Latest news with #CarrieWilliams
Sydney Morning Herald
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
The verdict on Hamilton Island's first new hotel in 18 years
Designer Carrie Williams, an island resident herself, has reimagined the rooms with a swirl of organic materials, soft curves and coastal tones from nautical blue to sandy beige. The '80s block, freshened with a minor facelift and new coat of peach and white, leans into its retro roots with a Palm Springs aesthetic that plays well with vibrant contemporary artworks by First Nations and Hungarian artist Tiarna Herczeg. Newly landscaped terraced gardens flank the path down to the pool and restaurant – it will flourish into a mini rainforest soon enough. Greenery also factors prominently in Catseye Pool Club, thanks to yawning bi-fold doors that open to a lush lawn, and a long indoor planter dissecting the dining room with a burst of tropical plants. Outside, there's no shortage of sage-hued tables, cabana lounges and umbrella-shaded daybeds for those keen to test the poolside table service. The room Its 59 rooms are split over three levels, and while rooms are more or less identical, there are two main categories: balcony or terrace. I'm staying in a ground-floor terrace room, which can double as a connecting family room and includes an additional single bed at the foot of my king. A private terrace features a lounge, dining table and views of the big blue beyond. Now the fun part – rooms are designed with women in mind (gasp!). Mirrors are enormous and backlit, with two additional Hollywood-style bulbs in the ensuite (I can see every pore!), the vanity bench is double-sized, and oh, the hooks! By my count, eight. Brilliant. The pièce de résistance is a beautiful, giant egg-shaped bath (soaking salts included) with a sliding privacy screen (for optional TV-watching, we assume). The kitchenette is small but mighty, with a microwave, Nespresso machine, kettle and mini-fridge. A mini-bar has the kids (and big kids) covered, with no-sugar lollies and The Everleigh Bottling Co cocktails. You can order breakfast in bed via a TV menu QR-code (though my order doesn't go through on the first attempt). Over-packers are also well catered for with a wardrobe and long suitcase rack with built-in shoe storage drawers; twin yoga mats stashed in the closet are a nice touch. Food + drink Don't fight it – you'll be spending a lot of time by the pool, eating highly addictive souvas (souvlaki stuffed with grilled chicken or Berrima octopus, and stacked with salad, garlic yoghurt and crunchy fries), possibly while sipping a frosty Miami Vice slushy supercharged with rosella, condensed milk and fresh dragon fruit from the impressive native ingredient-driven cocktail list. On the days chef Niland isn't island-side doing his monthly check-ins, you're in good hands with head chef Brad Johnston, who trained under him at Saint Peter. The menu is kid-proof in concept – items like wood-fired pizza bread and wild fish tacos are served deconstructed for fussy eaters, and mains come packaged with a generous assortment of sides to streamline the task of ordering. The seafood is excellent (not exactly a shocker), but non-seafood dishes like whole roast chook with crunchy chicken fat potatoes are among the surprise standouts. In a trend that's catching on at many sustainably focused stays, breakfast is à la carte (meaning less waste). The kitchen's freshly baked croissants are already causing a stir on the island – it has management plotting moves to adopt the same exacting pastry-making approach at other venues. Out + about Watersports gear is free at neighbouring Beach Hut. And while restaurants, bars, retail outlets and scenic hikes abound, it's a great launchpad for some unique off-island experiences. The Journey to the Heart Tour, exclusive to island guests, whisks groups of up to six via helicopter to a private pontoon helipad near the iconic Heart Reef where you can explore the lagoon James Bond-style in glass-bottomed boat, snorkel with turtles and tropical fish, and sip champagne. A new cultural tour by local Ngaro man Robbie Congoo whisks you to Hook Island aboard a luxurious 55-foot motor yacht to view some of the oldest rock paintings and stone quarries in Eastern Australia. The verdict The Sundays might be for families, but with its star restaurant and stylishly luxe rooms, there's a case to be mounted that a stay here is a good idea regardless of parental status. While the Nilands won't be making a Whitsundays sea change anytime soon, their deep involvement in the venue has generated plenty of excitement among staff and visitors. Enough to coax kid-averse holidaymakers into its very stylish, family-friendly dining room? Absolutely. Essentials Our rating out of five ★★★★ Highlight Guests can exchange 'Mer-money' gold coins, deposited in rooms daily, for a free Sundays sundae between 2.30pm-4pm each day from a poolside cart. Cute. Lowlight Our beach-facing glass doors are soundproofed with black-out blinds – unfortunately, the entrance door lets in hallway noise and light via a transom window, with no recourse.
