Holmesglen Wins State Training Award

From left to right: Greg O'Shea, Phillip Crisp, Suzanne McKinnon and Peter Lee
Image courtesy of Andrew Hobbs and Tourism Victoria

For the second year in a row, Holmesglen has won the Tourism Education and Training category at the Melbourne Airport Victorian Tourism Awards.

Holmesglen is a relatively new player in the delivery of Hospitality and Tourism training, which is offered at two of its three Melbourne campuses (Moorabbin and Waverley). It won the coveted award for 2009 in recognition of its innovative training programs for students - in and out of the classroom - and engagement with industry.

Holmesglen was again recognised for its state-of-the-art training facilities, and incredible flexibility for students with part-time, full-time, weekend and off-campus study available. Ross Digby, Associate Director for Hospitality, Cookery and Bakery, believes ongoing improvements in kitchen facilities, the continued success of the quarterly Farmers' Markets at Waverley campus and engagement with industry and local community were also instrumental in the win.

In particular, students benefitted from a unique experience taking part in the 2009 Good Food and Wine Show. Cookery students worked behind the scenes in the Celebrity Theatre with renowned chefs, including Gordon Ramsay and George Calombaris; and the Gourmet Garden Cooking School. Sommelier students supported the Riedel Wine Theatre, while event management students put their skills to the test providing ushering and front of house logistics.

Suzanne McKinnon, Associate Director for Tourism and Recreation, said "A win like this cannot be achieved without the efforts of all staff and our distinctive program delivery along with a strong community spirit."