INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT: TOURISM & HOSPITALITY

My career in the hospitality industry spans over three decades, and I started my way from the bottom going up. I received my training in Europe (in Italy and France) and worked in European, African, and Australian settings.

I have always loved sharing my learning and experience with others. I became a Vocational Teacher because after making Melbourne my home, I realised I wanted to share my industry abilities with aspiring professionals. While I share my passion and knowledge about the industry, I learn from these professionals-in-the-making about what they already know that I do not, as learning never ends. I strive to pass along the same high standards this industry needs and requires for prosperous individuals.

While I pride myself on having an outgoing and cheerful personality that helps learners thrive, I challenge them and ask them to be the better version of themselves, pushing them to the point where they no longer need anyone's help. I aim to develop professionals who are proud to provide the best customer service and products.

Over the last 5 years I have been involved in pro bono work with VTIC (Victorian Tourism Industry Council) in my role as a Victorian Tourism Awards judge and last year I was elected to be a National Tourism Awards judge. Being a Tourism Awards judge at State and National levels has provided many opportunities to work with VTIC and the tourism and hospitality industry. I have had many opportunities over the last few years to closely scrutinize business operations, marketing plans, sustainability initiatives, and cultural collaborations with local communities on behalf of the tourism awards entrants at the State and National levels. Being a judge includes examining all the requisite documentation pertaining to the Awards and discussions with industry leaders, tourism and hospitality owners, and managers. Through my work, as a tourism judge and my association with VTIC, I have gained a very close perspective on current issues and future developments and scenarios in this large and often diverse sector. Working with industry provides me with current knowledge of the sector and enables me to network and build relationships with different stakeholders in tourism, hospitality and events. Attending professional development sessions, networking opportunities with operators, and site visits in hotels and event venues informs my teaching and keeps me well-informed of developments, changes, and trends in the industry.

I am very lucky to be able to tap into so many diverse aspects of the industry through my work as a tourism awards judge and my association with VTIC.

Senior management position in 5 star international hospitality organisations such as Sheraton, Intercontinental, Hilton, Pullman, Le Meridien and Holiday Inn for more than 15 years. Worked in 13 different countries. Food and beverage Manager to multi site Hotel Hotel Operations manager.

Currently apart from Lecturing, I provide consultancy services for organisations in the areas of Themed events, Entertainment, menu planning, event marketing, Operational planning and staff recruiting.

My passion is people, love to provide guidance to my students. My satisfaction stems from my students achieving the best results they can and positively contribute to the global Tourism and Hospitality industry.

Job/Position: Head of Hospitality

We appreciate the partnership that we have built with Front Cooking School and look to continually grow this relationship over the coming years.

We are genuinely impressed by the professionalism, determination and diligence of students who have completed their placements with us. Front Cooking school is to be commended for instilling these important values within their students.

The students who completed their placement with us were extremely passionate, professional, and easy to work with. They expanded on fundamental cooking skills that allowed them to assist our chefs with dish preparation and plating up. They also were exposed to the intricate cooking and operational procedures that will enable them to grow.

Click here to download the full letter.

Job/Position: Human Resources Officer

Bayview Eden Melbourne and Bayview on the Park Hotels have engaged with Front Cooking School to provide practical workplace training for their Kitchen students. This opportunity has enhanced the students culinary skills and confidence in a large kitchen environment. It makes us proud hosting the students and seeing their passion for cookery demonstrated. Along with knowing they will be the next up and coming aspiring Chefs in the Hospitality Industry. All students have excelled throughout their placement, where we have had some success stories of recruiting key students into the Hotel kitchen team.

Job/Position: Head Chef

On behalf of Stamford Plaza Melbourne, we would like to take this opportunity to thank Front Cooking School for your support during COVID-19.

Click here for the full thank-you letter.