FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR THE HUNTER VALLEY GIN & JAZZ FESTIVAL 2022 IN ONE HANDY LOCATION!

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EVENT INFORMATION

WHERE IS THE HUNTER VALLEY GIN & JAZZ FESTIVAL BEING HELD?

The Hunter Valley Gin & Jazz Festival will be held at Hope Estate, 2213 Broke Rd Pokolbin NSW 2320, in the beautiful Hunter Valley.

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IS THE EVENT INDOORS?

No, Hope Estate is an open-air outdoor venue. The event is predominantly outdoors. Think outdoor stage, green grassed hill, vineyards, paddocks, gumtrees, kangaroos with a winery/brewhouse in the middle.

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IS IT AN ALL AGES EVENT?

No, the Hunter Valley Gin & Jazz Festival is an 18+ licensed event.

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WHAT TIME DOES THE EVENT START?

The event starts at 10.00am both days

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WHAT TIME DOES THE EVENT FINISH?

The event finishes at 5.00pm both days

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WHAT TIME DOES THE MUSIC START?

Hunter Valley Gin & Jazz Festival has music going all day on Saturday and Sunday from 10am

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WHAT HAPPENS IF IT RAINS?

Only in the event of, exceptionally severe weather conditions, which are deem dangerous and put vendors and patrons at risk will the decision be made to postpone the event.

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Our events proceed rain or shine. Please come prepared for all conditions. For safety reasons, umbrellas are not allowed onsite, we do sell ponchos at our bar and merch tent.

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WHAT DO I WEAR?

There is no specific dress code, but please remember this is mainly an outdoor event and we are at the mercy of mother nature. It is important to dress for the weather conditions on the day. This may include a sun hat, sunscreen (not in aerosol form), warm coat or a waterproof jacket for inclement weather (umbrellas not allowed).

 

The event area is predominantly grass underfoot so it is advisable to wear comfortable flat shoes or boots should inclement weather be forecasted. Heels and grass don't go well together.

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ARE THERE PASS OUTS?

No, all events are one entry and exit only.

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CAN I BRING MY DOG/PET?

No pets are allowed on-site. The only dogs we allow on-site are authorised assistance dogs. Please ensure you have their certificate ready at the gate to be checked by security. 

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ARE THE TASTINGS FREE?

You will have five (5) gin tasting tokens included with your ticket price. All other tasting experiences (wine, beer and vodka) are charged and purchased within the festival. Additional gin tasting tokens may also be purchased from within the festival.  

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HOW DO THE TASTINGS WORK? WHAT MIXERS ARE AVAILABLE?

There will be 15 Hope Distillery Gin Tasting tents out on the amphitheatre. Our tasting tents will have a 10ml straight nip of the gin and a pre-mixed Gin & Tonic with garnish available. For those who wish to mix and match their mixers, we will be selling customised drinks at our Fever Tree Mixology Bar and we will also be selling individual bottles of Fever Tree Tonic and Soda Water in our Snacks, Soft Drinks, Mixers & Merch Tent.

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IS THERE A MEMBERS AREA?

There is no specific members area, but you do receive discounted wine bottle pricing. Please head to the entrance of the Beer & Vodka Cave to receive your wristband.

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TAKEAWAY SALES & CELLAR DOOR

CAN I VISIT YOUR CELLAR DOOR AT THE EVENT?

Yes, our Cellar Door is open for takeaway sales only. You will be able to purchase takeaway beers, wine and spirits. Please do note though that all alcohol purchased from the takeaway store is to be consumed offsite and will not be provided for collection until you are leaving the site, via pick up tents at the car and bus entrances.

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COVID-19

Hope Estate is a Covid Safe Venue. We will be following the current Public Health Order at the time of the event. Vaccination status does not need to be shown to get into the venue.

 

Generally, if you are feeling unwell or have Cold or Flu symptoms, please stay home.

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CHAIRS & SEATING

CAN I BRING A CHAIR?

Folding chairs are permitted at our Hunter Valley Gin & Jazz Festival, for use outside on our lawn area.

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Please bare in mind we do not have cloaking facilities so you will need to carry this with you all day should you choose to bring a chair.

Picnic rugs are also permitted.

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ARE THERE SEATS?

There will be ample picnic tables throughout the venue but you are also welcome to bring a camping chair or picnic rug with you.

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IS THERE ANY SHADE?

While there is areas of shade, the majority of the amphitheatre is unshaded and at the mercy of mother nature. We recommend that you dress for the weather conditions including sunscreen (not in aerosol form), a hat and sunglasses.

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WHAT SIZE BAG CAN I BRING?

Small to medium bags are permitted but please be prepared to have them searched upon entry by security. Anything deemed too large will not be allowed into the venue as any large objects on the ground are a safety hazard.

