Bankwest Stadium service staff get first look at their new workplace

Before 30,000 fans walk through the gates for the Parramatta Eels’ first match at their new home, 1000 casual staff entered Bankwest Stadium for the first time on Saturday for a staff familiarisation day.

• Premier Gladys Berejiklian endorses ‘world class’ Bankwest Stadium on visit
• Bankwest Stadium is holding a community open day on Sunday, April 14

While the opening of Bankwest Stadium on Easter Monday is sure to provide a memorable fan experience, it will also prove a massive task for the stadium’s service staff.

Before 30,000 fans walk through the gates for the Parramatta Eels’ first match at their new home, 1000 casual staff entered Bankwest Stadium for the first time on Saturday for a staff familiarisation day.

After weeks of training at off-site venues, the familiarisation day was the first chance for the venue’s customer service staff, food and beverage attendants, chefs, waiters, stewards, greenkeepers, distribution, logistics and general hands to get a glimpse of their new surroundings.

Bankwest Stadium’s meeting and networking space. Pictures: Angelo Velardo

“Our casual team will play a vital role in delivering events at Bankwest Stadium,” senior manager of staffing operations and services Debbie Hogan said.

“The familiarisation day gives the team a chance to learn all about the venue and get used to the spaces they’ll be working in.

Food and beverage trainee Kiara Moro stocks up the drinks in preparation for the stadium’s opening.

“Late last year we started networking with the local area through TAFE, Western Sydney University and local high schools because we thought it was really important that the community was well-represented at the new stadium. Of the new recruits, more than 65 per cent of them have come from the Western Sydney region.

The general public will get their first opportunity to set foot in the new stadium with a community open day on Sunday, April 14.

“In most cases our casual team are the first interaction our patrons have with the venue so it’s very important they’re familiar with the building and its operation so they can provide excellent customer service — which is why Saturday’s exercise was so valuable.”

Fans will get their first chance to tour Bankwest Stadium at a special community open day on Sunday.

Free tickets are available at ticketek.com.au