Bridgewater Terraces
A chance reading of a management rights article in the local Lismore paper by Denis and Rayoni Goodman’s daughter, Corinne, sparked their interest in another business opportunity.
“Corinne happened to see it in the paper and sent us a few clippings. We investigated further and met Frank Picone who owns a few management rights,” said Denis. “We started working for him at Ocean Plaza and after ten months we bought a third share of the business.”
Denis had been shearing sheep for 23 years and needed a change as well as something that would provide an income for the future.
“Our family has been in the shearing business for 160 years. I went to Vietnam in 1969-1970 and married Rayoni soon after returning to Australia. That’s when I went into the shearing game full time with my father. It became quite a big business. My two brothers continued in the shearing.”
“While you are young and fit it is all right but we needed something for the long haul,” explained Denis.
Nearly 42 years later Denis and Rayoni are still going strong. “We both grew up from a tough background and we’re the best of mates,” smiled Denis.
The Goodman’s first hospitality accommodation business was back in 1986 when they bought a motel in Young, New South Wales. Used to hard work and long hours, Denis still continued to shear during the week and helped Rayoni and their daughters, at the motel, on weekends.
“We’ve been involved in two partnerships, owned one building and now Bridgewater Terraces. We were managing the property for the former Wentworth Mutual P/L and took over management rights on October 27 2008. After building up the business during the first two years we had the opportunity to employ a management couple.”
The Goodmans already knew Wayne and Lesley Jones from when they had helped train them in the industry. The couple managed Maroochydore management rights that were sold and were looking for work at the same time the Goodmans were ready to employ onsite managers.
“Wayne, a former policeman, and Lesley, who worked as a communications operator, were in the Police force together in NSW, before moving to Queensland and taking on the management duties of resorts,” said Denis. “They are not just managers they are special friends as well and are fantastic with guests,” said Denis.
Located only 15 minutes from Brisbane airport Bridgewater Terraces attracts a diverse range of guests, because of its ease of accessibility and location. The corporate sector — a big part of the clientele — and holidaymakers, are the most consistent, with many repeat customers.
Some 36 of the 70 apartments are in the letting pool. The one-, two- and three-bedroom spacious, open-plan, modern and fully self-contained apartments have everything available for guests. Every apartment has a balcony allowing views of the city and the beautifully landscaped tropical gardens frame a sparkling stream, which meanders towards the pool and barbeque area.
Facilities at Bridgewater Terraces include an outdoor swimming pool, outdoor heated spa, sauna, gymnasium and a relaxing barbeque area. Guests have a choice of numerous restaurants, eateries, cafes, take-away, home delivery services, shops and supermarkets close by. Easily accessed transport such as the well-know river ferries, including the City Cat, buses and trains, give guests easy access to the CBD and other memorable spots, such as the Story Bridge Hotel, Brisbane Botanical Gardens, the famous Gabba and South Bank.
“Many people love to walk to the city. It is easy to travel around plus it is an interesting area and is very accessible for everybody.”
The three separate low-rise, riverside resort style complexes of Bridgewater Terraces, each with their own body corporate, have average occupancy rates around 80%. Bridgewater River Terraces has lift access and Bridgewater Boardwalk and Bridgewater West Terrace are walk-ups.
Bridgewater Terraces is surrounded by history including the recently redeveloped heritage listed Yungaba next door, which was built in 1887, as an immigration centre. Yungaba is now a new development site that is almost completed and has enhanced the area even further.
Denis and Rayoni believe the key to their success is being involved with guests and staff, as well as being more hands on.
“Cleanliness and friendliness is our motto,” affirmed the Goodmans. “Nitel provide a professional front desk service after hours for late arrivals and late night phone calls,” continued Denis. Rayoni and I love working here while the managers have time off. It works really well and is good fun. We enjoy it.”
The Goodmans have a great working relationship with the owners especially when updating and refurbishing the apartments as needed. Interior furnishings of the apartments are modern and uncluttered featuring a very subtle and soothing ambiance.
“Bridgewater Terraces is situated in a unique environment giving a country feel within the city. It is the ideal place to have a long term business,” Denis and Rayoni agreed. “The success of any business is to have it work for you.
“We are definitely here for the long haul, because we really enjoy what we do and are proud of what we have achieved.”
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