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IS THERE A CLOAK ROOM OR STORAGE AREA?

No, there is no cloakroom or storage facilities on-site. Please bare this in mind when packing for the event, you will need to carry it all day. Please also check the prohibited items list prior to coming to ensure those items are left behind otherwise they will be confiscated by security when you arrive. 

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FOOD & DRINK

 

CAN I BRING MY OWN FOOD/DRINK?

No, Hope Estate is a fully licensed venue and is STRICTLY NO BYO FOOD OR BEVERAGE (including water). Patrons are welcome to bring one empty clear plastic water bottle. Water refilling stations are available throughout the venue. The water bottle will need to be empty upon entry. Otherwise, bottles of water are available for purchase inside the venue.

 

Hope Estate offers a number of catered hospitality packages, hampers and food & beverage vendors for all events onsite, along with free water refilling stations. For information on locating your nearest free water station, consult one of our helpful staff on the day.

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Our vendors have a variety of food offerings and cater to people with special dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan and Gluten Free. 

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As part of our RSA Policy, Security will assess Patrons upon entry to the venue and if deemed to be intoxicated patrons will be refused entry. Police and security guards also patrol the car park to ensure patrons are not “pre-loading” before entering the concert arena.

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CAN I BRING AN ESKY?

No. You may bring an empty plastic bottle for water refilling but that is all.

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WHAT IF I CAN'T EAT ANYTHING YOU OFFER?

Our food vendors offer a variety of foods and cater to dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan and gluten free. Alternatively, you can pre-purchase a picnic hamper prior to the event by calling 1800 777 444. 

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WHERE IS THE ULTIMATE LUNCH LOCATED?

The Ultimate Lunch is located on the top decks of our building. You will enter via the bricked pathway from our carpark and up the bricked stairs at the front of the building.

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WHAT TIME DOES THE ULTIMATE PACKAGE START/WHEN SHOULD I ARRIVE?

The Ultimate Lunch starts from 12:30pm - 3:30pm. To ensure you get the most out of your package, please ensure you arrive on time, if you are late, you may miss some food service as we are unable to wait for you.

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IS YOUR RESTAURANT/CAFE OPEN ON THE DAY OF THE EVENT?

No, our restaurant is used for our hospitality packages.

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WHAT ARE YOUR POLICIES ON RESPONSIBLE SERVICE OF ALCOHOL?

Hope Estate takes the Responsible Service of Alcohol very seriously. At every event we have Licensing Police and user-pays Police on-site, Security Guards and RSA Marshalls at every bar as well as Security Guards and RSA Marshalls roaming the venue.

Photo ID will be required to purchase and consume alcohol and service will not be provided to people under 18 years of age.

 

Bottle sales are limited to the first three hours after gates open, then a two drink per person limit is put in place. This includes bottle service to pre-ordered hampers so please ensure you arrive prior to this bottle service cut off. The bars close one hour before the concert is due to finish.

Don’t forget, you can return your wine bottles to the bar before 4pm to receive your $5 cash back!

 

Patrons will be assessed by bar staff and RSA officer upon entry to the bar areas and if deemed to be intoxicated patrons will be refused service at the bar. Police and security guards may direct staff to seek Medical attention if they seem appropriate.

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While we do our best to make sure Responsible Service of Alcohol is monitored and adhered to we cannot stop individuals from over indulging or having other guests purchase drinks on their behalf.

If you are concerned about the condition or behaviour of patrons near you please alert one of the Security, Police or RSA staff. Or, you can call the Security Hotline number which is posted around the venue.

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IS THERE ICE AVAILABLE OR CAN I BRING MY OWN?

No BYO ice can be brought onsite, you can purchase small bags of ice from the main bar to keep your drinks nice and frosty.

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CASHLESS ONLY VENUE

 

Hope Estate is a cashless venue. We accept Visa & Mastercard.

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DO YOU HAVE ATMs ON SITE?

No, there will be no ATMs onsite to provide cash out. If you wish to bring cash, please arrange before coming to the venue. 

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HAMPERS
 

COLLECTING YOUR HAMPER

Once inside the venue, please make your way to hamper collection tent, located next to the stage (on the side closest to the Broke Road entrance, it will be denoted on the site map in the program). Once you get to the collection point you will need to show your Hope Estate issued invoice (hard copy or digital copy), ID.

 

When you collect your gourmet hamper, you will be given a choice of the following:

Choose from: Sparkling Pinot Chardonnay, Hunter Valley Red, Hunter Valley White.

RSA applies.

 

We recommend you make your selection prior to arrival at the tent to ensure smooth and quick service. Please note, bottle service is only available for the first 3 hours of the event so do ensure you arrive to collect your Hamper within the first 3 hours of Gates Opening.

