Applications for Hostplus Hospitality Scholarship Open

Applications for the nationwide Hostplus Hospitality Scholarship supported by Melbourne Food and Wine (MFW) are open, offering one of the industry’s rising stars a career-changing opportunity to work across the globe.

The winner will be flown to three different countries to work in three internationally acclaimed hospitality businesses, followed by a one year mentorship facilitated by MFW and the organisation’s extensive global network.

Since its inception in 2014, the Hostplus Hospitality Scholarship has welcomed a breadth of applicants from across the industry –baristas, bartenders, maître d’s, winemakers, producers, restaurateurs and everything in between.

The Scholarship is a unique opportunity for the winner to further their career in their chosen field and develop life-long connections across the world.

In 2015, the Scholarship took winner and Sous Chef from Brae Restaurant in Victoria, Damien Neylon, to award winning kitchens across Asia and Europe, including David Thompson’s Nahm Restaurant, listed as one of S. Pellegrino-Acqua Panna Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants.

Neylon was also given the opportunity to work in three Michelin-starred Osteria Francescana, rated second best in the world in 2015, and Relae, owned by former Noma Sous Chef, Christian Puglisi.

This year, the judging panel comprises six judges with a wealth of knowledge and experience across the industry, from fine dining restaurateurs to a food truck owner.

Welcomed back for their third year are Gail Donovan, owner of Donovan’s Restaurant, Umberto Mecchi, Group Executive, Strategy, Marketing and Client Services at Hostplus, Matteo Pignatelli of Matteo’s Restaurant and Rafael Rashid, the forefather of the Melbourne food truck scene.

Jo-Ann Moody, Gastronomy Manager of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, and Fleur Studd, one of the most influential people on the Melbourne coffee scene, also join the judging panel for the first time.

Online applications for the Hostplus Hospitality Scholarship close 5pm AEST on 22 April 2016. The Scholarship is open to Australian residents aged 22 - 35, currently working in hospitality with at least two years’ experience.

“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,” Umberto Mecchi said.

The winner will receive a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with three of the world’s best hospitality businesses, a year-long mentorship, plus flights, accommodation and spending money.

For more information or to apply online visit: http://www.melbournefoodandwine.com.au/festival-info/scholarship

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