What’s not to love about summer? Warm sunshine, beach days, ice cream, and spending quality time with loved ones. Plus it comes with the added bonus of a reset: a fresh new year to reflect on the things you’ve achieved, and refocus on what lies ahead. We caught up with some of our colleagues from across Morris Group to find out what they love about summer and what they have their sights set on for the year ahead.
Elena Statie
Guest Services Agent
Ardo, QLD
What’s your summer read?
At the moment, I’m reading No Bad Parts by Richard C. Schwartz, and I really like its positive and compassionate way of understanding ourselves. It’s interesting without feeling too heavy. When summer comes though, I usually switch to podcasts. I enjoy listening to psychology and self-development topics, as well as personal stories, because they feel effortless and fit perfectly with relaxing, travelling, or spending time outdoors.
What’s your current binge or your favourite TV series of 2025?
One of my favourite TV series has been Outlander. I was completely hooked! I love the mix of history, romance, and adventure, and the storytelling really pulls you in.
What’s your go-to ice cream flavour?
My go-to ice cream combo is usually coconut and mango when I want something fresh and summery. But if I’m in the mood for something more gourmet, I’ll go for brownie ice cream – so yummy!
What’s your favourite summer thirst-quenching beverage?
During summer, I usually crave something fresh and fruity. When I’m out with friends, I love having a lychee margarita. It’s refreshing, slightly sweet, and feels very summery.
Where’s your favourite summer holiday destination?
For my ideal summer holiday, I love a mix of nature and new experiences. I really enjoy mountains, hills, hiking, and waterfalls. But I also love discovering new places, cultures, and local food. For me, the perfect trip combines beautiful landscapes with cultural experiences and great cuisine.
What was your highlight of 2025?
My highlight of 2025 was a mix of personal and professional growth. I also went to Egypt, which was amazing for the history and culture. Seeing the pyramids and exploring ancient temples was unforgettable, and I loved trying all the local dishes. The food was incredible! It was fascinating to experience a culture so different from my own while still enjoying moments in nature along the Nile.
What’s the thing you’re looking forward to most in 2026?
In 2026, I’m really excited to keep growing at work and pushing myself a bit more, while also staying active and consistent at the gym. Outside of work, I’d love to finally make it to New Zealand. Exploring the mountains, hiking through incredible landscapes, and chasing waterfalls has been a dream of mine for a long time.
What’s something you’d like to achieve at work in 2026?
This year, I’d like to take on more responsibility at work and continue developing my skills in guest service and hotel operations.
Digby Bloom
Bartender & Waiter
Half Moon, VIC
What’s your summer read?
I love reading Anthony Bourdain’s books when I’m on the beach or at home in bed. I love his passion of food and his style of writing.
What’s your current binge or your favourite TV series of 2025?
I just finished Stranger Things. I love the storyline and feel like I have almost grown up with the characters.
What’s your go-to ice cream flavour?
It’s a tie between salted caramel and mint choc chip. If I had to choose one though, it was be salted caramel by slim margins.
What’s your favourite summer thirst-quenching beverage?
A cold Asahi always hits the spot.
Where’s your favourite summer holiday destination?
I love Port Douglas. It has great beaches and I really enjoy going fishing when I am there. The backpackers, Dougies, is a great place to drink as well.
What was your highlight of 2025?
The highlight of my year was going away to Thailand. I had never been there and the food, culture, people and landscape was absolutely unreal. Definitely going back!
What’s the thing you’re looking forward to most in 2026?
I am starting a new university degree in March which I am very excited to get underway. It’s a degree much more tailored to what I’m interested in so I’m eager to get started.
What’s something you’d like to achieve at work in 2026?
I would like to get good marks and be super involved in my new degree. I would also like tobecome a supervisor or take on more responsibilities at Half Moon.
Kimel Pillay
Accountant
Morris Escapes, VIC
What’s your summer read?
I started reading an eight-book series called Zodiac Academy. It is as cringe as it sounds but I’m so addicted to it. It’s basically a cross between Harry Potter and Gossip Girl and its perfect for when you want to switch your brain off.
What’s your current binge or your favourite TV series of 2025?
Currently binging Breaking Bad for the first time. It only took me 17 years to watch it but I finally started it over the summer break, and I completely understand the hype! The storyline is great, it’s perfectly paced, and the characters and performances are done so well. It’s also surprisingly so funny without trying to be.
What’s your go-to ice cream flavour?
A very strong, rich and bitter matcha ice cream. The colour and quality of the matcha is extremely important.
What’s your favourite summer thirst-quenching beverage?
An extra dirty gin martini with extra olives in a rooftop bar. The rooftop is actually the most important ingredient for a perfect gin martini.
Where’s your favourite summer holiday destination?
Cape Town, South Africa. I’m originally from South Africa, so it’ll always have a special place in my heart. But beyond that, it’s just an unreal city with beaches, mountains, wildlife, wineries and some of the best food you’ll ever have.
What was your highlight of 2025?
My highlight of 2025 was turning 30 and spending it in South Africa with my best friends. Going back after 10 years was incredibly special, especially getting to share where I’m from with two people I’m so close to. Seeing my home country again through the eyes of a tourist, it reminded me just how beautiful it really is.
What’s the thing you’re looking forward to most in 2026?
Joining a run club and getting into running! Ever since turning 30, it feels inevitable that a marathon is in my future, downloading Strava is also on the vision board.
What’s something you’d like to achieve at work in 2026?
Finally starting my CPA and officially saying goodbye to my social life. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a while, and while it’ll take a big-time commitment, it feels like the right move for my career and future opportunities.
Alex Rosano
Helpdesk Team Leader
Morris Technology, VIC
What’s your summer read?
The latest tech news.
What’s your current binge or your favourite TV series of 2025?
I’m currently binging Bones.
What’s your go-to ice cream flavour?
Chocolate.
What’s your favourite summer thirst-quenching beverage?
Water, hahaha.
Where’s your favourite summer holiday destination?
Movie World is pretty great.
What was your highlight of 2025?
Making it through another year.
What’s the thing you’re looking forward to most in 2026?
My daughter being born.
What’s something you’d like to achieve at work in 2026?
Finishing all of our projects and continuing to provide excellent support to our team and customers.