Gold Coast Women of Year sponsor Village Roadshow on ignoring gender bias when hiring

One of the Gold Coast’s biggest employers - Village Roadshow Theme Parks - says in 2024 it’s important to reward and acknowledge the women occupying many top roles.

Village Roadshow Theme Parks chief operating officer Bikash Randhawa doesn’t look at gender when hiring – but says the company is “fortunate” to have so many women in key roles.

As an example, take two of the finalists in this year’s Gold Coast Bulletin Women of the Year awards by Harvey Norman.

One of three Stars of Tourism finalists - a category sponsored by Experience Gold Coast - is Village Roadshow marketing general manager Renee Soutar, while an Environmental Warriors finalist - a category sponsored by City of Gold Coast - is Claire Madden, the Sea World Village Roadshow theme parks head veterinarian.

Mr Randhawa said: “Purely from a Village Roadshow Theme Parks perspective we do not look at gender, but at what individuals bring to the role and their approach, attitude and care towards everyone in their interactions.

Bikash Randhawa: “We do not look at gender, but at what individuals bring to the role and their approach, attitude and care.” Picture: Portia Large.

“In my 30 years with this company, going back to when I first started as a casual F&B attendant, this management process has not changed and there is a strong culture of recognising team members for what they bring to the table.

“We are fortunate that at Village Roadshow Theme Parks that women make up a large number of positions and they deserve to be there as the best person for any position.”

Finalists Renee Soutar, Amanda Appel and Claire Madden at the Gold Coast Bulletin Women of the Year Awards 2024 launch at Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre. Picture: Portia Large.

Asked about the relevance of the awards in 2024, now in their sixth year, and the decision to back them, Mr Randhawa says: “The success and participation for this event, including the high level of involvement from small to large businesses, tells you how relevant this event is in 2024 and how important it is to continue to reward and acknowledge women.”

Mr Randhawa added: “Village Roadshow Theme Parks is incredibly proud and honoured to sponsor the Gold Coast Bulletin Women of the Year awards. We are fortunate to have so many incredible and inspiring team members across our properties and events such as these provide a wonderful opportunity to reward and celebrate women.

The Gold Coast Bulletin Women of the Year by Harvey Norman will be unveiled on November 16 at The Star Gold Coast.

“We see first-hand how supportive and inclusive work environments garner strong cultures and empower women, and it is pleasing that the Gold Coast Bulletin hosts this event to recognise these inspiring women.”

There are 32 finalists across 11 categories in the awards this year, with the winners announced at a glitzy dinner event at The Star Gold Coast on November 16.