The Age
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Age
The verdict on Hamilton Island's first new hotel in 18 years
Designer Carrie Williams, an island resident herself, has reimagined the rooms with a swirl of organic materials, soft curves and coastal tones from nautical blue to sandy beige. The '80s block, freshened with a minor facelift and new coat of peach and white, leans into its retro roots with a Palm Springs aesthetic that plays well with vibrant contemporary artworks by First Nations and Hungarian artist Tiarna Herczeg. Newly landscaped terraced gardens flank the path down to the pool and restaurant – it will flourish into a mini rainforest soon enough. Greenery also factors prominently in Catseye Pool Club, thanks to yawning bi-fold doors that open to a lush lawn, and a long indoor planter dissecting the dining room with a burst of tropical plants. Outside, there's no shortage of sage-hued tables, cabana lounges and umbrella-shaded daybeds for those keen to test the poolside table service. The room Its 59 rooms are split over three levels, and while rooms are more or less identical, there are two main categories: balcony or terrace. I'm staying in a ground-floor terrace room, which can double as a connecting family room and includes an additional single bed at the foot of my king. A private terrace features a lounge, dining table and views of the big blue beyond. Now the fun part – rooms are designed with women in mind (gasp!). Mirrors are enormous and backlit, with two additional Hollywood-style bulbs in the ensuite (I can see every pore!), the vanity bench is double-sized, and oh, the hooks! By my count, eight. Brilliant. The pièce de résistance is a beautiful, giant egg-shaped bath (soaking salts included) with a sliding privacy screen (for optional TV-watching, we assume). The kitchenette is small but mighty, with a microwave, Nespresso machine, kettle and mini-fridge. A mini-bar has the kids (and big kids) covered, with no-sugar lollies and The Everleigh Bottling Co cocktails. You can order breakfast in bed via a TV menu QR-code (though my order doesn't go through on the first attempt). Over-packers are also well catered for with a wardrobe and long suitcase rack with built-in shoe storage drawers; twin yoga mats stashed in the closet are a nice touch. Food + drink Don't fight it – you'll be spending a lot of time by the pool, eating highly addictive souvas (souvlaki stuffed with grilled chicken or Berrima octopus, and stacked with salad, garlic yoghurt and crunchy fries), possibly while sipping a frosty Miami Vice slushy supercharged with rosella, condensed milk and fresh dragon fruit from the impressive native ingredient-driven cocktail list. On the days chef Niland isn't island-side doing his monthly check-ins, you're in good hands with head chef Brad Johnston, who trained under him at Saint Peter. The menu is kid-proof in concept – items like wood-fired pizza bread and wild fish tacos are served deconstructed for fussy eaters, and mains come packaged with a generous assortment of sides to streamline the task of ordering. The seafood is excellent (not exactly a shocker), but non-seafood dishes like whole roast chook with crunchy chicken fat potatoes are among the surprise standouts. In a trend that's catching on at many sustainably focused stays, breakfast is à la carte (meaning less waste). The kitchen's freshly baked croissants are already causing a stir on the island – it has management plotting moves to adopt the same exacting pastry-making approach at other venues. Out + about Watersports gear is free at neighbouring Beach Hut. And while restaurants, bars, retail outlets and scenic hikes abound, it's a great launchpad for some unique off-island experiences. The Journey to the Heart Tour, exclusive to island guests, whisks groups of up to six via helicopter to a private pontoon helipad near the iconic Heart Reef where you can explore the lagoon James Bond-style in glass-bottomed boat, snorkel with turtles and tropical fish, and sip champagne. A new cultural tour by local Ngaro man Robbie Congoo whisks you to Hook Island aboard a luxurious 55-foot motor yacht to view some of the oldest rock paintings and stone quarries in Eastern Australia. The verdict The Sundays might be for families, but with its star restaurant and stylishly luxe rooms, there's a case to be mounted that a stay here is a good idea regardless of parental status. While the Nilands won't be making a Whitsundays sea change anytime soon, their deep involvement in the venue has generated plenty of excitement among staff and visitors. Enough to coax kid-averse holidaymakers into its very stylish, family-friendly dining room? Absolutely. Essentials Our rating out of five ★★★★ Highlight Guests can exchange 'Mer-money' gold coins, deposited in rooms daily, for a free Sundays sundae between 2.30pm-4pm each day from a poolside cart. Cute. Lowlight Our beach-facing glass doors are soundproofed with black-out blinds – unfortunately, the entrance door lets in hallway noise and light via a transom window, with no recourse.
