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Meet Harry Johnston: The Wizard Behind the AV Curtain

Hailing from the scenic landscapes of Tasmania, Australia, Harry Johnston is not just your average Audio Visual specialist; he’s a seasoned multi-instrumentalist with a passion for creating unforgettable experiences.

With a background in musical theatre and a strong presence in Launceston’s live music scene, Harry has seamlessly transitioned into the world of audio engineering. Over the past 1.5 years, he has brought his expertise to Complete Function Hire, ensuring that Melbourne’s events are not just occasions but extraordinary memories waiting to happen.

Armed with a Certificate 3 and 4 and a Bachelor’s degree in sound production and audio engineering, Harry is not just a tech enthusiast; he’s a maestro orchestrating the symphony of sights and sounds that elevate every event. Whether he’s working with the University of Tasmania, Scotch Oakburn College, or a private client, Harry’s commitment to excellence is unwavering.

Expect nothing less than service with a smile from Harry Johnston, your go-to Audio Engineer at Complete Function Hire. Because when it comes to events, ‘tech probs’ are simply not an option.

The Magic Ingredient

In Harry’s world, crafting memorable events is an art form. It’s about immersing attendees in a world of wonder and excitement, where every detail contributes to the magic. His mission involves investing in top-of-the-line equipment, tailoring content to the event’s theme and creating interactive elements that engage and connect the audience. Behind the scenes, Harry ensures seamless integration of audio-visual components, orchestrating every detail with meticulous attention. His goal? To evoke emotions and create unforgettable moments that linger in the hearts of those who experience the event.

Career Highlight

Harry recalls his time as the sound and lighting technician for Scotch Oakburn College’s production of “Avenue Q.” It wasn’t just another project; it was a comprehensive role where Harry played a pivotal part in shaping the atmosphere and impact of the production. The seamless integration of sound and lighting, technical expertise and the memorable outcome of captivating performances made it a project close to his heart.

Personal Passion

Beyond the world of AV wonders, Harry unveils his personal passions – songwriting, rock climbing and AFL. Songwriting serves as his creative outlet, allowing him to express emotions through music. Weekends are for conquering new heights, both on the rock-climbing wall and cheering on the West Coast Eagles during AFL games. These hobbies provide a well-rounded balance of creativity, adventure and community engagement outside his professional endeavours.

Complete Customer Service

For Harry, great customer service is about active listening, open communication and personalised attention. He deeply understands clients’ needs, ensuring transparency and collaboration at every step. Meticulous attention to detail, flexibility and adaptability are the keys to aligning every aspect of the event with the client’s vision. Proactively addressing potential issues and a commitment to post-event follow-up showcase Harry’s dedication to ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience for all involved.

In Harry Johnston, Complete Function Hire has not just gained an Audio Visual specialist; we’ve welcomed an artist, an adventurer and a dedicated professional committed to making every event exceptional. Get ready to experience the magic with Harry as your guide through the world of audio-visual wonders!

Contact our experienced team today to enquire about our new audio-visual equipment and specialist AV services for hire.

Images: The Engagement Music.

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Take Your Picnic To The Next Level This Summer – Picnic Hire Packs

We have created convenient and cost-effective Picnic Hire Packs for those looking to take their outdoor dining experience to the next level this summer.

For groups of guests from 5 to 50, our Picnic Hire Packs are the perfect addition to special picnics for family and friends.

Starting from only $13 per person, our hire packs come with everything you need to set up a stylish picnic:

  • Crockery – side plates and entrée plates
  • Glassware – wine glasses, sparkling glasses and water tumblers
  • Cutlery – entrée forks, entrée knives, dessert spoons and cheese knives
  • Cheese board and platters
  • Ice tub with bin liner
  • Picnic cloth and linen napkins in a range of colour choices

Our COVID Safe plan is in full effect at our Port Melbourne Warehouse and we provide safe, contactless pick up (or delivery to your chosen location at an extra charge).

We can also provide a range of other items to enhance your picnic such as BBQs, bean bags, market umbrellas and so much more!

Contact our friendly team today to see how we can help create your ultimate picnic party!

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Taking Care of COVID Business – Complete Function Hire

We understand just how hard the last couple of months have been for our beloved events industry.

We are here and we are excitedly planning for our industry to make a comeback. While some of our procedures have changed, our commitment to helping make memorable moments remains the same.

Social Distancing

We welcome the Victorian Government’s latest updates and plans to reboot the hospitality and events industries. A tiered approach to group numbers has been announced, with view to venues being able to host gatherings of up to 100 guests in July or August. Social distancing is the new norm and will need to be carefully considered by venues. We can help segment your space and provide your guests with peace of mind with a range of social distancing solutions including partitions, floor decals and more.

