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WIN Western Force v Stormers Tickets!

WIN Western Force v Stormers Tickets! 610 305 James Turner

Worried about missing out on the sure to be legendary Western Force verses the Stormers game this April?

Well, Horizons West has got you covered!

We’re giving away two special reserved tickets to the game on the 18th of April so you can be a part of the action!

All you have to do is head to our Facebook page, fill out the form with your details and tell us the name of the WA Super 15 team and you could win this incredible prize!

Enter now and good luck!

Why We Love WA – Our Top 5!

Why We Love WA – Our Top 5! 1350 675 James Turner

1. The Weather

It’s so easy to enjoy a huge range of activities and events in Western Australia because our climate is so good! Most of the year the sun is out – and even when it isn’t – the mercury is rarely in even single digits, let alone negative!  Whether you’re hitting the beach, having a picnic, strolling  through Fremantle or shopping in Perth city, whatever you have onyou can almost guarantee the weather will be on your side!

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2. The Beaches

You could be in Broome, Exmouth, Albany, Rottnest, Esperance, or anywhere in the metro enjoying our wonderful Indian and Southern Oceans. The soft sand and sea, combined with our amazing climate make a trip to the beach one of the best things about being in Western Australia.

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3. The Open Spaces

Being able to find room to spread out is pretty amazing! And in our wonderful state you don’t have to go very far from the nearest city. Places like the Swan Valley are amazing to spend a day or weekend and are only 25km from Perth CBD. And there’s heaps more that we love; Lake Leschenaultia, The Pinnacles, historic York, The Valley of the Giants, and so many more! Being able to spread out and get in touch with nature, soak in some history and breathe the fresh air is so soothing to the soul!

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4. The Diversity

Our state incorporates so many different geographical regions – all with their own charms to explore! The Kimberley with it’s ancient natural wonders, the Gascoyne with it’s red dirt and wildflowers, The Pilbara’s untouched coral reefs, the history and harshness of the Goldfields, the lush coastal South West and the wonderful forests of the Great Southern. All this in the one state! How lucky are we?

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5. The Diversity

We think the People of WA are some of the friendliest and most warm of any on the planet! We have been welcomed with open arms all over our wide, beautiful state, and are never surprised when folks are happy to go out of their way to help a mate – or show visitors around, sharing their love for the places we visit.

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As if you need any more reasons to see more of our beautiful state, you can do it from the absolute comfort of your coach while we drive! If you want to find out more hit or quote page or give us a call today! We can even help you plan your itinerary!

Destination: Wedding

Destination: Wedding 1227 817 James Turner

It’s wedding season at the moment! There’s nothing more joyous for us than getting be a part of a couple’s special day, especially for destination weddings! In WA, we are truly blessed with absolutely lovely places such as which can provide you with the perfect venue and stunning natural backdrop for your special day! We’ve found some of the best wedding destinations and venues around WA which will help you achieve the perfect destination wedding right here in your very own backyard!

1. Broome

With it’s beautiful scenery and relaxing and luxurious atmosphere, Broome is an ideal place for a romantic and memorable wedding! One of the most popular and well-known spots in Broom is definitely Cable Beach, due to it’s breathtaking crystal clear water and soft, clean sand. What an amazing place for a ceremony or a photo shoot! There are many wonderful venue options including Eco Beach Resort and the Cable Beach Club Resort and there’s even this handy guide from Easy Weddings to help you do your research!

2. Swan Valley

Any wedding idea that you could possibly dream of, the Swan Valley can fulfil it! The picturesque and romantic setting of this wonderful region will provide you with the perfect backdrop for your wedding! There’s also many different venues which you can choose from. For example if you’re looking for something more traditional, the Chapel Farm or Caversham House will simply charm you and your guests! Why not exchange your vows outside with their beautiful waterside gardens? You can also visit many of the wonderful wineries in Swan Valley until you find the venue which suits you as a couple, which is a fun venture – many happy wine tasting trips! Or there’s always the Swan Valley website to help you decide.

