Edward River Council CEO Jack Bond and Councillor Leanne Mulham with Bae Willis, Amelie Bulmer and Coach House Hotel co-owner Scott Buckley.
Youth Week provided the perfect opportunity for Deniliquin High School students to learn a host of new skills last week.
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More than 40 Year 9-11 students were introduced to the world of hospitality through Edward River Council’s 'Hospitality Heroes' training sessions.
The two training sessions - funded by ERC and the NSW Government, and developed and facilitated by the team at the Coach House Hotel - were met with great enthusiasm and participation.
Each covered three key areas: coffee making, table preparation and waiting, and working in a kitchen.
Students were attentive and engaged as they cycled through each subject area, gaining valuable skills and experience.
The team at the Coach House Hotel provided an excellent and comprehensive training experience, ensuring that the students received top-notch instruction.
Hotel co-owner Damon Wilson opened the young people's minds up to the many interstate and international opportunities that experience in hospitality can lead to, and how many unexpected doors can open if you master the basics.
ERC CEO Jack Bond dropped in on the Friday training session and was highly impressed with the students' progress.
“I was struck with both the range of skills that the students had picked up so quickly and their positive ‘can-do’ attitude,” he said.
“This training has been a fantastic community collaboration, showcasing the potential for our young people to pursue careers in the hospitality industry.
“By working together, we are opening doors for future opportunities and inspiring the next generation of hospitality professionals.”
Deniliquin High School staff, including Susan Laing, Pam Sinha and Donna Van Lieshout, were crucial in building enthusiasm and facilitating student participation in the program.
Ms Sinha, the school’s careers advisor, sees the training as a great chance to build foundational skills around customer service.
“I’ve watched the students really engage.
“They have responded positively and learned valuable, transferable skills.
“We are thankful to ERC for offering these career-building opportunities.”
This year's Youth Week theme focuses on celebrating every young person’s unique strengths and recognising their individual and collective power as current and future influencers, leaders, and decision-makers.
Council said it looks forward to continuing to provide opportunities for youth development in the community.
Ieasha Hemphill setting tables at the Coach House Hotel.
Zoe Basset gets a hand from Coach House Hotel co-owner Scott Buckley with the coffee machine.
The Deni High School students were able to see the inner workings of the Coach House Hotel kitchen.
Students at one of the sessions with Coach House Hotel co-owner Damon Wilson (far right).
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