Management & Consulting
Our Tourism Experience
Firstly something out of left field. We are all ex-military and based on a lifetime career in the services and we have a practical “can do” approach to all challenges. This is born out of a lifetime career of having to undertake new appointments on a regular basis.
But that background experience is not all, we have extensive experience in the accommodation industry after many years of hands on resort management. Clearly this experience must be demonstrated to you before considering our services and we are able to provide extensive CVs on request.
Our Consulting Services
Flyfish Downunder is a specialist flyfishing operation providing consultancy services. To achieve our clients aims we work in liaison with other agencies for which we have developed cooperative arrangements. The operation incorporates the following services: Regional and local angling potential assessment Resort and angling operation assessment (including detailed resort operational advice) Advice on equipment procurement
- Regional and local angling potential assessment
- Resort and angling operation assessment (including detailed resort operational advice)
- Advice on equipment procurement
- Staff selection and training
- Promotions
- Event Management
These services are provided by individual specialized staff selected to provide advice, training and other support on a programmed basis. Flyfish Downunder operates on the basis of having the most suitably qualified staff available dependant on the specific task (or phase of operational development).
The Service
Our services ensure that the flyfishing operation is established in the most efficient and professional manner possible. This summary outlines our services and should serve as a tool for further refinement of the task to establish an agreed Terms of Reference.
New Projects
Understanding the complex nature of establishing new projects, our services might include:
- Assessment of project staffing resulting in the drafting of an initial establishment document (for new operations)
- Development of Duty Statements
- Drafting of a standard set of procedures (e.g. Resort Manual)
- Identification of suitable staff including conduct of selection procedures (which should involve the principal for key appointments)
- Administrative procedures facilitating the timely staffing of projects
- Initial training and coordination of specialist training
- Project supervision until staffing and operational procedures are established
- Periodic review and reporting
- Other tasks as agreed
Existing Operations/Resorts
We apply the same principles to existing operations. Often these are not achieving required outcomes and need to be taken back to basics. This is quite often a complex task but may include:
- Review of existing structure and method of operation
- Establishment of revised procedures, marketing plans and other key elements including the documentation of these procedures to ensure future continuity
- The provision of overview support to ensure improvement. This may also extend to selection and provision of staff if required
- Review activities at appropriate times to ensure delivery of expected outcomes
Consultancy Staffing
Consultancy tasking is by mutual agreement guided by individual strengths. The “mix’ of people required to provide the foundation of a successful project is seen to be a dynamic factor and will be managed closely. A brief personnel summary is as follows:
Lou Hatton – Director
expertise in organizational management, tourism operations (including 11 years resort management) and promotions. Lou is an experienced angler with a strong background in recreational angling and fishing journalism.
Wayne Birrell – Administrative Manager
An ex-Army Warrant officer Class One with the Australian Army, Wayne was awarded an OAM for proficiency and dedication to his duties. Wayne is our “organizer”, he has an ability to ensure that the finest detail is attended to and can be relied upon to achieve outstanding results. Wayne also has a strong background in tourism resort management with particular strengths in resort maintenance issues. Wayne is also an accomplished angler.
Our Management Services
As an extension of our consulting service we offer Resorts and Lodge owners a temporary or permanent management service. This service can suit a start-up operation; take over or as a relief management service. This is quite a unique service as there are few accommodation managers who fully understand the angling industry and vice versa. We are able to provide a fully integrated service that will maintain existing levels of quality service while recommending enhancements as part of our debrief report.
With a more permanent management agreement we are able to establish the foundations of new angling business balanced against other key activities that may suit the location.
What qualifies us to manage your property?
This question is entirely justified as it takes more than an angling specialist to efficiently manage accommodation. So let us explain.
Previous and planned projects
Flyfish Downunder has been in operation for twelve years during which time numerous activities have been undertaken. Some
examples are as follows:
- Establishment of the “International Saltwater Flyfishing Expo”. This event successful launched Australia into the worldwide saltwater flyfishing arena. During the first event, a documentary series was produced by America’s Ray Boone “Sportfishing the World” and this is still being shown to 50 million viewers on the USA/Canada Pay TV Network.
- Assistance with the establishment of the Sunshine Coast Saltwater Flyfishers Association based at Kawana Waters.
- Hosted numerous flyfishing trips involving Provided consultancy advice to Tourism Queensland assisting to establish a viable niche market within the state. The most recent projects being:
- Poruma Island. Development of the Poruma Island Resort plus training of staff (guiding and guest relations). Also involved a plotting exercise for local sportfishing locations and procedures. This activity awaiting delivery of an in survey sportfishing boat.
- Palm Island. Participated in a Tourism Product Team to assess potential sportfishing enterprise for islanders. Currently awaiting approval of a two week activity aimed at establishing a low level sportfishing activity
Flyfish Downunder is an outward thinking organization focused on providing real solutions for a wide variety of challenges. As such we do not limit ourselves to specific scenarios preferring to fully understand the issues before elaborating on outcomes we would expect to achieve.
Contact
Lou Hatton
Director Flyfish Downunder
Mobile: + 61 419667163
Email: lou@flyfishdownunder.com