3. Kalbarri

You can’t help but feel utterly relaxed and connected with nature while in Kalbarri, with its stunning beaches and gorgeous National Park. These two attractions make Kalbarri ideal for a destination wedding! If you’re a particularly adventurous and outdoor loving couple, Kalbari National Park will leave you and your wedding guests astounded by the beauty of nature. Kalbarri Jetty is a wonderful place to have wedding photos – as you can see with this one taken by Tracy Grovsner!

4. The Margret River Region

The Margret River region has an endless supply wedding venues which can suit any kind of wedding and any kind of couple. For example if you’re looking for something a little different which will show how unique you are as a couple, the Margret River region is home to some simply incredible caves which will make your wedding seem majestic. Why not get married in wonderland below the ground? If you’re looking for something more traditional, The Rose Pavilion Gardens is one of WA’s most exquisite and prestigious wedding venues. The gorgeous scenery will give your wedding a classic feel and something for your guests to talk about for years to come! There’s so many options that this handy online guide will really help you narrow it down!

5. Exmouth

Exmouth is truly an extraordinary place which will make for an extraordinary wedding! You can have a stunning relaxed beach ceremony or use the Novotel Ningaloo Resort as a venue
The Novotel has great facilities and you can check out their wedding gallery here. The stunning surrounds and natural beauty of the area will also make for a spectacular honeymoon – perhaps even taking a swim with the whale sharks!

With these fantastic destinations and venues, it’s impossible to go wrong! All you need to do is choose a destination which reflects you as a couple and will help start your future as husband and wife on the right foot!
Find out more about how we can help with your wedding planning and getting your guests around click here!

WA’s Top 10 Country Pubs

WA’s Top 10 Country Pubs 300 168 James Turner

Is there anything better than the relaxed atmosphere of a country pub? With a drink in your hand and your friends by your side, a visit to a country pub can makes for a great night out, or a perfect break from road tripping!

In WA, we are blessed with the vast number of country pubs, each one unique and full of character. We’ve found our top ten country pubs in WA which you will definitely find charming and friendly!

Bootenal Family Tavern – Geraldton

If you’re looking for a pub with a twist the Bootenal Family Tavern located in Geraldton is definitely the one for you!

Not only is it one of the best sources of stand-up comedy, it also provides a great atmosphere for you and your family with a beautiful garden which is perfect for listening to live music. And if you’re sick of listening and want to be part of the action, the second Sunday of every month there’s a jam session where everyone is welcome to participate!

Sometimes when you’re road tripping the best thing you can do is have a break, a meal and a laugh!

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Spencers Brook Tavern – Spencers Brook

Built in 1884 by local pioneer Thomas Wilding, this tavern is one of the best if you’re looking for a quiet night with great hearty food, they do a great Sunday roast! Check out the wonderful beer garden, shaded by Flooded Gum Trees and nearby the Spencers Brook. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking!

This Tavern is a very popular stop off point for tourists and day trippers exploring the Avon Valley because of its close proximity to Perth.

They don’t have a website, but this is the Facebook page!

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Diver’s Tavern – Broome

Appealing to both locals and tourists, the Diver’s Tavern is perfect for anyone! It’s located within the tourist district of Cable Beach and provides a spectacular view of one of the world’s best beaches! What could be any better than that? It also comes equipped with plasma screen TVs, all the latest sporting fixtures and the regular live entertainment.

It’s air conditioned throughout – so the perfect place to cool off if you need a break from driving! There’s friendly staff, great food and did we mention the view? Had to be on our list!

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Northam Tavern – Northam

The Northam Tavern was built in 1871 and has gained the reputation of becoming one of the town’s favourite pubs! It also made our top ten list too!

They also have a drive through to pick up some refreshments for later on, and even a function room!

The restaurant is called “Northam on Fitzgerald” which is has excellent food and friendly service, with heaps of meal deals and some great Aussie pub food.

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Jennacubbine Tavern – Jennacubbine

Best known for its succulent steaks and delicious salad bar, the Jennacubbine Tavern is a definitely the place for a great night out if your in the area!

