With experience comes invaluable knowledge and expertise. In almost every team across every business you’ll find some shining stars who have earned their standing as some of Morris Group’s most trusted and reliable people.
To pay tribute to some of our longest serving team mates, we caught up with just a few members of the exclusive ‘10 plus club’ – people who’ve been working for the business for ten years or more.
Pamela Anderson
VIP Services Executive
The Ville Resort-Casino
37 years of service
When did you start working for the business? What role did you start in?
I started as a waitress in May 1988 at what was then Sheraton Hotel and Casino in the busy buffet and a la carte restaurant Sails on the Bay, which was where The Palm House is now. Coming from my own restaurant business where I was responsible for every job except chef, I was very happy to have an allocated section where I just had to look after customers. No washing up, no cleaning floors, no sitting in the freezer shivering while making our fried ice cream balls! I had small children at the time, so I did a lot of graveyard shifts as we were open 24 hours. This way I was at home during normal hours to be with my family.
What other roles have you had over your time? How has your career grown?
I moved to the hotel front office after five years in the restaurant. In those days we covered every role: valet, reservations, switchboard and night audit. My favourite role where I had more customer contact on the reception desk.
After more than six years on reception, I was asked to apply for a role in the casino. I was to be the Loyalty Manager’s assistant for the old loyalty program called Ace of Clubs. In this role I was able to meet and grow relationships with our gaming and social members. This job evolved into my current role. Many of my old members are still regular and loyal customers. It’s always a joy to share our memories over a coffee or a meal.
What’s been the best thing about growing your career with Morris Group? What’s kept you here?
Morris Group inherited me as a long-term employee of this property. I have been given great support from the company which has always shown that they have confidence in my abilities and experience.
But what has kept me here is the people. My work colleagues, my customers, and the company culture. Look what we have here! It’s always improving, always growing. We have an amazing location – it really takes my breath away every time I walk outside. We have the best restaurants in our city, and we now have Ardo… just wow! I was at an Ardo Rooftop event last night and it’s absolutely world class.
What’s your favourite memory from your time with the business?
Too many to mention, but one that comes to mind was when I was doing my first computer training in front office. The Duty Manager asked me to “move my cursor” so I moved aside a bit. He repeated the request, and I asked him how much room did he need? The look of fright on his face when he realised that I had no idea at all about the scary technology item in front of me!
How important have your co-workers and the broader team culture been for you in your career with the business?
My co-workers are a true blessing! I am the lucky one to have had such an amazingly skilled and positive crew around me over the years. The culture to encourage excellence amongst employees is a philosophy that has rubbed off on all of us. We know we are supported and encouraged to be our best selves.
Mick Graham
Alternate Head of Flying Operations
Nautilus Aviation
12 years of service
When did you start working for the business? What role did you start in?
I first started with Nautilus Aviation back in 2012 as a line pilot.
What other roles have you had over your time? How has your career grown?
I’ve had a pretty dynamic career in aviation. I started as a line pilot, then moved up to Senior Pilot and Operations Coordinator, where I got a real taste for the leadership side of things. From there, I leaned into utility work, eventually taking on the role of Commercial Operations Manager and even stepping in as Acting Operations Manager when needed. These days, I’m the Alternate Head of Flying, but I still like to stay involved in operations whenever I can. It keeps me connected to the team and the day-to-day challenges.
What’s been the best thing about growing your career with Morris Group? What’s kept you here?
The best part of growing my career with Morris Group has been the ongoing professional development and the chance to work on such a diverse range of projects. The variety keeps things interesting, and the supportive, flexible work environment makes it a genuinely enjoyable place to be. It’s the perfect mix of challenge and camaraderie that’s kept me here.
What’s your favourite memory from your time with the business?
One of my favourite memories was spending time in the gulf after a cyclone swept through, bringing massive rainfall. I spent days flying hay out to stranded cattle, surrounded by what felt like an inland sea: a powerful reminder of the critical role we play in these moments.
But it’s not just that one mission. Over the years, I’ve been part of countless search jobs, flown through the aftermath of other cyclones, supported firefighting efforts, and even saved homes threatened by intense bushfires. It’s those moments, knowing I’ve made a real difference when it mattered most, that keep me passionate about what I do.
How important have your co-workers and the broader team culture been for you in your career with the business?
Having a professional, knowledgeable team around you is crucial in this line of work; not just for getting the job done, but for keeping things running smoothly when the unexpected happens (and let’s be honest, that’s most days). I’ve always appreciated the chance to share my experience with newer team members, and I’m constantly learning from the crew around me. It’s that mix of shared knowledge and a bit of good-natured banter that keeps our culture strong, and our team connected even when the going gets tough.
