Silvershore Apartments on the Broadwater
When Silvershore Apartments on the Broadwater opened for business in December 2008, its success shone as a silver lining for Interact Australia and trusted manager, Peter Ilott, after years of hard work.
Situated on the Gold Coast, Silvershore is the second management rights property acquired by Interact Australia, a not-for-profit, Melbourne-based organisation committed to providing high quality, self-directed services to the disabled. Rather unusual in today’s financial climate, all profits garnered by Silvershore Apartments are channeled right back into the charitable services of Interact. So for guests, a holiday at Silvershore, you might say, is an act of goodwill.
Since its 2008 opening, this brand new complex has skyrocketed in popularity with locals and visitors under the proud guidance and management of Peter Ilott, whose relationship with Interact has come full circle now that he is managing Silvershore.
“I have worked in the industry for seven years, first employed by The Marrakesh Apartments in Broadbeach that was also owned by Interact Australia. I then worked with Freshwater Point Resort for a few years gaining valuable experience, before being enticed back to Interact Australia to manage their new acquisition, Silvershore Apartments on the Broadwater.”
Peter is particularly proud of the number of return stay guests and the growing number of corporate guests at Silvershore, though he admits his proudest moment was when they first opened for business.
“We basically went from an empty shell to a fully functioning business within 45 days. It was a mammoth effort from all our staff who take much pride in the final product.”
It seems this ‘mammoth effort’ was what attracted Peter to the Silvershore complex. “The challenge to build a successful business from scratch in a brand new complex,” he says “was simply too tempting to pass by”. And this motivation appears to have paid off.
“We attract a variety of guests, including many return visitors from Japan, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Many locals also come to Silvershore for weekends from Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and Northern New South Wales.” This is excellent news for Interact Australia, not to mention those serviced by the not-for-profit organisation.
There are 158 apartments at Silvershore, with a resounding mixture of holiday rentals making up 25%, permanent rentals making up 65% and owner-occupied apartments filling in the last 10%. In terms of management, Peter asserts that Silvershore is treated as an entity rather than facets of a business, with each and every guest treated as an individual and with staff available all hours to assist wherever they can.
“The maintenance manager Robert is always on hand to ensure every item in every apartment is working as it should and the happiness of each guest is guaranteed by the ever friendly and helpful reception staff, Tania and Colleen, who provide services that range from tour bookings to shopping advice.”
Silvershore is situated parallel to the beautiful Broadwater on the Gold Coast. Broadwater is a sensational spot for guests to renew and recharge in idyllic tranquility; immerse themselves in great literature; paddle through crystal clear water; let off steam jogging riverside; or engage in the multitude of thrills and spills open to all. Every weekend at Broadwater is made exciting by the plethora of activities that take place there; cycling, jet skiing, kite surfing, parasailing, canoeing, and more.
Not to mention the experiences available ten minutes away, in the heart of the Gold Coast, including some of the best shopping centres in Queensland, countless dream inducing beaches and award-winning restaurants. Silvershore is also happy to drive their guests to some of Australia’s most famous theme parks; Dreamworld, Movieworld, Wet ‘n’ Wild, White Waterworld, Seaworld, Marina Mirage and the Australian Outback Experience.
“Public transport is also at their doorstep, as is Harbour Town with its huge range of factory outlets. Guests are minutes away from cafés, including the Grand Hotel with its many restaurants, bars and entertainment. The Southport Yacht Club and Shopping Centre are also nearby.”
“We at Silvershore have a very strong commitment to providing the best quality experience we can, the cleanliness of the rooms and maintenance of the entire complex is our main focus,” says Peter. He and his team, in honour of Interact and of their guests, are dedicated to creating an interior that is, every day, just as stunning as its exterior.
Most Silvershore apartments are north-east facing so that guests may revel in gorgeous Broadwater views stretching from Surfers Paradise to the south east, to Runaway Bay to the north. Guests can find stunning sunrise views from the front of their Silvershore apartment and sunset views from the back!
Peter reiterates, “we absolutely adore the Broadwater area, with the activity on the water and the ever changing views there is never a dull moment, and for those that like the peace and quiet a hinterland view apartment can’t be beat. They have gorgeous sun-drenched balconies in the afternoon that make a great spot for a quiet read or a glass of wine while you watch the sun disappear behind the mountains”.
“The apartments are fully self-contained, light and spacious with open-plan living areas that integrate with the large contemporary style balconies. The fresh, chic apartments are designed for modern living and feature quality fittings and fixtures throughout including broadband and cable TV access. The fully-equipped kitchens offer quality stainless steel appliances.
“The apartments at Silvershore feature personal control air-conditioning and extensive sound absorbing acoustic treatments to enhance the peaceful environment. The colours, textures and tones also add to the desired serenity and ambience.”
This is all without even mentioning the other amazing features of the complex, outside each apartment.
The modern spacious gym at Silvershore is a great attraction for the keep fit enthusiasts, providing a huge variety of gym equipment options. “The sauna contained within the gym area is the ideal way to wind down after a hard work out.”
And, of course, undercover secure parking is provided by the complex, along with two barbecue areas.
Silvershore is a place where guests can indulge in a heated poolside spa and enjoy a swim in the 2m heated pool. Peter is also currently working on installing large sun covers around the pool area and entertainment areas to ensure the further comfort and protection of guests.
Peter is very open about his opinion, believing this adds to his hands on management approach to Silvershore.
“As an ex-smoker I think the current laws and bans on smoking are very good and hopefully they can be widened to cover more areas, such as the impact that it has on small children and people with conditions.”
As manager of a complex that fully supports a not-for-profit organisation, which benefits people with disabilities, it is perhaps unsurprising that Peter aims for both inclusion and health benefits for his guests but it is no less admirable that he has found a way within Silvershore to bring about this balance.
“The body corporate is currently developing a policy on smoking, whereby the most likely outcome will be a designated smoking area so that everyone can enjoy the facilities.”
Silvershore is no doubt proud of its 4½-star AAA rating but, more importantly, it is entirely deserving. Silvershore Apartments is one of two holiday apartment properties operated by Interact Australia on the Gold Coast. Income from these commercial properties is used to support the core not-for-profit services of Interact, focusing on the provision of services to people from disadvantaged backgrounds, people with a disability or long-term medical conditions.
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