Applications for the Hostplus Hospitality Scholarship supported by Melbourne Food and Wine Festival (MFWF) will open on 31 March.
The scholarship is a unique, career-changing opportunity for one of the industry’s rising stars to further their career in their chosen field, work across the globe, and develop life-long connections.
The winner will be flown to three different countries to work in three internationally acclaimed hospitality businesses, plus flights, accommodation and spending money, followed by a one-year mentorship facilitated by MFWF, and the organisation’s extensive global network.
Since its inception in 2014, the Hostplus Hospitality Scholarship has welcomed a variety of applicants from across the industry, including baristas, bartenders, chefs, maître ds, winemakers, producers, and restaurateurs.
Last year’s scholarship winner was Elika Rowell, Head Roaster at Square One Coffee Roasters. As part of her prize, this year Elika will be visiting the Fazenda Ambiental Fortaleza coffee farm in Brazil, taking a tour of the Programa de Educación a Caficultores organisation run by Caravela Coffee in Colombia, and attending the Re:CO specialty coffee symposium in Seattle in April.
“This experience will give me a greater understanding of the different aspects of sustainability within the coffee industry, which I cannot see from where I currently stand,” Elika says.
“I think to call yourself a professional in any industry, you must continuously strive for knowledge, and I will now have the opportunity to express to people just how important sustainability is, in all of these different facets.”
The judging panel will comprise four judges with more than 10 decades of knowledge and industry experience between them. This includes Gail Donovan, Owner of Donovan’s Restaurant; Matteo Pignatelli of Matteo’s Restaurant; Rafael Rashid, the forefather of the Melbourne food truck scene; Jo-Ann Moody, Gastronomy Manager of the MFWF; and Umberto Mecchi, Hostplus Group Executive, Strategy, Marketing and Client Services.
Online applications for the scholarship open 31 March and close 5pm AEST on 17 May.
The Scholarship is open to Australian residents aged 22 to 35 and currently working in hospitality in any area – from the cellar, the kitchen, the paddock, to front of house.
For more information or to apply online visit: melbournefoodandwine.com.au/scholarship
Image credit: Theresa Harrison
