RIVIERA REWARDS EMPLOYEE EXCELLENCE

Australian luxury boatbuilder Riviera said that leading by example and taking a proactive and positive attitude has earned Cassandra Meyers and Bruno Kishtoo the company’s esteemed awards — the Star Performer and WHS&E Star Performer of the Year award respectively for 2009.

Riviera said it has been conducting the awards for more than 10 years and recognise outstanding employment contribution each quarter as nominated by each department head with the overall winners announced at the end of the year.

Team leader, Bruno Kishtoo, was awarded the Workplace, Health, Safety and Environment Star Performer award for the fourth quarter for his leadership qualities and attention to detail when it comes to safety issues.

Riviera said that both Cassandra and Bruno outshone the boatbuilder’s 300 staff when they were named overall Star Performer and WHS&E Star Performer of the year at a special lunch held this month at the company’s Coomera facility.

Riviera’s WHS&E manager, Cherriee Ludemann said it was Cassandra and Bruno’s ‘can do’ attitude that earned them the prestigious award and both will have the chance to experience the excitement at one of the annual boat shows with Cassandra travelling to the Auckland International Boat show in March and Bruno heading off to the Melbourne summer show in February.

“Cassandra has been a great role model for others at Riviera with her great attitude, commitment and outstanding ‘can do’ attitude,” Ludemann said.

“Cassandra is always willing to go the extra mile to get the job done with good attention to detail and excellent communication skills. She has assisted in maintaining a positive profile for Riviera through hard work, dedication and loyalty to the company and always has a smile on hand to brighten up the day.

“Bruno always leads by example by ensuring he looks out for others in the work environment by identifying and removing or notifying his manager of hazards. Bruno gives consideration to safety and environmental issues on a daily basis, not only in his own work area but also when he is in other work areas on site.

“We need all staff to look out for their work mates and for hazards in the workplace so that we can ensure that everyone goes home to their family everyday without injury,” she said.

Cassandra said the win took her by surprise but it was great to be recognised. “It’s extremely rewarding to be recognised for the hard work I have put in throughout the year,” she said.

“I am looking forward to going to the Auckland International Boat Show. It will be a dream come true as I’ve never had the opportunity to attend an international boat show before or even visit New Zealand itself.

“After assisting with the preparation of the Auckland Boat Show in the past, the chance to attend this particular show will be a memorable experience,” she said.

Bruno said the competition was tough and he was overwhelmed when his name was announced as the overall winner.

“I didn’t expect it because there are so many deserving people out there, but I think it was my commitment to health and safety and initiative in implementing standardised safety procedures in every shed,” he said.

Bruno will go to the Melbourne summer boat show in February as reward for his hard work and commitment to health and safety.

The nominations for Star Performer for 2009 were:
Patsy Johnson, Erin Cook, Sue Kelly, Cassandra Meyers, and Kris Hanney.

The nominations for Workplace Health and Safety and Environment Star Performer for 2009 were: Jesse Paler, Brad Weigel, Sean Drysdale, and Bruno Kishtoo.

For more information, visit www.riviera.com.au