Hospitality Net
26-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Carrie Williams has been appointed General Manager at Aspen Meadows Resort
Salamander Collection has appointed Carrie Williams as the new general manager of Aspen Meadows Resort. A hospitality and operations professional who has called the Aspen area home for 20 years, Williams will assume the role on June 14. The AAA Four Diamond-rated resort, which attracts visitors, families and corporate retreats from around the world, recently completed a comprehensive renovation of its spacious guest accommodations and stylish reception and opened its acclaimed new restaurant West End Social. Williams currently serves as managing director of operations and facilities for the Aspen Institute, which owns Aspen Meadows. Since 2020 she has served as a strong liaison for the resort helping driving capital projects, leading sustainability and key housing initiatives, and completing a variety of renovation projects. Managed by Salamander Collection, which was founded by Sheila Johnson, Aspen Meadows features 98 suites and is located on 40 beautiful acres surrounded by picturesque mountain views. A secluded sanctuary, the resort is the original home of the Aspen Institute and brings Aspen's past and present to life with unique art and history alongside ample access to the outdoors and mountain recreation. Throughout the year, Aspen Meadows hosts the Institute's famed array of programming, including the Aspen Ideas Festival. Prior to joining the Aspen Institute in 2020, Williams was director of operations at The Limelight Hotel in Aspen and held various leadership roles at The Little Nell, where she developed a deep appreciation for exceptional food and wine paired with warm, attentive service. Originally from Pennsylvania, she is a passionate animal lover, enjoys fine food and wine, and discovering new flavors and experiences wherever she goes. Away from her desk, you'll find her traveling abroad, fishing, or diving.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
OHS extends deadlines for child care programs seeking accreditation
Oklahoma's child care providers tasked with meeting new 5-star accreditation rules will now have more time to meet those requirements. Oklahoma Human Services and the Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness collaborated to revise emergency rules, extend deadlines and support accreditation for child care centers across the state, according to a joint press release from the agencies. Revised child care emergency rules, released by OHS in 2023, required 'all 5-star child care programs to obtain accreditation from a nationally recognized accrediting organization approved by Child Care Services at Oklahoma Human Services in order to maintain their current quality rating,' the release reads. The updates made by OHS and OPSR are part of a plan to strengthen the infrastructure of early child care and to support providers to meet the elevated standards, the release said. The changes include OHS reopening the submission portal and extending the deadline to June 20 for licensed providers who are submitting proof of application for accreditation or achieved accreditation. Providers who can't meet the Sept. 1 deadline 'for full national accreditation may request an extension in writing,' the release said, and those extensions must be submitted no later than Sept. 12. For providers showing 'substantial and verifiable progress toward accreditation,' an extension will be granted through Dec. 31. Providers who demonstrate they have 'completed all necessary steps toward accreditation' could receive an additional extension to Dec. 31, pending the accrediting body's final decision. Federal funds of $500,000 from the Preschool Development Grant will also be used to help programs working toward accreditation. The funding will cover self-study kits and accreditation-related materials, and offer hands-on support through regional Child Care Resource and Referral offices. 'We're committed to ensuring Oklahoma children receive the highest quality care,' said Jaesha Quarrels, director of child care services for OHS. 'National accreditation is the gold standard, and these new supports and adjusted timelines will help providers meet that goal while keeping our child care system strong.' Carrie Williams, executive director of OPSR, said the agency is proud to offer support to providers through the Preschool Development Grant. 'By partnering with Oklahoma Human Services and the Legislature, we've created new, realistic options for providers committed to reaching national accreditation,' Williams said. The grant may help child care providers across the state, who lost federal pandemic funding for their programs in September 2024. But new emergency subsidized child care rules set in place by OHS last year have caused a mixed bag of problems. 