Posts by Neena Bhandari

Future of construction is in pre-cast methods

By Neena Bhandari

Sydney, 06.08.2011 (The Business Times, Singapore): Tom Lane has combined his childhood fascination with building blocks and savvy business acumen to establish Quicksmart Homes that designs, manufactures and supplies prefabricated building modules for high-end readily available accommodation.

“It is the big boys Lego kit. The modules, designed in Sydney and manufactured in China, come complete with plumbing and electrical fittings, carpet and furnishings. They are quick to install, cost effective, and 30 to 50 per cent cheaper than a traditional building”, says Lane, who founded the company in 2007 with just an architect as partner.

Continue reading

For Forgotten Australians, it wasn’t Oranges and Sunshine!

By Neena Bhandari

Sydney, 19.07.2011 (IPS): Laurie Humphreys was on the first ship after the Second World War that brought 150 British boys and girls, aged five to14 years, to Australia in 1947. At 13, he was promised oranges and sunshine and an adventurous holiday, but the reality was the contrary.

Tens of thousands of children suffered systemic physical, emotional and sexual abuse and neglect, exploitative work practices and deprivation of food, clothing and proper education while in government institutions, church organisations, orphanages, homes or foster care.

Continue reading

How a $720-a-night hotel shot to glory

By Neena Bhandari

Sydney, 13.06.2011 (The Sydney Morning Herald): Reinventing the service culture to encourage staff to bond with guests helped a Hunter Valley lodge join the ranks of the world’s most prestigious group of hotels and restaurants, Relais & Chateaux.

Tower Lodge, in New South Wales, became part of the association in November 2009, and last year gained further kudos when it was crowned the Best Global Luxury Lodge at the 2010 World Luxury Hotel Awards.

Simple strategies such as playing different music and rearranging the furniture have paid off too.

Continue reading