Metro Hotel Ipswich International: Metro Manager Settles into Role - Metro Hotel Ipswich International

NEW Metro Hotel Ipswich International general manager Ted Matthews has high hopes for Ipswich's marquee hotel.

Mr Matthews took the reins at the Metro Hotel last week after 25 years in the hotel industry, which has taken him from Adelaide Travelodge to the Ridges in Cairns and Touraust Hotels in Sydney - and he is still passionate about the industry.

As travelling becomes more affordable, Mr Matthews said hotel guests were becoming more aware of what to expect from a quality hotel.

He said in his experience the expectations held by guests had not changed greatly.

"I don't think it has changed. People still like a quality experience, as if they belong here, things they don't get at home and they want to be comfortable in where they are staying."

He hopes the Metro Hotel continues to meet the demands set by its guests.

"I enjoy the challenges working with people brings, and I'm always looking to learn and teach those who work with me," he said.

"No two days are the same and planning can be very difficult, as you never know what will happen."

Metro Hotel Ipswich International: Metro Manager Settles into Role - Metro Hotel Ipswich International

Syncopation - on sale now! What's On Ipswich

A Critical Stages and The Follies Company production

By Allan Knee

SYNCOPATION is a smash-hit fusion of comedy, drama, romance and ballroom dancing set in the exciting, electric rush of New York City in 1912.

Henry Ribolow is a Jewish meatpacker crazy with a dream of becoming a ballroom dancer, and desperate for a dance partner. Anna Bianchi, an Italian Catholic seamstress, is unsatisfied with her life until she spots a curious ad in the paper: “Give your life a lift. Wanted: A Dance Partner to dance for royalty.”

From the moment Anna summons up the courage to answer the ad, sparks fly. As Anna and Henry take their first steps together they embark on a journey that will transform their lives.

They dance, urged on by the jazzy rhythms and haunting melodies of Gershwin, Joplin and Berlin. The beautiful story of Henry and Anna takes flight, soaring in amazing ballroom routines choreographed by Dancing with the Stars choreographer/dancer Mark Hodge and under the direction of Broadway’s Tony Award-nominated Stephen Lloyd Helper.

“A COMPELLING STORY THAT PROMENADES, FOXTROTS AND TANGOS TO LIFE” - The Age

“This is a play with dance. What a play and what a dance! I shall go again - you should go at least once!”- 3MBS FM

“An enjoyable piece - I haven’t seen a better judged performance this year.” - Herald Sun

“Original, invigorating and wonderous, SYNCOPATION will sweep you into its magic and leave you dancing on air!” - theatrepeople.com

CAST INCLUDES: Emma Palmer
DIRECTOR Stephen Lloyd Helper (Fiddler on the Roof, Smokey Joe’s Café)
CHOREOGRAPHER Mark Hodge (Dancing with the Stars, Moulin Rouge)
DESIGNER Adrienne Chisolm
SOUND DESIGNER Darrin Verhagen

Syncopation - on sale now! What's On Ipswich

Metro Hotel Ipswich International: Metro Hotel Ipswich International featured on Eat, Play and Stay

Metro Hotel Ipswich International as featured recently on Eat, Play and Stay



Metro Hotel Ipswich International featured on Eat, Play and Stay

Inner Strength Major Weapon - Sports Awards Function at Metro Hotel Ipswich International

THE standing ovation Kurt Fearnley received at the annual Ipswich Sports Awards proved how meaningful his message was.

While the international achiever feels uncomfortable being called "inspirational", everyone in the Metro Hotel Ipswich International function room was captivated.

Australia's fearless wheelchair marathon racer motivated some of Ipswich's most promising teenagers as he spoke about using self belief as a powerful weapon.

His story about crawling the Kokoda Trail - through the jungle mud and roots in 2009 - left his audience with goosebumps.

Born without the lower portion of his spine, Fearnley completed the 96km trek in 11 days.

How he defied a different set of challenges to finish second in the recent New York Marathon also highlighted his single-minded focus.

When race leader Fearnley's steering cable snapped 20km into the marathon, he had three choices.

The Paralympics gold medallist could quit, simply try to finish the 42km race, or battle on knowing he was likely to crash.

The sports awards guest speaker made his decision as quickly as he propels his wheelchair.

"A wheelchair is made to go fast but it's made to go forward," Fearnley said, having won the New York race four times.

"Everything in that wheelchair is made to go straight. The only thing that will get you around the corner is the steering.

"When that steering fell apart on me, I didn't really know what to do."

However, Fearnley revealed how a voice in his head willed him on.

"How am I going to do it? How do I win this race now," said Fearnley, 30.

"There was something inside me just screaming at myself to keep going the whole way."

Fearnley's motto when the going gets tough is to find courage within.

He's proven that by winning 33 marathons.

"In every marathon I've been in, everything is stripped away," he said.

"Physically you strip every layer away and then you realise who you are.

"That voice is telling you where I'll stop. You will be challenged and you will make it to the finish."

After completing the race in second spot, Fearnley threw up for two hours and dry retched in his hotel for 45 minutes.

But the determination to push himself to the brink is what makes the five-time world champion a remarkable athlete.

After sharing how he discovered his inner strength on the Kokoda Trail, Fearnley returned to sport where next year's London Paralympics are his next major goal.

"I know exactly what I want," the 2004 Athens 5000m and marathon gold medallist said.

