Latest news with #Kuranda
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Teacher Michelle Martin sues Cairns Rudolf Steiner School over right to disconnect laws
A former primary school teacher has claimed she was unfairly sacked for allegedly raising complaints with her employer and refusing to respond outside working hours. Michelle Martin, who was a Class 1 teacher at Cairns Rudolf Steiner School in Kuranda State Forest, Queensland, filed a statement of claim in federal court in May. In it, she accused the independent school, which is also run under the name Cairns Hinterland Steiner, of unfair dismissal and has sought a payout of $780,000. Ms Martin alleged she was targeted after complaining about child safety and a person reviewing the school. She also said they insisted on contacting her during the holiday period, when she was exercising her 'right to disconnect'. Under laws launched by the Albanese government in August 2024, employees have the right to refuse employer or third-party contact outside working hours. By citing the law in her statement, Ms Martin's case is understood to be a first for Australia in referencing the new workplace rules. 'Teaching is the only profession that creates all others,' Ms Martin's legal representative Tom O'Donnell, from O'Donnell Legal, told Daily Mail Australia. 'We understand this case may help clarify how the Right to Disconnect provisions operate in practice - not just for teachers, but for all Australian workers.' In March, the Fair Work Commission heard that Ms Martin made two complaints to the school between January and March last year. She then took leave due to stress and a medical report informed the school on August 27 that discussing the prospect of not returning to work could make exacerbate it. The commission also heard that discussing potential legal consequences, negative feedback or warnings could also negatively impact her. On September 12, despite recommendations and during school holiday, the school emailed Ms Martin a letter setting out six allegations of 'management matters'. The letter told her to respond in writing by close of business in eight days, still during the holiday period. Ms Martin responded through her solicitor, pointing out that it was the school holidays and that she was receiving treatment for a medical condition. 'The response referred to the right to disconnect... and proposed a revised date,' the commission heard, but the school maintained Ms Martin was not on holiday. On October 8, Ms Martin was dismissed, 'purportedly based on (her) failure to respond to the allegations,' the commission heard. The school refuted allegations it had breached workplace rights or contraventions during the commission's hearing. Daily Mail Australia has contacted it for comment. In Ms Martin's statement of claim, filed on May 2, she argued she lost out on thousands of dollars. She claimed she would have stayed on in the role for six years, which meant she lost $730,000 in income. She also requested $50,000 for hurt and humiliation. Her claim said the refusal to extend the deadline to respond, and the decision to sack her, 'directly or indirectly prevented the applicant from exercising her right to disconnect'. 'For Ms Martin and her family, these proceedings represent her legal right to seek redress following the termination of her employment as a teacher,' Mr O'Donnell said. With legal proceedings underway, Mr O'Donnell said it would be inappropriate to comment on specific details of the case. According to the new workplace laws, a worker can legally ignore calls and texts from their boss out of hours. But it doesn't apply to emergencies, and working out what's reasonable includes the reason for making contact, how disruptive it is, the nature of someone's job and their personal circumstances including caring responsibilities.
Travel Daily News
12-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
K9 Resorts set to make Illinois debut
K9 Resorts opens first Illinois luxury pet hotel in Deerfield June 21, offering premium dog boarding, daycare, and grand opening festivities. DEERFIELD, ILL. – K9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotel, an internationally recognized and multi-award-winning luxury boarding and dog daycare franchise, is set to open its first Illinois location in Deerfield on June 21. Located at 649 Lake Cook Rd., this new best-in-class pet hotel will provide Deerfield pet parents with an exceptional boarding and daycare experience that goes well beyond standard pet services. To celebrate the initial opening, K9 Resorts in Deerfield will be hosting a grand opening event on June 21 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. The event will feature a ribbon cutting, exclusive site tours, prize giveaways, refreshments, and other festivities. K9 Resorts Deerfield is owned by Luxury Pet Hotel Investments LLC, (LPHI) the largest group of K9 Resorts franchisees. The group has announced plans to open 48 locations nationwide, including up to 11 in Southern California, 13 in Florida, and 11 across Virginia and Washington, D.C. The group plans to open up to eight locations in the greater Chicagoland area by 2029. 'We're thrilled to bring K9 Resorts to Deerfield,' said Zack Nisbet, EVP of the Chicago region for LPHI. 'Dogs are family, and we believe they deserve the same level of care and comfort we would expect for ourselves. Chicagoland dogs are going to enjoy a healthy, safe, and loving environment inside our custom-designed resort.' K9 Resorts provides five-star service at locations across the U.S. The new Deerfield resort features best-in-class facilities and services, including luxury dog boarding suites, premium Kuranda dog beds, high-definition TVs, premium shampoos in its bathing salons, and much more to make it every dog's favorite place away from home. With health and wellness being a top priority, K9 Resorts also features a state-of-the-art air purification and ventilation system, which constantly cleans the air. In addition, K9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotels feature outdoor play yards equipped with antimicrobial K9Grass and indoor playrooms, providing pets with everything they need to make new friends while getting necessary exercise. Company's staff undergo extensive training and receive pet care certifications. Beyond this, every team member has a profound love for dogs and is dedicated to providing them with the best possible care. As a brand standard, the K9 Resorts team treats every dog like their own, ensuring a safe and secure environment that prioritizes pet well-being. 'Opening our first Illinois location in Deerfield is a meaningful step in our continued growth,' said Jason Parker, Co-Founder and Co-CEO. 'We're proud to bring our world-class hospitality to more families who want the very best for their dogs. From our top-tier amenities to our passionate staff, everything at K9 Resorts is designed to give pets a premium experience and give owners peace of mind.' K9 Resorts Deerfield is accepting reservations now for stay dates starting June 23. Pre-opening special offers are also available. The resort's regular operating hours will be Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Saturday to Sunday, from 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
