David and Stephanie Assef moved to the Blackall Range last year to take over management of the new and exclusive Spicers Clovelly Estate resort at Montville. Their joint leisure management experience covers cruise ships, hotels, and major city events, but this business couple say they have found a place they can call a permanent home.
WHY DID YOU COME HERE?
S: It’s not like we were desperate to leave anywhere.It was just an opportunity that arose, something we looked into, and it all fell into place.
D: We are both from the Hunter Valley. Steph grew up in Pokolbin and I grew up in Tamworth. She had been working there for seven years and me about five. And that’s how we met – in business.
We had been working for the Harrigans Irish Pub chain before deciding to come here. We weren’t necessarily looking for a change but we happened to stumble across this venture with the Turners. We came up and viewed the property and the area and just fell in love with it instantly.
We felt it would be right for us. It was a different style, more intimate setting and the high quality level of service and product that really interested us. It’s beautiful countryside too.
We see similarities in the seasons, with the trees and the flowers, the changes in colour and leaf drop. So we’ve come from one beautiful place to another.
We’ve experienced business taking over our lives, and we know what businesses like this demand. You have to do everything. But I think we’re now managing our time very well. Steph’s forte is front office, administration and reservations. Mine is more a food and beverage background. So we complement each other pretty well.
WHAT DID YOU HAVE TO CHANGE IN COMING HERE?
S: Not much really. We haven’t had to compromise in any way. It’s been a very positive experience. Where we came from was very cold in winter so we really appreciate the
beautiful weather here.
D: We were working in a similar situation in NSW but not living on site, and we had different roles. This is the first time we have worked really closely together, and we wouldn’t change it.
S: I think we would find it hard not working together now. It works for us and we love our time together.
D: We brought our four-legged friends with us – our ‘kids’ up at the house – we have a ‘shar pei’ bulldog and ‘bird’ – a ring-necked parakeet. They’re loving it here and they’ve taken to the changed environment.
S: This is certainly a place we can see ourselves for a long time. We love Queensland. There’s a lot more to see and do on the Sunshine Coast.
D: The clientele here is fantastic – so interesting in the depth of what they are doing, what they enjoy and what they like to experience.
S: We do find we need to get away on short trips – mainly seeing more of Queensland – because when you work on-site you are always accessible even when technically, it may be your day off.
D: Yes, it was one of the promises we made to each other that we would enjoy and make the most of our time. We don’t want to live to work but very much work to live. And that was a big change coming here. We knew the first twelve months would be tough, opening a new business. But we always find time to relax. We love walking, playing golf, we love the beach and we love taking our dogs on adventures. So, we’ve managed to do that since we’ve been here at least once a week.
WHAT WOULD KEEP YOU HERE?
D: Everything as it is right now.
S: Yes, continuing to have the ability to work and enjoy everything that we do, especially with our furry friends. But we love to travel, seeing different places and experiencing
different things.
D: We do want to do a lot more travelling but we have both said that we would be content to stay here and let this be a base for the rest of our lives.
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