News Item

SUCCESS FOR YOORALLA HOSPITALITY TEAM

November 29, 2011

A partnership with Yooralla First Base Leongatha and Community College Gippsland has enabled a group of intellectually disabled adults achieve a training milestone.

In a pilot project, seven participants have been undertaking Certificate III level training in Hospitality at Coal Creek’s Pig Whistle Café.

The project provides tailored training to meet the learning needs of the adults under the guidance of Community College Gippsland trainer and chef Bernard Liversidge.

A special luncheon function for invited guests provided an opportunity for the group to put their learning into practice preparing a three course meal at the Pig Whistle Café with all the trimmings.

Megan Perks of Yooralla FirstBase Leongatha said it was a fantastic initiative. 

“The team had to coordinate the day, set the menus, tables, and prepare and serve food and drinks to guests.

“Despite their learning barriers, they have taken on the challenge of accredited training and grown in leaps and bounds.”

Community College Gippsland Manager South Gippsland, Alex Todorovski, said the project showed what people with special needs can achieve with tailored training.

“They are undertaking industry accredited training units which is significant, opening the door for them to work in paid employment.

“The students successfully completed a Certificate II in Hospitality at the College last year. Now they have taken the next step to extend their skills and the outcomes are excellent.”

Three of the students have gained part time or casual jobs at the Wonthaggi Club, Gatha Foods and McDonalds Leongatha. Some are working with 5A, Yooralla Way catering team, which is a not for profit catering business for private and business functions. Others are working in voluntary community roles.

Megan Perks said with the progress they are making and additional funding being sought through the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal – Seeds of Renewal initiative, there is every indication that by the end of next year they will have completed a full Certificate III.

“This will be a significant achievement for them.”

She said with the busy Christmas period, the 5A Yooralla Way catering team was available to provide catering for private or business functions giving the participants opportunity to hone their skills.

For more information on Yooralla FirstBase programs please contact Megan Perks on 5662 3344.

Yooralla FirstBase Leongatha Megan Perks, Hospitality students Dale Oilerook, Amber Betts, CCG Manager South Gippsland campus Alex Todorovski, Alisha Twite Employment Innovations, Rowena Ashley Coordinator Coal Creek, and Tim Hampson Yooralla Area Manager Gippsland.

Back from left: students Emily Ardley, Mitch Price, Brodie James and Kate Rennie.

For further information contact:

Alex Todorovski
Community College Gippsland
Business Operations Manager
South Gippsland
Phone: (03) 5662 6700
Mobile: 0429 664 094