Your Hosts
Guests to Shizuka Ryokan are warmly welcomed by a number of Japanese and local hosts from a wide range of backgrounds, with their common denominator being the desire to offer a truly memorable experience which is as comfortable, relaxing and pleasant as humanly possible.
Peter McConvill has long been fascinated by Japan, its people and culture. His obsessive addiction to its cuisine is ongoing. He has visited Japan ten times since he first studied in Shizuoka Prefecture in 1975.
He has worked as Cultural Affairs Manager of the Japan Information Service, attached to the Consulate-General of Japan in Melbourne and has also consulted to bodies such as the Japan National Tourist Organization. He has appeared on television and radio programmes in Japan and has also written about Japan in “The Bulletin” newsmagazine, with one article attracting a nomination for a National Press Club journalism award.
Some years ago Peter was the guest host on "Ginza Now", perhaps best described as Japanese television’s answer to “Countdown”. He infamously performed a popular song live on the programme and thus simultaneously launched and, somewhat unintentionally, also ended his singing career - all on the same night!
In recognition of Shizuka's prominence in the local tourism industry, Peter has served as Treasurer and Public Officer of the Campaign Committee of the Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges tourism region. The peak marketing body for the area, the Committee actively promotes the region to its key markets, particularly interstate and also internationally in close liaison and collaboration with the State government agency Tourism Victoria. Peter was also appointed as an inaugural member of Hepburn Shire Council’s Tourism Advisory Committee.
Peter aims to strengthen the position of Shizuka Ryokan as a true premium destination by further enhancing its environment and ambience. And, he still hasn’t quite given up on that dream of building a karaoke room at Shizuka - in a (possibly futile) bid to resurrect what he considers to be his prematurely stalled singing career.
Margaret McConvill shares the passion for Japanese cuisine, actively participating at both extremes of the creation and consumption continuum. She also brings to Shizuka Ryokan strong administrative, organizational and management skills from her extensive tourism, hospitality and corporate background.
On her recent visit to Japan, Margaret selflessly embarked on an extensive itinerary touring some of the country’s best ryokan, placing special emphasis on studying kaiseki cuisine, Japanese interior design, horticulture and also the sensual joys of onsen and bathing. Much of that experience has since been brought to bear on the facilities and services provided at Shizuka Ryokan.
Margaret’s unrelenting sense of duty also took her to Kyoto’s Nishiki food market and to Tokyo’s Kappabashi hospitality district, the evidence of which is now being shared by guests dining from the beautiful rustic ceramics purchased exclusively for Shizuka Ryokan.
Margaret has graduated in the Diploma in Aromatherapy from the Australian College of Natural Medicine as well as obtaining a Diploma in Reflexology from Endeavour College of Natural Medicine. She has launched the wellness services at Shizuka Ryokan and is planning even more innovative services in the time to come. Additionally, Margaret holds qualifications in Remedial Massage, Reiki, Oncology Massage and is an accredited Infant Massage Instructor.
Alison Cowan was recently appointed to the newly created position of Manager.
Holder of a postgraduate Diploma of Tourism and Hospitality, Alison brings to her role strong skills in accommodation and event management. She has worked in various hospitality roles in both Melbourne and France.
A resident of Daylesford, Alison offers guests a very informed local perspective on the region's many attractions.
In her spare time, Alison enjoy yoga and she also practices as a glass artist. Her appointment at Shizuka has redoubled her desire to revisit Japan.
Amy Jayne Manning originally trained as a chef at Daylesford’s renowned Lake House, one of the very best restaurants in Victoria.
Her enthusiasm and kitchen magic contributes to make her very popular amongst both guests and colleagues alike.
Amy also deserves credit for the weekly creation of fresh ikebana flower arrangements throughout the ryokan.
Shizuka Ryokan is also fortunate to offer the hospitality of several young Japanese staff who each embody the true spirit and tradition of guest service that has endured in their homeland for centuries...
Masako Tachida originally hails from Kanazawa where her parents have a rice farm.
Following her graduation in Economics and Accounting, Masako has chosen to work with people rather than figures.
Initially, Masako worked in customer service in the hotel industry in Ishikawa prefecture.
More recently, she has been a “Wwoofer” in Noosa, exchanging skills for hands-on experience to achieve her dream of living, working and embracing the Australian culture and people and also of further developing her independence.
Masako enjoys making beautiful origami folded paper arrangements in her spare time.
Risa Ai comes from Chiba Prefecture.
Before coming to Australia, she worked as a pediatric nurse. However, since arriving from Japan, Risa has been working in various hospitality roles. Her aim is to improve her English and to enjoy experiencing Australian culture.
While she is in Australia, Risa wants to travel and scuba dive on the Barrier Reef.
Meanwhile guests and staff at Shizuka enjoy her smile and friendly manner.
Hopefully, she will find time to introduce us to the sweet bean pastries that she makes when she is at home.