 

If you have ordered gluten free or vegetarian hamper please mention this to staff at the hamper tent to ensure you receive the right hamper.

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TICKETS

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WHERE DO I PURCHASE TICKETS?

Tickets are available via our Hope Estate website up until the day of the event. On the day of the event, if not sold out, tickets can be purchased from the box office onsite. If you wish to book any of our add-on's (Gin Masterclass, Hamper or Ultimate Lunch), these will be available until 48 hours prior to the event.

 

Tickets will not be emailed to purchasers until 7-10 days prior to the event.

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ARE THERE UNDER 18's TICKETS?

No, the Hunter Valley Gin & Jazz Festival is an 18+ only licensed event.

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ARE THERE COMPANION TICKETS?

Yes, please call Hope Estate on 1800 777 444 and our team can organise this for you.

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WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TICKET TYPES?

We have individual Saturday and Sunday tickets or 2-day tickets. They all include the same inclusions (entry into the event & five tasting tokens). We also have the option to add on extra experiences - these include a picnic hampers, gin masterclass or Ultimate 4-course lunch.

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KEEPING SAFE
Here in the Hunter Valley it can get hot! Add alcohol to the mix and you may find yourself dehydrated. Please remember to drink plenty of water and enjoy the culinary delights from the food stalls while attending the concerts.

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POLICE & SECURITY?

For your safety security guards, RSA marshals and police will be on-site. A security hotline has been set up for patrons to use and the police command station is centrally located near the main building. The patron safety line number is 0428 260 477.  

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ACCESSABILITY

 

WHAT DISABLED FACILITIES DO YOU HAVE?

Disabled parking is available near the main entry gate – via Broke Road. To park in this area vehicles must have a valid disabled parking sticker displayed.

 

Disabled toilets will be available and denoted on the site map.

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Please be aware that Hope Estate has undulating hills with large amounts of grassed area so it is recommended to attend with assistance.

As Hope Estate was built in the 1960's, unfortunately the structure of the building does not allow wheelchair access into the hospitality packages on our deck area.

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PARKING

 

IS THERE PARKING ON-SITE?

Yes, there is ample parking on-site, however please be aware that while parking is free and plentiful, the local roads cannot cope with the number of cars coming to the event so please expect delays when entering and exiting the event. Please refer to the Hope Estate website or information sent from the ticketing agent prior to the event for car park opening and closing hours.

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FIRST AID

WILL THERE BE FIRST AID AVAILABLE?

Yes, first aid officers will be in attendance. They can be found inside the site, near the entry gate on Broke Road. Police will also be located at this location. Please refer to the event map for exact location.

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SMOKING

CAN I SMOKE AT THE VENUE?

The vast majority of Hope Estate is non-smoking. You may only smoke at designated smoking areas. These areas will be determined by the venue. Should you be found to be smoking in prohibited areas you will be asked to put it out. This includes vaping.

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HOW DO I GET THERE?

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BUS – This is the most efficient way to come to an event at Hope Estate. We strongly recommend that everyone catches buses, which have their own private exit and are generally out of the venue in under 30 minutes at the end of the event. A number of private coach companies offer transport from various areas.

 

If you are travelling from 

Newcastle & the Hunter contact:

Rover Coaches


02 4990 1699


www.rovercoaches.com.au

 

CAR – There is free car parking available on-site at Hope Estate. This is located on greenfield areas on the property with entry via Broke Road. The car parking is managed by professional Traffic Attendants. Car parking opens at a designated time for each event. If you arrive early, you will be turned away. To find out the time for your event, please refer to the Hope Estate website or the information emailed from your ticketing company close to the event date.

There is disabled parking and some priority parking (offered with some hospitality packages) which is located close to the entrance. Space is limited so please allow enough time to get to the venue to secure a parking spot.

 

Please be aware that while car parking is free and plentiful, the local roads cannot cope with the number of cars coming to the event so please expect delays when entering and exiting the event. The car park closes one hour post event and camping overnight is prohibited. Campervans will not be permitted on site for parking.

 

WALK – Hope Estate does not recommend walking to the venue, as this is a rural location. There are no designated footpaths and only minimal lighting at key intersections - otherwise it is very dark at night. Should you still wish to travel by foot, the only entry is via Broke Road.

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ENTRY

You will need to use your digital ticket to gain entry to the site. Even if you are part of a dinner package. For Hope Estate hospitality packages, please bring along a hard copy or digital copy of your Hope Estate invoice as well as your digital ticket.

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CAN I LINE UP EARLY?

While we understand some patrons want to be first in, we recommend that you line up only a short time before the advertised gate open time. There are no facilities or shade outside the venue and it can get very hot (even in cooler months) while standing in the queue. The gates will not open early regardless of how long the queue is.