'In 2022, only about 300 facilities in the state were able to reach the highest star level, which at the time required national accreditation. Smaller providers say accreditation is too costly and time-consuming, so many were stuck at the mid-tier reimbursement rates,' according to a March article by The Frontier. The new five-star Quality Rating and Improvement System – previously a three-star rating system – helped give child care centers alternate pathways to achieve accreditation and program incentives. 'Within two years, about 1,000 child care facilities were newly rated at the highest level, according to agency data,' The Frontier reported. But a jump in child care facilities drove up rates for families seeking subsidized child care, prompting OHS to roll out emergency rules to 'reduce the number of families eligible to receive the child care subsidy and make it easier to lower provider's star ratings, as well as bring back national accreditation requirements for the highest star levels,' The Frontier reported. The new emergency subsidy rules drew criticism from the public and caused financial and staffing concerns for child care providers. In January, OHS revised the emergency rules again – ultimately not changing the subsidy eligibility rules, but once again requiring national accreditation, The Frontier reported. The extended deadlines are meant to help providers maintain national accreditation while still following OHS' Child Care revised rules, which go into effect this year.
Business Wire
22-04-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
American Water Charitable Foundation Awards Over $1.5 Million through 2025 Water and Environment Grant Program
BUSINESS WIRE)--The American Water Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic non-profit organization established by American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., announced on Earth Day, that it awarded a combined total of $1,650,510 to 79 organizations in 12 states, supporting communities served by American Water through the 2025 Water and Environment Grant Program. 'The American Water Charitable Foundation is proud to support projects and programs focused on clean water, conservation, environmental education and water-based recreation across American Water's national footprint,' said Carrie Williams, President, AWCF. 'Shirley Heinze Land Trust is proud to partner with the American Water Charitable Foundation as a 2025 Water and Environment grant recipient, focusing on improving our Ivanhoe South Community Development and Education Initiative in the City of Gary, Ind.,' said Kristopher Krouse, Executive Director, Shirley Heinze Land Trust. 'Funding will help improve walkability, safety, create a gathering space, as well as engagement programming at the Ivanhoe South Nature Preserve, a globally rare dune-and-swale habitat. We are grateful for this phenomenal support from the American Water Charitable Foundation, in collaboration with Indiana American Water, to make Ivanhoe South a community asset to be proud of, improve overall quality of life, and make this significant land and water resource relevant to surrounding communities.' Grant recipients positively impact communities served by American Water's regulated subsidiaries in California, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. Regional events to celebrate local efforts are forthcoming. 'The American Water Charitable Foundation is proud to support projects and programs focused on clean water, conservation, environmental education and water-based recreation across American Water's national footprint,' said Carrie Williams, President, American Water Charitable Foundation. "The Water and Environment Grant Program allows us to continue focusing on our core passion of water while engaging community members in learning how every drop counts." The Water and Environment grant is part of the Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program, which focuses on three pillars of giving: Water, People and Communities. Due to the volume of grant applications received, each application was evaluated on a competitive basis. The Foundation strives to fund programs with a strong impact and measurable outcomes within its funding priorities. Learn more about the American Water Charitable Foundation and the 2025 Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program here. About American Water American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water's 6,700 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company's national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders. For more information, visit and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram. About American Water Charitable Foundation The American Water Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic non-profit organization established by American Water (NYSE: AWK), focuses on three pillars of giving: Water, People, and Communities. Since 2012, the Foundation has invested more than $20 million in funding through grants and matching gifts to support eligible organizations in communities served by American Water. The Foundation is funded by American Water shareholders and has no impact on customer rates. For more information, visit