This tavern was built in 1902 by Archie Sydney Webb and has grown into a much loved establishment with friendly service, great dining rooms, outdoor seating and a beautiful garden. Visit them for a refreshing ice cold beer on tap – only for the passengers!

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Albany Hotel – Albany

The Albany Hotel provides you with a great atmosphere filled with endless chatting and laughing! Conveniently located within the centre of town, by visiting this fantastic tavern you’re guaranteed a night full of generous food servings and a great selection of beer on tap. The staff are helpful and attentive to any of your needs.

They claim to be the oldest hotel in WA, built in 1835 and have 2 bars, TAB and pool tables. Great for a nice break from road tripping!

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Grace’s Tavern – Exmouth

For whatever you have planned for your night out, Grace’s Tavern can look after you! They serve both lunch and dinner for great prices and have state of the art air conditioning and entertainment system so you can easily relax.

Great food, great staff and the location – how could you go wrong? They even do breakfast and happily cater for vegetarians.

Come down and grace everyone with your presence next time you’re in Exmouth!

Check out their Facebook page!

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Judd’s Pub – Kalgoorlie

Judd’s Pub is upstairs at the Kalgoorlie Hotel and definitely one of the best places to be on a Friday night when you’re in Kalgoorlie! Not only is it a fun place for both locals and tourists to meet, Judd’s also offer’s regular live music featuring the best live bands in the area!

The restaurant offers some great quality food at affordable prices, including daily meal deals. There’s no shortage of pubs in Kal, but this one gets our tick of approval!

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Gilgai Tavern – Kalbarri

The Gilgai Tavern prides itself on friendly and personal experience to ensure that all patrons leave with a smile on their faces. They also ensure that that their beer system is always well maintained so there’s always a cold drop! With their tasty food and relaxed atmosphere which keep the locals coming back, the Gilgai Tavern will ensure that your time in Kalbarri is happy and memorable.

Check out their Facebook Page!

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Settler’s Tavern – Margaret River

Rub shoulders with winemakers, families, locals, surfers and tourists alike at this busy pub in Margaret River. The Tavern serves its full menu all day, every day inside or outside in the heated beer gardens. Great Aussie pub food is plentiful here, so it’s a great place to re-fuel the stomach!

Wine lovers can also find something interesting from the award winning wine list with many local wines available by the glass as well as featuring esoteric and harder to find wines. After all – you are in Margaret River, WA’s most popular wine region!

If you’re in town on Friday and Saturday nights the Tavern transforms into a top entertainment venue and has played host to numerous local, national and international artists. The Sunday Session lives on here with live blues/roots every week boasting a family friendly atmosphere.

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These pubs are all very friendly and charming which will make sure that your night out will certainly be one to remember! Stop by our Facebook page and let us know where your favourite country pubs are!

Facing Your Fears

Facing Your Fears 1024 799 James Turner

Here’s some photos of owner Greg Balla on a Skydiving expedition recently!
Greg has a huge fear of heights and to try and overcome his fear, he embarked on a skydiving trip. Looks like he ended up having a blast!

Corporate Christmas Functions

Corporate Christmas Functions 449 299 James Turner

Have you been put in charge of arranging your work Christmas function? It’s such a big task! Co-ordinating the venue, the guest list, the menus, and the whole time meeting staff expectations AND the bosses budgets! We do not envy you at all. But did you know your official workplace functions are covered by the same rules as your regular workplace? It’s called Vicarious Lioability.

The following is a quote from Workplace OHS on your potential obligations:

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Employers also have responsibilities to ensure the safety of all employees at work-related Christmas functions by taking steps to prevent inappropriate conduct, including:

• ensuring responsible service and consumption of alcohol, together with appropriate quantities of food and non-alcoholic beverages
• having a code of conduct and drug and alcohol policy in place prior to Christmas functions, and reminding employees of those policies before the function
• training employees and managers in relation to the standard of conduct required at work functions
• making appropriate transport arrangements if alcoholic beverages are served
• having appropriate monitoring and supervision at the party
• having a complaints process
• taking appropriate and timely action if issues arise.

You can read the full article here.