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CONDITIONS OF ENTRY

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PERSONS SEEKING ENTRY TO HOPE ESTATE ARE ADVISED THAT:

• They are entering a licensed area

• All Hope Estate employees & contractors abide by the laws & regulations of the responsible service of alcohol guidelines and harm minimalisation requirements.

• Intoxicated persons will not be permitted to enter

• Intoxicated persons will be removed from Hope Estate

• Alcoholic beverages must not be taken into or from Hope Estate and are subject to immediate confiscation

• Checking procedures will apply to prevent persons possessing liquor from entering

• It is an offence for minors to purchase or consume alcohol

• Penalties apply under the Liquor Act 2007

• Restricted & prohibited items

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ACCOMMODATION

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IS THERE ACCOMMODATION ON-SITE?

There is one small cottage on-site that can sleep up to 8 people. It was built in 1910 and still has old world charm. Please contact Hope Estate on 1800 777 444 if you would like to book Wombat Cottage.

 

Otherwise there is a number of hotels and Airbnb's located in the Hunter Valley close to Hope Estate.

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CAN I CAMP ON-SITE?

No, camping is not allowed on-site. There is a number of campsites located in the Hunter Valley you can access.

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WHAT HAPPENS TO LOST PROPERTY?

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Any lost property that is found by or handed into a Hope Estate staff member is kept in the Cellar Door. Please be aware some items may also be handed to Security or Police. If you have lost an item, please email info@hopeestate.com.au with your contact details and a description of the lost item. (Please note, if you have lost a phone, please provide the phone number for that phone as well as a phone number we can contact you on). Postage of Lost property items is at the expense of the patron.

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WHAT TO BRING

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• Event Ticket

• Package and hamper information (if applicable) 

• ID

• A foldable chair or picnic rug

• Jacket or poncho for inclement weather. (umbrellas will not be allowed) 

• Sunscreen (not in aerosol form) and sun hat 

• Comfortable shoes suitable for walking around the outdoor, grassed venue (remember heels and grass don't mix!)

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WHAT NOT TO BRING

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• Professional Cameras, audio or video recording devices


• Umbrellas, tents & sunshades


• Glass, aluminium & metal containers


• Drinks or drink bottles of any kind (empty plastic bottles excepted)

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Alcoholic beverages


• Food


• Picnic baskets & eskies


• Illegal or illicit substances of any kind

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Musical instruments or air horns


• Inflatables

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Poles, sticks, banners or oversized flags (more than 1m x 1m)


• Confetti, glitter or shredded paper


• Fireworks, flares or explosives


• Animals (except for authorised assistance dogs)

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Balls, sporting equipment, bicycles, skateboards, skates or scooters


• Any other object which may be used as a missile or weapon


• Any other object that the promoter considers inappropriate or dangerous.

 

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FOR THE COMFORT, SAFETY AND ENJOYMENT OF ALL PERSONS, HOPE ESTATE ADVISE THAT:

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• Tickets are not redeemable for cash. Tickets are only valid for use on the date printed on ticket.

• Hope Estate events will only be cancelled if it is dangerous for the performers and/or patrons to remain on site.

• Persons gaining unauthorised access to any of Hope Estate’s events and specific areas may be liable for prosecution.

• Hope Estate is not liable nor does it accept any responsibility for any loss or damage whatsoever to any person or property of the death of or injury suffered to any person or animal whilst attending an event at Hope Estate.

• Persons entering Hope Estate agree to indemnify Hope Estate against any loss or liability, cost, expense or damages arising from or in relation to the entry either by person, vehicle or otherwise.

• Hope Estate reserves the right to inspect and/or search bags brought into or out of Hope Estate and search all persons, their clothing and other items of such persons.

• Persons causing a disturbance or refusing to comply with requests from Hope Estate employees and contractors will be ejected from Hope Estate.

• Hope Estate may refuse admission to or eject persons from Hope Estate grounds at its sole discretion.

• Persons entering Hope Estate must adhere to the NSW Occupational Health & Safety legislation.

• Smoking is not permitted within the seated areas or enclosed spaces of Hope Estate.

• Additional entry conditions and requirements may apply to ticketed events any ticket purchased to enable entry into any particular area of Hope Estate cannot be exchanged or returned after purchase.

• Parking is restricted to bays as designated by Hope Estate management and hired parking attendants.

• Vehicles must not block emergency egress doors or emergency vehicle access roads and are to give way to emergency vehicles all accidents or emergencies are to be immediately reported to hope estate staff and local authorities.

• Persons must obey all signs, notices and directions given by hope estate management whilst at Hope Estate.

 

Note: Any variation to the policy will be at the sole discretion of Hope Estate management.

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