SCG Trust manager in line for Stadium Business Awards 2012

Sydney Cricket & Sports Ground Trust Media & Communications Co-ordinator Caron Lefever has been named as a a finalist in the global The Stadium Business Awards 2012 - Team Player of the Year category.

The Stadium Business Awards honour achievement and innovation in the stadium sector over the past twelve months.

Lefever was excited to learn she was a finalist for the Team Player category which recognises 'an individual who has delivered outstanding service, contribution and loyalty to a particular stadium, arena or major sports venue'.

Lefever stated "I'm absolutely thrilled ... not only for the personal recognition, but because the Sydney Cricket & Sports Ground Trust is rightfully featured in the Awards amongst some of the best stadia in the world."

During her 11 years with the Trust, Caron has become one of Australia's most highly regarded venue media managers.

Managing the press operations at two of Australia's leading stadia - the Sydney Cricket Ground and Allianz Stadium (formerly the Sydney Football Stadium) - she is known by media as the friendly welcoming face of the SCG Trust.

Lefever's role has varied from managing press operations at nearly 80 international and domestic events staged at the venues each year, organising mid-week access for media activities for the seven teams that call the Trust's venues home, general film and photo access requests, marketing an dpublic relations, and staging Trust announcements.

SCG Trust Chief Executive, Jamie Barkley adds "we are delighted to support Caron's nomination for The Stadium Business Awards 2012: Team Player of the Year.

"Caron has an important role at the SCG and Allianz Stadium. She works tirelessly during events to ensure all media facilities are of the highest standards and that media are fully briefed on the day's events.

"She has an extensive knowledge of the grounds which assists her role of managing press operations for all international and domestic events as well as coordinating access for media activities outside of event days.

"Caron has an exceptional work ethic and an excellent rapport with all staff at the Trust and working media of Australia."

Lefever attributes her work ethic to several senior people that have had a major influence on her career, adding "I have been lucky enough to have worked for some very good Chief Executives and be guided by wonderful mentors in my career who were willing to share their knowledge.

"The CEOs that I have worked under - Gary Pemberton, Bob Elphinston, Mal Hemmerling, Sandy Hollway and Jamie Barkley - epitomise the cream of Australian sport administrators.

"Sandy Hollway, the CEO for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, requested all staff to continually ask themselves 'what have I done today to progress the Sydney Olympics?'"

It was a question that became a work motto for Caron, who added "at the end of the day you should feel confident and honest that you can look your manager and colleagues in the eyes, and know that you have contributed to your employer's cause, and upheld the organisation's claim to be a benchmark in that particular industry."

Caron concluded that Barkley encourages Trust staff to look outside the circle and consistently work at their best levels and beyond.

She stated "Jamie is a great visionary and, together with our Chairman and Trustees, has wonderful plans for the Trust and its venues.

"With the new northern stand redevelopment at the SCG and numerous improvements to Allianz Stadium, we are heading into very exciting times."

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