Have you ever dreamed of escaping the everyday and working in the postcard-perfect Whitsundays? We recently sat down with a few of our incredible staff members here at WAHI to share a bit more about what it’s like to live and work in paradise.
Meet Annie, Supervisor
Annie is a Supervisor here at WAHI, but her job title could be also described as ‘professional radio runner’. On any given day you will find Annie, armed with her radio in one hand, clocking up laps of WAHI as she darts back and forth to help out various departments. No matter where she is around WAHI, you’ll always find Annie with a smile on her face, ready to help.
Annie was initially drawn to work on Hamilton Island after her partner got a job in the area. But soon after she arrived on Valentines Day in 2018 she quickly fell head over heels for the island too. That was over three years ago now, and she has loved every second since. “It is paradise” Annie says.
While she enjoys the day to day aspects of her job, Annie’s favourite part of her job is getting to know the guests. She particularly loves chatting to guests about all of the adventures they will get up to during their stay.
When asked to pick out her favourite memory at WAHI Annie struggled to choose. She then went on to describe a special moment that only happened a few weeks ago. It was her birthday but at the time she thought that everyone had forgotten as it was a busy public holiday. Little did she know everyone was about to surprise her by saying Happy Birthday simultaneously to her on the radio. “The whole of WAHI knew it was my birthday,” Annie said, elated. Just when she didn’t think that things could get any better, Annie was instructed to go to the office by her manager where she found a chocolate extravaganza waiting for her.
On her days off you might find Annie fishing, hiking or soaking up one of the many incredible views on the island. She might also be in the kitchen, whipping up something special or baking some of her mouthwatering treats. Her top binge-worthy shows at the moment are Masterchef Vietnam, Vietnam’s Top Model and Running Man.
The best life advice Annie has ever received was from WAHI’s Executive Housekeeper, Elsbeth who taught Annie that if you are ever feeling down to take a deep breath, think of a happy memory and keep smiling.
To anyone thinking about working at WAHI Annie would say, “Let’s do it! You’re going to love it. It’s a beautiful island paradise and you’re going to enjoy working here. It’s amazing.”
Meet Raharni, Guest Service Agent
After visiting her dad who lives in Airlie Beach and getting a taste for the magic of the Whitsundays, the island lifestyle was calling Raharni. With average temperatures of a balmy 26 degrees and surrounded by vibrant coral reefs, white sandy beaches and tropical flora, Hamilton Island was the perfect fit. Plus, the island was easy and convenient to get to—only a hop, skip and a jump away from the mainland.
If you have visited WAHI over the last six months, you might have been lucky enough to be greeted by Raharni’s friendly face and infectious personality. Raharni says that the best part about her job is “where it’s located, for sure.” Surrounded by sparkling blue azure water, she loves soaking up the beautiful surroundings as she walks to work. “That’s probably the best part,” she says, “and you know, the friends too.”
Speaking of friends, Raharni’s favourite memory from working at WAHI (so far) was the staff Christmas party, where she got to celebrate with everyone she works with.
Whether it’s hiking, jet skiing or kayaking, Raharni’s likes to spend her days off getting out and about. “Any time on the water is amazing,” she says. She also loves exploring the many walking trails on the island. Her regular trail is the crowd favourite, Passage Peak. While Passage Peak is notorious as the go-to spot on the island for sunrise, Raharni says that she loves heading up there for sunset. “I go for sunset mainly because I’m not a morning person,” she said. “Definitely do sunset, sunset is beautiful.” Raharni’s current go-to podcast is Joe Rogan, which she likes to listen to on her sunset hikes. Otherwise, she loves listening to music.
The best advice she was ever given came from her mum who told her “Just don't take life too seriously.”
To anyone thinking about working at WAHI Raharni would say, “Definitely do it!”
Meet Hernan, Maintenance
Hernan works in Maintenance here at WAHI. A ‘Hernan of all trades’, you will find him multitasking and doing it all—from gardening to pool maintenance to electrical to plumbing to carpentering to plastering.
After working as an electrician and trade assistant in Argentina, Hernan began working at WAHI four months ago. His favourite part of working at WAHI is that “every day can be different.” “You have to accept the challenge,” Hernan says. “Answer the radio and go to the units and try to fix everything with your hands, mind and common sense.”
When he isn’t on the tools, you will find Hernan making the 20 meter commute after work to the beach. This is where he is really in his element—soaking up the beautiful sweeping landscape and heading for a dip. You might also find Hernan trekking up to Passage Peak for sunset just like his co-worker Raharni. After a busy day of exploring the island, Hernan likes to chill out by watching Cobra Kai on Netflix.
One thing not many people know about Hernan is that he is a self-confessed ‘computer nerd’. “Ever since 1995 when I got my first computer that came with Windows 95 I have loved computers,” Hernan said.
To anyone thinking about working at WAHI Hernan would say, “If you want to work somewhere where you get the balance between living in paradise and working in paradise, WAHI is a great place.”
Meet Eleazar, Team Leader Houseman
Eleazar, also known as Eli, is a houseman at WAHI. Originally from the Torres Strait Islands, the Whitsundays reminded Eli of his island home. Now calling WAHI his second home, Eli has worked with us for over five years.
Eli’s favourite part about working at WAHI is getting to meet new people and he has loved getting to know everyone he works with. Something people might not realise about Eli when they first meet him is that he’s “very quiet at the start until you get to know [him], then [he] starts to open up.” The staff Christmas parties—which are a real highlight to all of the staff— are his favourite part of the year and have made up many of his favourite memories during his time on the island.
On his days off, you are likely to find Eli out exploring the island’s coastline and hitting all the different beach spots. He often heads over to Coral Cove, which is a hidden gem tucked away on the other side of the island. Next up on his beach bucket list is the appropriately named Escape Beach, which is a secluded paradise and the perfect spot to find some peace and quiet. You might also find Eli relaxing at home, binge-watching The Big Bang Theory. His favourite character is, of course, Sheldon.
The best advice Eli was ever given came from his grandad who told him “if you have a job, do it because you have to do it, don’t do it because it has to be done.”
To anyone thinking about working at WAHI Eli would say, “Come with an open mind and get to learn about new people from different backgrounds.”
Want to join the team? Whitsunday Apartments Hamilton Island is always on the lookout for friendly and motivated superstars to join our team in housekeeping, front office, reservations, maintenance and more!
Now is your opportunity to live on a tropical island and work at the 4 star Whitsunday Apartments on stunning Hamilton Island. To apply please send your resume and covering letter to hk@wahi.com.au with information on the role you’re applying for.