Katrina Bertoldi
Payroll Manager & Executive Assistant
Morris Group (Shared Services)
10 years of service
When did you start working for the business? What role did you start in?
I started in February 2015 as Executive Assistant for Paul Gillespie at Smart Parking. At the time Paul mentioned to my hubby Wayne that he was looking for a new EA and I was looking for a new challenge.
What other roles have you had over your time? How has your career grown?
In May 2015 I was asked to assist my work bestie Sally Foley in CLG accounts (now Morris Hospitality). The following year I inherited the accounting for Finico, Barragunda Estate and a few smaller companies. In February 2017, I was given the task of processing payroll during the company’s transition to an outsourced payroll company and so began my new skills handling payroll for around 30 staff at the Melbourne head office. Then in November 2018 I was approached by Chris to be his EA (OMG! Can’t say no to the boss!).
Over the following eight years I had increased payroll duties because Chris was buying more companies than a mum buying nappies! Today, my payroll now includes Morris Escapes, Nautilus Aviation, Morris Hospitality, Barragunda Dining, and Morris Nautical: an estimated 825 employees. Now I have two helpers who have helped me stay on top of it all (thank you Mandy and Kristen – you’re awesome!) Together, we process nine different pay runs, and since they are all different it can be challenging but I like it that way. It keeps my brain active.
I have learned so much at Morris Group by doing many different roles and tasks, and am forever grateful for the opportunities that have been given to me. I love that I get to do a variety of things, and will never say no because it’s a great way to upskill.
What’s been the best thing about growing your career with Morris Group? What’s kept you here?
I like the diversity of the company: there are so many opportunities available. The experiences and the challenges and learning new things all the time. I know it sounds weird, but the work has also kept me here. I love the variety and the people that I have crossed paths with.
What’s your favourite memory from your time with the business?
Can I say watching Paul and Chris argue over who’s going to hire me? There’s so many, but a recent one is getting the chance to attend the Grand Prix in the Morris Group corporate box and spend time with colleagues that I don’t get to see that often.
How important have your co-workers and the broader team culture been for you in your career with the business?
Extremely important as I wouldn’t be half the employee I am today without their support. My executive management has helped me feel like an important part of the business.
I love the culture at Morris Group. I did a stint a couple of years ago at The Ville to learn their payroll process as a backup and was welcomed there as well. Everyone was so friendly. I don’t feel there is that vibe of ‘them vs us’ anywhere in the group. I have been lucky to work with so many great managers, general managers and venue staff throughout my career here and have been fortunate to meet in person with most of the people that I deal with.
There’s a great vibe in our office. We work well together to get the job done whilst still having lots of laughs and fun. Big shout out to Paul, Chris and Penny for taking a chance on me and giving me a job. I’m extremely grateful for all the opportunities that I have been given.
Prakash Chalise
Head Chef – Railway Club Hotel
Morris Hospitality
13 years of service
When did you start working for the business? What role did you start in?
I started working at Railway Club Hotel in 2012, initially as a Senior Chef de Partie. Morris Group purchased the hotel in 2021 so that’s when I started with Morris Hospitality.
What other roles have you had over your time? How has your career grown?
I have had many roles in in my culinary career. I’ve been a recipe developer, helping chefs and home cooks create or modify recipes. I’ve been a menu planner, assisting restaurants in designing balanced and creative menus. I was a training assisting, which involved explaining technique, food safety, and culinary theory to students and apprentices. I’ve worked in customer and front-of-house support.
After starting at Railway Club Hotel, I was fortunate to be able to develop my career from Chef de Partie to Head Chef through regular training, and support from the executive team and entire business at Morris Group.
What’s been the best thing about growing your career with Morris Group? What’s kept you here?
Training and development have been key factors of Morris Group. Morris Group offers a blend of professional development training, diverse opportunities, and a supportive culture which have inspired me to continue my career here.
What’s your favourite memory from your time with the business?
Morris Group organises an annual conference where we get an opportunity to interact with senior staff, get training, and exchange our ideas and experiences with each other. Last year, the conference was held in Townsville, which was absolutely mind-blowing. There was great food, culture, and views. It was my first visit to Townsville and has remained a very special memory for me.
How important have your co-workers and the broader team culture been for you in your career with the business?
Obviously as a team leader, it’s important for me to be loyal, passionate, supportive, and to inspire the team. But my very hard-working co-workers, and the outstanding broader team culture are the key factors that keep me motivated and proud to work at Railway Club Hotel.