SKYCITY joins Women in Gaming Australasia

SKYCITY joins Women in Gaming Australasia

As part of its ongoing focus on diversity and inclusion, SKYCITY has signed as a Platinum Partner of Women in Gaming Australasia (WGA), broadening the industry body’s reach to New Zealand, Adelaide and Darwin.

SKYCITY joins Women in Gaming AustralasiaThe industry-for-industry body is dedicated to empowering women working in, or looking to work in, the thriving and fast-paced gaming industry in Australasia. This includes work that removes barriers and increases opportunities for the advancement of women in the industry, all of which aligns strongly with SKYCITY’s values, says Claire Walker, SKYCITY Group General Manager Human Resources.

“At SKYCITY our focus on diversity and inclusion is not only about doing what’s right, but also about reflecting the diversity of our customers and community, and a recognition that diversity is a sustainable competitive advantage in the long term,” says Walker.

SKYCITY Hamilton General Manager, Michelle Baillie, was selected by SKYCITY to represent the company on the Board of WGA, bringing with her 24 years’ operational and senior management experience in the industry.

“Our industry has evolved over the years in many ways, but we still need to see more women, and more diversity, in senior roles. It makes sense to be working together to develop solutions that will see us all moving forward on this journey as an industry. I’m really looking forward to playing a part in driving that change,” says Baillie.

SKYCITY has committed to a three-year partnership, and is the fifth partner of WGA, joining The Star Entertainment Group, Aristocrat, Crown Resorts and ALH Group.

“I’m thrilled to have SKYCITY join WGA. Their commitment assists WGA to unite the industry in identifying and removing barriers for the advancement of women. There is no silver bullet to gender equality; it requires persistent action by individuals and organisations to create equitable outcomes.  Having SKYCITY join WGA helps the momentum grow to create lasting change in the gaming industry,” says Helen Galloway, Chief Executive Officer of WGA.

SKYCITY Entertainment Group is New Zealand’s largest tourism, leisure and entertainment company, employing 6500 people, and operating sites in Auckland, Hamilton, Queenstown, Adelaide and Darwin.

Rebecca Foote
Senior Communications Advisor
SKYCITY Entertainment Group
M: 021 389 150
E: [email protected]

About Michelle Baillie

Michelle has more than 24 years’ experience in the casino and hospitality industries in New Zealand and has held various senior managerial roles within SKYCITY, predominantly in casino operations but also in hotel operations and project management positions.
Michelle was appointed General Manager SKYCITY Queenstown in May 2008 and was responsible for successfully incorporating the SKYCITY Wharf Casino business into the existing SKYCITY Queenstown Casino business in July 2013. Michelle relocated to Hamilton in April 2014 to take up the position of General Manager SKYCITY Hamilton and has overseen several positive changes to the Hamilton business.
Michelle has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Philosophy from the University of Canterbury. She was a Board member of the Queenstown Chamber of Commerce from 2012 – 2013 and was on the Executive Committee of the Hamilton Central Business Association from 2015 – 2016.

About SKYCITY Entertainment Group

SKYCITY Entertainment Group is New Zealand’s largest tourism, leisure and entertainment company with an iconic status and is listed in both New Zealand and Australia.
As one of only three publicly listed casino operators in Australasia, SKYCITY operates integrated entertainment complexes in New Zealand (Auckland, Hamilton and Queenstown) and Australia (Adelaide and Darwin). In addition to its contemporary casino gaming facilities at each of the complexes, SKYCITY also offers world-class restaurants, bars and conference facilities which appeal to both domestic and international visitors alike. Additionally, SKYCITY operates award-winning hotel accommodation in Auckland and Darwin.