By JOLENE OGLE
FORMER Palmer Coolum Resort employee and Noosa Today columnist Benny Pike said he was insulted to be turned away from the resort after being made redundant.
Benny said he was among the 40 employees who lost their jobs on Monday, but returned to the resort on Tuesday as he had a meeting scheduled with a local sporting group.
Benny said when he turned up at the security gate he was told over the phone he wasn’t allowed to enter the resort.
“It was an absolute insult,” Benny said. “I’ve worked there and have been involved with the resort for years and I didn’t have any hard feelings or bitterness about losing my job on Monday.
“I’m not a problem. I wasn’t going to cause trouble.”
The incident comes after the front gates of the resort were locked on Monday and about 40 staff were sacked.
In a press release, the Palmer Coolum Resort said accommodation and conference facilities were closed for extensive renovations, with only the golf course and one restaurant to remain open.
Benny said he couldn’t confirm if the resort was closing, but he said he hoped it wasn’t true.
“When you work for the owner, anything can happen,” he said.