Sanitisation & Safety

The health and safety of our team, clients and event partners is paramount to us – and always has been. We have updated our sanitisation processes as follows;

  • All cutlery and crockery is pre-washed
  • Our hire products are then double washed (at extremely hot temperatures) using commercial grade sanitisation and cleaning products
  • Our hire products are double rinsed (at extremely hot temperatures)
  • All hire products are sterilised with cutlery and crockery being sealed air tight immediately after sterilisation and hand polished by our highly trained staff
  • All staff wear gloves and are always required to wash their hands very regularly
  • Our offices and warehouse continue to be cleaned and sterilised daily

Disposable Ranges

We are excited to provide you with disposable solutions for your event needs. Speak to our friendly team of party pros to find out more about our disposable ranges including cutlery, crockery, glassware and platters.

Delivery & Collection

We have updated our delivery and collection procedures to ensure a safe and seamless process for your event hire needs as follows:

  • Our clients and event partners will be called before we leave our Warehouse and then again on arrival before entering your venue.
  • Complete Function Hire staff will wear PPE, with all of our vehicles remaining well stocked with PPE and hand sanitiser.
  • Our hire products are all cleaned and sanitised before loading, then cleaned again onsite and again on return to our Warehouse. 
  • Our truck boxes are professionally cleaned and sanitised every day.

 

We been busy hand crafting some exciting new products and getting our Warehouse in order for a busy event season ahead. Our team are here for you and we cannot wait to bring your dream event to life very soon.

For all your event hire needs, contact our team today.

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Venues We Love – The Timber Yard, Port Melbourne

The Timber Yard continues to make its mark as one of Melbourne’s most sought after venues for event planners wanting to create extraordinary experiences.

Perfectly positioned just minutes from the city, The Timber Yard features re-purposed local timber across its range of flexible spaces which can accommodate any style of event. From luxe weddings and important business events through to exciting boxing matches and festivals (and everything in between), catering up to 1,500 guests.

On this month’s “Venues we Love”, we spoke to the team to find out why events at The Timber Yard are always so epic.

Why is The Timber Yard the best place to party?

 

 

 

The Timber Yard is a landmark Melbourne venue of unprecedented size and event flexibility. With six different spaces to choose from, The Timber Yard will transform in any way you envision. We are the heart of Melbourne’s entertainment and events culture.

What kinds of events do you host at The Timber Yard?

The Timber Yard is the perfect venue choice for all manner of events.

From live music to corporate Christmas parties and everything in between, the spaces can be catered to any and every event. Whether you want a space for a black-tie gala or a backyard shindig – we host it all.

The Polished Man Gala – an inspiring charity event at The Timber Yard. Photo by Andrew Morley.

What are your team’s tips for making an event really memorable?

 

 

The most memorable events are well planned out and exceptionally executed. You want your guests to feel included and immersed in the experience; a marriage of micro and macro – a big picture filled with a million tiny details.

For stand out events of all shapes and sizes, speak to the team of party pros at The Timber Yard today. 

 

For all your event hire needs, you know who to call! Contact our passionate team today to start your planning. 

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To Cocktail Party or to Dine? Expert Advice from Professional Event Planners

Stuck on the fence about whether to host a stand-up soirée or a seated celebration? We spoke to the team of business event experts from CIS Event Management to get their top tips for event planners on which format is best for your event.

Dee Nicholas, Founder of CIS Event Management says that, “The answer to the question – to cocktail party or to dine – really depends on your event aims and audience”. Professional event managers know just how important it is to identify your event aims and audience from the outset as these things filter through every element of your event – from venue selection and menu choice to room configuration and entertainment.

The team of event planners at CIS Event Management ask their clients in-depth questions about who is attending and what the purpose of the event is – for example, it may be an awards night for top performing sales staff. In cases where there are going to be many formalities – such as speeches, awards, presentations and displays, Dee and her team recommend a seated event would be the best format.

Seated events are the best format for events with formalities.

Where the aims of your event are around mingling and networking, Dee and her team of event planners recommend a cocktail party style event format as this will provide you with a more casual forum for your guests to walk around freely and get to know each other.

Cocktail party style events should always include some furniture for your guests comfort.

Dee notes that there is a common misconception that a cocktail party event will be a cheaper alternative to a seated lunch or dinner. Event spaces and catering packages are effectively priced on duration – so if you are looking to have a 5 hour seated dinner or a 5-hour cocktail party, you still require the same amount of venue hire time, food, beverages and staff to service your event! The only instance that you could look at reducing your costs for a cocktail party event versus a seated event is when you look at a shorter duration for the cocktail party.

Cocktail party style events are best when you want your guests to mingle.

Whilst costs for table settings including linen and centrepieces are not relevant to a cocktail party – Dee and the CIS Event Management team encourages their clients to always factor in budget for cocktail party furniture (including bar trees, bar stools and a lounge area) to help fill up your chosen venue and to ensure the comfort of your guests.

CIS Event Management have been bringing business events to life for the last 13 years. Speak to their friendly team of event planners today to start your planning.

Special Offer

CIS Event Management has an AWESOME offer for event planners that like to think outside the square – book your event with them by the end of the month and choose from a range of goodies including custom event app, event photography, DJ and more! Click here to find out more.

 

The team at Complete Function Hire have been working with Melbourne’s best event planners to help bring events to life for the last 20 years. Contact our passionate team today to find out how we can help you create your dream event.

