The five finalists in the 2017 Hostplus Hospitality Scholarship have been revealed, ahead of the winner being announced next week.
The five finalist are a mixture of front of house and chefs from venues across NSW and Victoria.
Finalists include Michael Bascetta, venue manager at Bar Liberty; Zackary Furst, sous chef at Ides; Cameron Maher, restaurant manager at Estelle by Scott Pickett; Caitlyn Rees, head sommelier at Fred’s and Megan Sullivan, restaurant manager at est Restaurant.
The Hostplus Hospitality Scholarship is open to Australian residents aged 22-35, that are currently working in hospitality in any area and who demonstrate ambition and drive to succeed in the hospitality industry.
The other selection criteria includes:
- Highly skilled and knowledgeable in a specific discipline within the Hospitality Industry;
- Demonstrate leadership with the potential to shape the future of the Hospitality Industry;
- Act in a professional manner and have a willingness to share their skills and knowledge with others; and
- Have an understanding and willingness to communicate in the digital space.
The scholarship judging panel comprises Gail Donovan, Matteo Pignatelli, Rafael Rashid, Fleur Studd and Jo-Ann Moody, plus Umberto Mecchi, group executive, strategy, marketing and client services at Hostplus.
“As the national superannuation fund for the hospitality, tourism, recreation and sport industries in Australia, Hostplus is proud to support this important scholarship and further promote hospitality as an exciting and rewarding career option,” said Mecchi.
The scholarship winner will fly to three different countries to work in hospitality businesses, tailored to their career and on their return to Australia they will take part in a year-long mentorship program with a local industry leader.