Hotel manager thankful for military in Rockhampton
MATT Cook thinks the Singapore Army exercises are good for the both the region's soul, and back pocket.
The Regent Hotel manager said whilst the Singaporeans rarely stay in the hotel, Australian officers who facilitate the military exercises for foreign troops make up a large percentage of his patronage.
Matt said out of the 49 rooms available, many were booked long term by army personnel.
"The Australian Army contingent is here until at least November...they have days off, they use the facilities around town, they buy dinner, they do their shopping, and they are continuously here," he said.
"They are not going home on weekends.
"They have actually made Rockhampton their home, and they become part of the fabric of our community."
Matt said he would like the community to hold an event to celebrate the military for their involvement in the region.
"They get left to their own devices to find their own entertainment, and I think the town needs to say thank you in a way for the financial injection they give us," he said.
"It would be nice for us to give back."
See more in Monday's The Morning Bulletin.
Source: The Morning Bulletin, Trinette Stevens, 17th October 2015
Originally published as: Hotel manager thankful for military in Rockhampton