Image credits – Museum Spaces, Restaurant Associates. Photography by Stewie Donn Photography.

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Rebels Members Exclusive Promotion – WIN tickets to the Chairman’s Function

Complete Function Hire are proud sponsors of the Melbourne Rebels.

Members of the Melbourne Rebels will go  into the draw to win 3 x  tickets to the Chairman’s Function 2020.

Hire from our extensive range of furniture and equipment for your 2019 events – at your home, office or venue of choice – and receive a lucky ticket to go into the prize draw (announced 1/2/2020).

To discuss your upcoming event and place your order, contact Jamie Staton on 9699 9935 or jamie@cfhire.com

 

 

Terms:  Mention this promotion to enter the draw. Valid for Melbourne Rebels  club members only. Minimum spend $2000 excludes damage waiver and delivery costs. Delivery orders only. Winner drawn at random and drawn on 1/2/2020. Tickets are non-refundable or transferable. 

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Rebels Exclusive Corporate Hire Discount

 

 

 

 

 

Complete Function Hire are a proud sponsor of the Melbourne Rebels. Rebels corporate partners receive an exclusive 15 % discount offer when you hire* furniture and equipment for your events – at your office, home or venue of choice.

Mention this promotion to receive your exclusive offer on booking. Valid for Rebels corporate partners on orders made in 2019.

Contact Jamie Station  to find out about our extensive ranges and to place your order on 9699 9935 or jamie@cfhire.com

 

*Terms: Minimum spends apply. Valid for events held in 2019. Discount on hire items only, does not apply to delivery or damage waiver.

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Essendon Football Club Members Exclusive Offer – WIN A FREE TICKET TO THE PRESIDENTS FUNCTION

Complete Function Hire are proud Official Partners of the Essendon Football Club.

This Winter, Essendon Football Club members have a chance to WIN a lucky ticket to the Presidents Function – Essendon Vs. Western Bulldogs – August 10th at Marvel Stadium (hosted by Complete Function Hire). 

For your chance to WIN this awesome footy experience – simply place your order with Complete Function Hire (for your 2019 event) by COB Friday 2nd August. **

Complete Function Hire are a one stop shop for all your event hire needs – at your home, your office or venue of choice.

Contact our friendly team today to discuss your event today.

** Minimum spends apply. Winner drawn at random and advised on Monday 5th August. Ticket is not refundable or transferable. 

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WIN Dinner at Grossi Florentino this Winter

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are proud to work closely with Australian hospitality icon, Guy Grossi.

For your chance to win an experience at his acclaimed Florentino restaurant in Melbourne’s CBD, all you have to do is spend $2,000 or more during the winter months!

When you spend $2,000 with Complete Function Hire in June, July and August 2019, you will receive one lucky entry to our Winter competition.

The winner will be announced in September  – good luck!

For all your winter event hire needs – contact the friendly team at Complete Function Hire today.

 

 

 

 

 

 

** Terms and conditions – $2,000 spend applies to hire only, voucher to Florentino is valued at $200 and will be announced and delivered in September 2019, winner will be drawn at random. 

 

 

*

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Complete Function Hire Serving Suggestions – Expert Advice From Guy Grossi

The team at Complete Function Hire enjoys working closely with the best in the business to deliver stand out dining and event experiences all over Melbourne.

We have been honoured to work alongside Australian hospitality icon, Guy Grossi to provide furniture and equipment hire for some truly impressive events at his restaurant and special events.

Guy Grossi and his team know just how to create unforgettable dining experiences. On this month’s blog, we were privileged to interview Guy to find out about some of his favourite flavours and to get some tips on how to create the most memorable special occasions.

What are your favourite flavours of the moment?

I like simple but bold flavours. Like the simple combination of chilli and garlic or good quality olive oil to dress vegetables. I don’t think flavours need to be complicated to be good. I’m loving the produce that’s coming in at the moment as the seasons start to shift. Autumn is the time for delicious produce such as figs and mushrooms.

What will be the prominent food trends for Melbourne events in 2019?

I think it goes back to the simple philosophy, I think we are going to see lots of simple ways of eating, more rustic, home style eating with less fuss.

Events are all about sharing delicious food at the end of the day, it doesn’t need to be complicated, just tasty and abundant.

Serving suggestions – how can people entertaining at home create simple yet stylish ways to impress their guests?

 

 

 

 

 

The best way is to keep it relevant to the dish, if it’s pumpkin tortellini with sage use some fried sage leaves to garnish. You don’t want to garnish for the sake of it. Use fresh lemon if appropriate for fried items, or a simple dusting of icing sugar on a cake, that’s all that’s really needed. I think less is definitely more, let the food speak for itself, arrange it neatly on a plate without going overboard. I’m not into things arranged like a swan.

Thank you to the legendary Guy Grossi for sharing his expert advice on how to impress party guests.

 

For all your party hire needs, the passionate team at Complete Function Hire are on call to discuss your perfect event, contact us today to start your planning.