"I know exactly where I'll be to the square metre. I'll be lining up on September 9 outside Buckingham Palace.

"I know that I want to come home with a gold medal - to be world champion and Paralympics champion after 12 consecutive years.

"And I know exactly what I need to do to get there. That is work harder than everyone else."

Inner Strength Major Weapon - Sports Awards Function at Metro Hotel Ipswich International

What's On Ipswich: Gerry & The Pacemakers - On Sale Now!

'BACK TO THE CAVERN’ TOUR 2012

With Special Guests The Beatle Boys

What more can be said about Gerry Marsden and The Pacemakers?

Storming out of the iconic Liverpool night club The Cavern, along with his mates The Beatles in 1963, under the management of Brian Epstein the band achieved four No. 1 records in a row, something even The Beatles did not achieve. Gerry and The Pacemakers were a major part of what history now calls ‘The 60’s British Invasion’ with songs like How do you do it, I like it, Ferry cross the Mersey and You’ll never walk alone. These simple melodies were the soundtracks to a generation and are the reason why Gerry continues to be a popular drawcard on stages worldwide today.

Gerry for the first time in Australia in association with The Harbour Agency will be bringing his ‘BACK TO THE CAVERN’ show which features the support of a Beatles tribute show performing hits from the early days of 1962-1966, followed by Gerry & The Pacemakers performing hits and songs from the era intermingled with personal stories and anecdotes from the early days in Liverpool. This is a concert event that seldom occurs where the worlds of the ‘Real Thing’ and ‘Tribute’ join to make a fun unique night for the fans.

The tour begins in Sydney on March 16, 2012 and will take in 13 venues in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and Tasmania.

Gerry & The Pacemakers - On Sale Now!

What's On Ipswich: Full Steam Ahead for Rail Campaign

IT'S full steam ahead for the city's tourism industry.

Tourism Minister Jan Jarratt visited Ipswich and Rosewood yesterday to help launch a new rail heritage campaign.

Ms Jarratt unveiled The Amazing Time Machines brochure at The Workshops Rail Museum.

The brochure is the result of collaboration between council and four local rail attractions - the Workshops museum, Grandchester Model Steam Railway, Rosewood Rail Museum, and the Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway.

Tourism Committee chairman David Pahlke said the brochure would encourage more visitors to the Ipswich region through promotion and special offers.

Ms Jarratt praised the city's tourist attractions, even comparing Ipswich to her Whitsundays hometown.

"The Whitsundays is a popular tourist destination, but there're some equally remarkable places here," Ms Jarratt said.

"You can go to theme parks like Disneyland or Dreamworld but you can't really see who the people are and what the town is about, whereas here you can see that Ipswich has a very special place in Queensland's history.

"Ipswich is the heart and soul of the rail industry."

Mayor Paul Pisasale said tourism played a vital role in Ipswich's economy, and said the brochure would help boost the industry.

"There's Dreamworld and Sea World, well, now we have Steam World," Cr Pisasale quipped.

Cr Pahlke said Ipswich was the birthplace of rail in Queensland, with the first train in the state travelling between Ipswich and Grandchester in 1861.

Full Steam Ahead for Rail Campaign

Crowds Enjoy Cup Day at Metro Hotel Ipswich International

IPSWICH was party central on Melbourne Cup day yesterday, with the city's major venues turning on a day to remember for race fans.

The reaction of North Booval's Tracey Mullin in Brothers Leagues Club was a giveaway that she had won big on Dunaden in the Melbourne Cup. How much she won was a morsel of information Ms Mullin wasn't prepared to share.

Enjoying the Melbourne Cup lunch at the Metro Hotel Ipswich International are (from left) Katrina Johnson, of Deebing Heights, Alex Mackey, of Burbank, and Emily Wonka.

"I won last year fairly big and someone stole the money from me, so I'm going to keep how much I won to myself," she grinned.

"It is the only time of the year that I bet. The dresses are fantastic and the atmosphere is fantastic. Everyone is here for a good time.

"I've had a ball ... great company and great food."

Ms Mullin said she sensed there was less money being bet by patrons this year.

"I think people are betting less this year. They are a bit more conservative this year and maybe a bit unsure," she said.

Friends Virginia Fenwick and Duane Cleary were both also celebrating cup wins on Dunaden at Brothers Leagues Club when the QT visited.

Mr Cleary was celebrating a 100% record for the day.

"I only bought one ticket ... and I won," he said.

"Now we'll go and see how much I've won. It is all about having a bit of fun."

Ms Fenwick said she didn't have time to study the form but liked the look of number three (Dunaden).

With a few tickets in her hand it looked as though she was set for a few more handy wins on a day she had marked down on the calendar.

"Melbourne Cup, everyone stops for it. I'm having a great day," she said.

Dunaden's jockey, Christophe Lemaire, had arrived in Australia 24 hours before the race after Craig Williams lost an appeal to keep the ride.

He shed tears when judges told him the verdict.

"It's incredible - it's a great moment for me," Lemaire said.

"I was a bit anxious. I knew it was very close.

"I feel very sorry for Craig. He's a good friend of mine."

Dunaden edged out England's Red Cadeaux by the smallest margin in the $6.2 million race.

It was the closest finish in the 151-year history of the race, with German horse Lucas Cranach completing an international trifecta. Americain, the 2010 winner, started favourite and finished fourth.

Source: QT