By Lisa Studdert

My Hyatt Hotel Canberra story comes from 1990, my first year here as a young APS ‘grad’ and rushing down one very cool October night to wait outside on the ‘word’ Nelson Mandela (pictured) was arriving. He had only recently been released from Robin Island prison and was coming to Australia to say thank you for the years of anti-apartheid support. There was a small group of us, in the dark, waiting on the side of the entrance, and indeed he did arrive and come over to say hello.

By Narelle Fox

One evening I was enjoying a lovely glass of wine when a famous Australian musician came in and started entertaining us all by playing the piano and singing. It was Delta Goodrem. I had so much fun made wonderful friends and it is a night I will always remember -in the most magical of locations.

By Narelle Lambie

I was the Sales and Banquet Manager from 1989 to 1999.During this time I had the privilege of meeting some truly amazing high-profile celebrities and local dignitaries. I remember taking Afternoon Tea with Whoopi Goldberg and organized Johnny Cash’s 63 birthday. On one occasion the hotel was sent into a flurry when the Crown Prince of Spain snuck away from his security and was found enjoying some peace and quiet in the Tea Lounge. We organized many fundraising balls and hosted too many VIPs to recount.

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