Midweek interview with Marc Bennie, National Indigenous Programs Manager, AccorHotels Corporate Office

Midweek interview with Marc Bennie, National Indigenous Programs Manager, AccorHotels Corporate Office

The challenge for the industry is… Visibility as a viable career option – most people see hospitality as a stop-gap but there is so much more if you stick with it.

The things I like about my job… I am fortunate enough to learn about our amazing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture everyday. Our team works towards making a genuinely positive impact on peoples lives through employment, careers and cultural sharing.

And the frustrations are… Not being able to do things as quickly as I would like.

If I didn’t work in travel I would be… A sports coach

Favourite airline? Flying Doctors – they have done so much for so many people for so long.

My proudest moment was… Aside from seeing nieces born, getting married and other great family moments it would have to be surviving a lap of he country solo in a 1987 Mitsubishi Magna Wagon when I was 22.

I try to relax by… Going for a run

The last time I feared for my life was… I had some turbulence last time I flew to Cairns, rodeo style.

If I can, I always try to avoid… Negative people.

I really wish I had… A house by the beach.

The best advice I’ve ever received was… Never ever give up.

I don’t understand why people… Don’t embrace diversity – everybody has a story and that’s what makes life interesting!

My greatest weakness is… Trying to do too much at once.

And my greatest strength is… A love of life.

If I won a $1 million lottery (aside from travelling), I would… Move to the bush by the sea and start my own business.

If I was prime minister I would… Work on more opportunities to embrace and experience Aboriginal history and culture and integrate it into the curriculum (like New Zealand has).

If I could be someone else for one day I would be a… Park Ranger in the Royal National Park South of Sydney.

I’ve always wanted to travel to… The Hill Tribes of Kenya. A great spot for cultural experiences – and running!

My favourite holiday was… Lap of Australia.

 

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