Having admitted staffing difficulties during last weekend’s AFL semi-final between Geelong and the GWS Giants, VenuesLive, the operator of Perth’s Optus Stadium has commenced an intensive recruitment drive for casual staff during the 2021 AFL Finals Series, including the 2021 AFL Grand Final on Saturday 25th September.
Described as an opportunity for staff “to be part of history”, VenuesLive has used recruitment websites and social media in its search for staff.
Optus Stadium is expecting a bigger crowd than the 44,091 that were on hand last Friday for tonight’s AFL preliminary final between Melbourne and Geelong with tickets reportedly sold out.
Optus Stadium Chief Executive, Mike McKenna has told media that fans will receive an improved service compared to last week when fans took to social media to express their dissatisfaction with lengthy food and beverage queues.
McKenna explained “we’ve been short on staff before (and) we’ll probably be short on our ideal roster (this weekend), but it won’t affect the customer service that we deliver.
“The grand final is another level above that to, you know, probably talking about 2,500 jobs by the time we get to the grand final … and that’s a challenge.
A third of Optus Stadium’s workforce for tonight’s game has been lured from other Perth venues, including staff from RAC Arena, and even local governments to make sure the required 2000 workers are on hand for the game.
Free parking and meal incentives are on offer to those willing to take up shifts for both tonight’s game and the Grand Final.
As an additional sweetener, workers at the matches will also be entered into a draw which will see one staff member flown to Melbourne and given tickets to next year’s AFL Grand Final.
The Stadium is looking for staff with recent experience in the following areas:
- Bar Staff (RSA Required)
- Functions Services Staff (RSA Required)
- Chefs and Cooks
Update: Saturday 11th September 2021.
A crowd of 58,599 packed Optus Stadium last night to see Melbourne defeat Geelong in the AFL Preliminary Finals last night evening. Australasian Leisure Management is unaware of repeat reports of excessive F&B queues.
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About the author
Nigel Benton
Co-founder/Publisher, Australasian Leisure Management
Born in the English county of Dorset, Nigel Benton is the co-founder and Publisher of Australasian Leisure Management, Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific’s only magazine for professionals in all areas of the leisure industry and the www.ausleisure.com.au website - the go to news resource for industry leaders and professionals.
With a long-term commitment to communicating all that is best about the leisure industry (aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues) his career has been defined by an ability to develop and implement industry communications.
Starting his career working in heritage visitor attractions and then adventure travel in Africa and the Middle East, an interest in writing about his experiences led to his change of career into magazine journalism and publishing.
In addition to publishing, Nigel speaks on marketing communications at a range of industry events.
He was made a Life Member of the World Leisure and Recreation Association in 2006 and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (London).
In 2020, he launched the new Asian Leisure Business website.
As of October 2024, he was inducted into the Australian Fitness Awards Roll of Honour at the 2024 AUSactive National Awards.
Among a range of published works and features, his comments on a Blog (blogspot) from 2007 to 2011, when this website went live in its current form, may be interesting to reflect back on.
His philosophy on life is to be kind to all and to indulge those that you love.
His passions include family, Newcastle United and motorcycles (especially British ones) as well, until February 2025 when she left us, caring a little pug named Stella.
Click here to connect with him via LinkedIn.
Read more from this author
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