Last year, Australian Hotelier launched its inaugural Future Leaders Scholarship. Courtney Bull, functions and events manager at Settlers Inn Hotel Port Macquarie, discusses how the winning the scholarship has impacted her professional development for the better.
Courtney Bull, functions and events manager at Settlers Inn Hotel, a Flowers Hotel pub, was one of two winners of the inaugural Australian Hotelier Future Leaders Scholarship. She was identified as a worthy winner for the Scholarship, as not only did she express a desire to stay within the pub industry long-term, but her passion for the industry and creativity were clear.
Speaking of Bull, Alistair Flower, MD of Flower Hotels said: “I have watched Courtney use her ability to think creatively, take initiative, and inspire others through her enthusiasm and work ethic. Her great communication skills, ability to adapt to changing circumstances, and commitment to continuous learning was the reason I have put her forward [for the Scholarship].”
Since winning the Scholarship, Bull has begun the leadership course from Allara Learning that made up part of her prize, and she immediately felt the opportunities arise within winning the Scholarship.
“Winning the Future Leaders Scholarship has already made a significant contribution to my professional development. It has provided valuable access to industry relevant training and allowed me to connect and network with other industry professionals within the hospitality sector.”
Courtney Bull, events and functions manager, Settlers Inn Hotel
“One of the immediate advantages has been the ability to implement what I’m learning in real time, enhancing both my performance in the workplace and my ongoing leadership growth.”
Bull says the Allara course has helped her “build on my existing experience while gaining new tools, strategies, and perspectives that can enhance my effectiveness in leading a team.”
The first component of the Allara leadership program that Bull has completed is entitled ‘Lead Yourself’ and helps to understand and harness your interpersonal strengths as key to driving personal and professional performance.
“In this unit there was a lot of self reflection, discovering our personal values, motivators and self regulation… I have implemented the knowledge I have learnt by practising mindful leadership and always working on my personal development to set myself up for success.”
Since completing the Lead Yourself unit, Bull the events and functions manager has picked up the habit of self-reflection.
“It’s become a day-to-day practice and has helped me prioritise tasks more effectively and implement more organised strategies. It’s also allowed me to reflect on how I support my team, helping me lead with more awareness and intention.”
Since winning the scholarship, more opportunities within Settlers Inn have opened up for her, increasing her experience.
“I’ve been able to pick up more responsibilities and duties operationally.”
Future Leaders Scholarship 2025: Benefits for the whole venue
The Future Leaders Scholarship is back this year, again proudly sponsored by Allara and Carlton & United Beverages. This year the Scholarship features extra prizes and benefits that are not only advantageous for the winner individually, but also for their venue or team.
This year’s prize pool is valued at a collective $24,000. More than $16,000 of that prize pool will be awarded to the winner – with a component of the prize this year also being awarded to the winner’s venue. Not only will the winner have comprehensive access to digital learning, and personalised mentorship; but they will also win a bespoke leadership masterclass series, valued at $12,000, designed for themselves and up to 15 emerging leaders from their venue or pub group.
You can find all of the details of this year’s Scholarship here.
Bull says the Scholarship has given her new opportunities within her career, and reaffirmed her drive to be a leader within it.
“Winning the Future Leaders Scholarship has been a significant benefit to my career. It has provided me with access to industry relevant education and resources that I wouldn’t have had otherwise.
“Beyond the skills, the scholarship has also increased my confidence and motivation, encouraging me to take on greater responsibilities and work towards my career development goals.”
Courtney Bull
She encourages anyone looking to go further in their career within the pubs sector to apply.
“If you’re thinking about applying, hit the apply button! If you are wanting to grow within the pub and hospitality industry, this is a perfect opportunity for you. The whole experience between the applying stages, networking with people in the industry and attending the Pub Leaders Summit was an amazing opportunity that I’m grateful for. You never know what you might achieve!”
Apply now!
Applications for the Scholarship are now open, and will close at 11:59pm on Monday 9 June 2025. The process involves an application form to fill out, plus a reference from a senior manager. A shortlist of applicants will then advance to the next stage of the judging process, where a short video submission will be required.
The Scholarship application form, and more information on the process, can be found here. For any further enquiries, contact Vanessa Cavasinni at vcavasinni@intermedia.com.au