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Silversea bookkeeper jailed

FORMER Silversea Cruises bookkeeper Mary Ann Abellanoza was slapped with an eight-year prison sentence in the NSW District Court last month, after being convicted of defrauding the cruise operator of $3.7 million.

Abellanoza worked at Silversea’s Australian office in Sydney from 2014 to 2018, with the court hearing she made 236 fraudulent payments into seven bank accounts during the period.

She pleaded guilty to four charges of “dishonestly obtaining a financial benefit by deception,” as well as further charges of “dealing with the proceeds of crime” in relation to the laundering of the funds through poker machines.

Residents protest Yarra Bay

More than 1,000 protesters gathered at the Yarra Bay Sailing Club in November to rally against the proposed development of a $500 million cruise terminal at the site.

Organised by The Save the Bay Coalition, the protest saw politicians in attendance, with the Federal Member for Kingsford Smith Matt Thistlethwaite calling on Prime Minister Scott Morrison to squash the proposal.

Putting across the Government’s case was acting CEO of the Port of Authority of NSW Philip Holliday, who attempted to assure protestors their concerns were being taken seriously. “There has been some criticism that we have not yet provided any answers, however, that is because we are still working to ensure we have all the questions,” he said.

CLIA LIVE heads to the Gold Coast

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia announced plans to expand its CLIA LIVE training program in 2020, introducing the event on the Gold Coast for the first time.

The two-day program, themed “The Guest Experience” for 2020, gives agents the chance to learn more about ocean, river and expedition cruises, while developing a detailed understanding of the different cruise lines and how to match clients with the experience that will best suit them.

CLIA LIVE training will also be held in Perth, Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Auckland.

 

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