Sorry if we just increased your stress levels – but it’s much better to plan ahead and try to avoid any mishaps!

That’s where we come in. We have done this all before, and our team of police cleared, fully licensed drivers can transport your team safely to and from staff funcitons so that there’s a diminished risk to their safety and your responsibilities as an employer are being met.

More info on our Corporate Services.

Call us now for a quote – or use our online booking form

Other Helpful links:

Australian Business Lawyers article

Vicarious Liability article – Australian Human Rights Comission

The best things in life are free these school holidays

The best things in life are free these school holidays 829 378 James Turner

They say that ‘the best things in life are free’, and this couldn’t be more true when it comes to organising fun activities to get your kids out of the house! Take a look at these free attractions to keep your kids entertained these school holidays.

The Synergy Parkland is a recreation area on the Western side of Kings Park. The playground is particularly suitable for children over six years with a 75m long elevated walkway, island forts, large-scale replicas Australian mammals and picnic areas.

The Herdsman Wildlife Centre is a great place to visit on a rainy day – or any other day really, the kids will love it! Signage requests a gold coin donation on entry, but apart from this, the Herdsman Wildlife Centre is free. There are lots of educational interactive displays, beautiful aquariums and viewing platforms overlooking the lake area.

Geocaching is like a treasure hunt – using GPS technology you can find little hidden treasures all over Perth and WA! This is a great way to get the kids out enjoying nature using a free smart phone app. To find out more about Geocaching or to create a free account go to www.geocaching.com.

Stuck in the house on a rainy day? Check out your local shopping centre for free activities and special guest appearances! Karrinyup’s Disney themed holiday programs include a Frozen themed ice-skating rink and a Disney Planes inflatable bouncing castle. Kids can also get a photo with Queen Elsa and Princess Anna! Check out your local shopping centre for more free holiday programs.

Keeping the kids out of the house during the school holidays doesn’t have to be expensive! Get the kids out and explore the best free activities that Perth has to offer.

By HorizonsWest|July 14th, 2015|Horizon|Comments Off on The best things in life are free these school holidays.

Welcome To The Team!

Welcome To The Team! 783 495 James Turner

Ali Ahsan – Human Resources Officer

We welcome 30yr old Ali to our team here at Horizons West who comes to us with a wealth of knowledge and experience in Human Resources & Marketing. Ali’s passion is to successfully implement the right systems that create a positive work environment and give staff the job satisfaction and success they deserve. He has quickly become a valuable member of our team and we welcome all his expertise and warm friendly nature.

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TayyabArif – Business Development Officer

Tayyab is that rare person who just has the whole package – intelligent, passionate, driven and a great sense of humour. We are so fortunate to have him come join our team as he helps us create, design and improve on all of our Company Policies & Procedures. Safety is paramount in our industry and with a solid OH&S background and a vision for creating systems & policies that capture the importance of safety and management, he is quickly making some profound improvements within our Company.

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It’s The Freo Express 1 Year Anniversary!

It’s The Freo Express 1 Year Anniversary! 540 720 James Turner

Remember the excitement this time last year as our Freo boys made history by getting into the Grand Final? Looks like we could do it again!

The Freo Express is celebrating it’s 1st anniversary, and we’re wondering if  (finger’s crossed) we’ll be heading back across the Nullabor to watch them in the Grand Final.           

This weekend our beloved Dockers play Port Adelaide for fourth, and could be well on their way! Who wants to board the #FreoExpress?

Last year, our little trip reached over 2 million people nationally and received coverage on channel 9’s Today Show, press and online platforms. It was way more than transport to Melbourne, it was an Experience of the #FreoExpress, which made us change our motto – Horizons West, A Moving Experience.

Our New Headquarters

Our New Headquarters 1059 400 James Turner

Our goal at Horizons West is to bring you a moving experience. But we realized for that to happen we had to move ourselves!

We have just finished construction on our brand new headquarters in Welshpool. The bigger space means we can have more buses to take you further and farther.

Our brand new yard is at 105-111 Ewing St Welshpool.

We are all settled in to our new space now but check out how the construction developed here!