By Vanessa Cavasinni, editor Australian Hotelier
The Australian Hotels Association New South Wales (AHA NSW), is calling for nominations for young people in regional and rural hospitality who are looking to further their careers in hospitality.
In conjunction with the Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School (BHIHMS), AHA NSW is once again sponsoring a $20,000 Hospitality Scholarship. The scholarship funds a two-and-a-half-year Bachelor of Business (International Hotels and Resorts Management) degree, and helps with accommodation costs.
“We are proud to give back to our regional communities through this annual scholarship,” CEO John Whelan said.
“Regional hotels are the backbone of their communities and this scholarship for a lucky young person is just one way we acknowledge the important role staff play in our venues right across the state.
Entrants can be put forward by someone within the industry, a community member, or even nominate themselves. Successful applicants will undergo an interview process in early November, and then all of the finalists will be announced at the Awards for Excellence ceremony in Sydney on Tuesday 21 November, where the winner will be announced.
“It really is a life changer for young people from the bush, with previous winners coming from areas including Mittagong, Wellington, Grenfell, Griffith, Forster, the Illawarra and Hunter Valley,” said Whelan.
“If you are a young person living in a regional area who has just finished (or is about to finish) high school and dreams of a career in hospitality I would urge you to apply now.”
Last year’s winner was Hayley Melhuish (pictured centre), who hails from Salamander Bay in Port Stephens.
Applications for the scholarship close on 16 October. For more information, email marketing@ahansw.com.au