Element on Coolum Beach
It is always amazing the diverse backgrounds of people who decide to take a totally different tangent and venture into management rights.
Shirley Leacy, management rights owner of Element on Coolum Beach since April 2012, is another multitalented person successfully meeting this challenge. After more than 30 years in the health industry as a registered nurse specialising in the operating theatre, Shirley has had immense experience dealing with people from all walks of life.
Besides volunteering her expertise to teach operating theatre staff in Cambodia and Vanuatu assisting with major facial surgery, Shirley managed a retirement centre, which included independent living units, hostel and a nursing home with 70 staff.
Although Shirley’s interest in management rights was sparked many years ago it was only recently that she took her first step into the industry. “The managerial experience at the retirement centre gave me the confidence to take on Element on Coolum Beach,” explained Shirley.
“Any new venture is a bit nerve racking at first when it is something totally new and I went through a few learning curves and challenges,” said Shirley. “Right from the start when I made the decision to buy Element on Coolum Beach I just had this thing that I’m in my ‘element at Element’.
“Some guests were checking in when settlement finalised and because I was so happy with everything, they returned two days later with a beautiful floral arrangement for me,” Shirley smiled.
Located on Queensland’s popular Sunshine Coast, Element on Coolum Beach is centrally located within close proximity to the beach, shops, restaurants, banks and boutiques, with nine popular speciality shops within the precinct. Coolum hosts some of the best known cafés, bars and restaurants on the Sunshine Coast— perfect for all day dining or winding down after a busy day at the beach.
Element on Coolum Beach features beautiful landscaping with cascading water features, reflective pools, a heated outdoor pool with a sun lounge area and barbeque facilities. Some 37 of the 49 strata apartments are in the letting pool. Each apartment is tastefully furnished by their owners. The luxurious spacious apartments comprise one one-bedroom apartment; 26 two-bedroom apartments; 15 three-bedroom apartments; six sub-penthouses and one penthouse and all with generous balconies.
An added feature is the Element Day Spa where guests can take some time out to rest, revitalise and recharge their mind and body with massage and specialist treatments available.
Coolum boasts fully patrolled surf spots all year round with its stunning beaches and crystal clear water providing some of the best surf breaks on the Sunshine Coast. Its central location provides easy access to local tourist attractions including The Ginger Factory, Australia Zoo and the majestic hinterland. Avid golfers have a choice from nearby premier golf courses including Novotel Twin Waters, Hyatt Regency, Mount Coolum, Noosa Springs and Pelican Waters.
Shirley and her husband Brett have had a long association with the Sunshine Coast having lived at Caloundra for 20 years, where Brett grew up.
Element on Coolum Beach is Shirley’s venture, while Brett manages the 100 head of Brahman cross—Droughtmaster cattle at Baffle Creek, north of Bundaberg. The cattle property is the perfect place for Shirley to take time out from her busy, yet enjoyable management rights’ business.
“Brett and I are such a good team and we support each other on whatever we want to do,” said Shirley. “One reason I chose Element on Coolum Beach was to continue with the same staff because they are very efficient and we utilise as many local businesses as we can.
“Shane has been here for three years and is permanent in reservations. He looks after the place when I am away.”
Annica and Wayne—the housekeepers—and their staff, maintain an excellent standard with continuous positive feedback from guests. Peter, our maintenance contractor is another valuable member of the team.
Guests vary at Element on Coolum Beach. “We have had quite a few brides who use the penthouse and then there are families, couples and golfers, with many repeat guests,” said Shirley.
The body corporate has been very helpful and supportive from the committee through to the managers. “Being proactive with maintenance issues and anything else is important. We have such a beautiful complex that the maintenance has to be kept up to maintain a high standard of quality and cleanliness.
“I am working in the best spot in the world. What more can you ask? It is all about being positive about the industry and things will improve,” remarked Shirley.
Are you interested in lifting your industry profile?
Email [email protected] or call (07) 5440 5322
AccomNews is not affiliated with any government agency, body or political party. We are an independently owned, family-operated magazine.
