakes.
Spoon mixture into a baking dish and top with crumble mixture.
Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve with cream or custard

Stu's hint

Get Creative - replace the cream with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream and accompany with an icy shot (or two)of Pear Schnapps

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TRIVIA TIME - If you're on to a good thing......

1. On which NSW beach is 'Home and Away' shot?
a) Circular Quay
b) Palm Beach
c) Cronulla
d) Bondi

2. Where in Australia is The Big Guitar?
a) Newport
b) Perth
c) Coffs Harbour
d) Tamworth

3. What is the name of the original Yellow Wiggle?
a) Mick
b) Alfonso
c) Greg
d) Fiona

Click the email address below, type 'trivia time' in the subject line, send and you will receive the answers shortly! Every response will go into the draw for a $50 Newport Arms gift voucher paul.cutler@newportmirage.com.au

Congratulations to Liza from Raymarine who came up with all correct answers last month.

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Winter Conference Promotion - Rug up with The Mirage!

We have a great Winter Conferencing offer at the Newport Mirage. Book and deposit your conference* on our great value winter rates and we'll send you a $100 Wish Card. Every booking also goes into the draw to win one of our romantic Weekend Indulgence packages.

Each Weekend Indulgence package includes two nights' accommodation in a King Room, Breakfast and a Dinner at the famous Terrace on Pittwater Restaurant - 2008 'Restaurant of the Year Winner' - Restaurant & Catering Awards.

http://www.newportmirage.com.au/conference-special-offer.html

*based on minimum conference spend of $2500. Booking conditions apply

02 9997 7011 or email paul.cutler@newportmirage.com.au

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Bridal Open Day

Come and experience, first hand, our award winning wedding venue. The Newport Mirage is having a Bridal Showcase on Sunday the 5th of April. The Reception Venue will feature a wide variety of decor ideas, including the waterfront ceremony terrace. Lindy Dean, our Weddings Consultant will be on hand to help you design your dream wedding.

http://newportmirage.com.au/bridal-open-day.html

Want to be an Easter Beach Bunny?

We have a great Easter Indulgence package at the Mirage. Treat yourself to an Easter Break on the beaches. From just $159 per night, on a 3 night package, you and your partner can enjoy one of our King Rooms, Full Breakfast each day, a 1/2 hour massage each, free parking and a discount voucher to the famous Terrace on Pittwater Restaurant.

http://www.newportmirage.com.au/promos/easter-escape-offers.html

Sunday Chill at the Arms

Sunday afternoons at the Newport Arms is legendary. Come and enjoy a beautiful autumn afternoon listening to live music overlooking spectacular Pittwater every Sunday from 3pm to sunset.

http://www.newportarms.com.au/promos/Sunday-Chill.html

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Team Building Tips - with Simon Rintel from Two Inspire

Team Building activity days are designed to promote effective teamwork through the completion of tasks and activities requiring effective communication and cooperation. Whether you are integrating new staff members as the result of a merger, trying to break down inter-departmental barriers, or simply wanting to wrap up a conference or off site with good old fashioned fun, team building exercises are a successfully proven method to achieve these aims in a relaxed and fun-filled environment.

There are many team building and team bonding activities available, with a number of factors to be taken into accost when planning.

Participants - Always consider the age, physical and medical conditions of the people attending the event. Activity instructors should always give a thorough health and safety briefing before each activity, participation is encouraged for all and special considerations need to be factored in to include any people that not may be less mobile then others so as not to exclude anyone from a particular activity and to maintain the desired 'team' theme ethic.

Activities - The right activities are essential for a successful team building event - variety is the key along with stimulating & challenging fun. Tailoring the right activities for the group is the main focus of planning a great event. A race environment maybe suitable for a certain group, where as a more laid back bush walk to a secluded beach would hit the mark with another. Around this all else is worked out.

Location - A good venue is important to any event. If you have delegates coming from many and varied locations, it is important that the event is held somewhere as mutually convenient as possible, with good transport links and accommodation if necessary.

Outcomes - Are you trying to 'build' your team, i.e. make them work together better? Or is this just a fun day out of the office. Plan your activities with your desired outcome in mind. This will be one of the first Questions most conference planners and Team Building companies will ask.

De-brief - A full de-brief is desirable so that the event is tangible and good work can be recognized and acknowledged in front of the group, a fun way to tie in the event with desired outcomes and to make everyone accountable for their efforts - good or bad!

Extras - Little things count - for example, Photos are a great way to remember your event when you are back in the daily grind in the office.

Prizes - to reward the winning team for a great effort - and something to remember the day by.

Simon Rintel is the founder and manager of Two Inspire, a team building and adventure activity company that combines thinking and outcomes with challenging events. www.twoinspire.com