A new community activity aimed at boosting the hospitality skills of local job seekers is now operating out of the YMCA as part of RISE Ventures’ community development programs.
Manager of RISE Katherine, Laura Little, said the program started with six trainees who were learning everything from safe food handling to barista skills as well as receiving practical cooking experience.
“We are fortunate to be able to use the facilities at the YMCA including their commercial kitchen,” Ms Little said.
“We have started small but already have a waiting list of future applicants who are keen to improve their hospitality training so they can get into paid employment,” she said.
“There is a strong demand for people with well-rounded hospitality skills in the tourism sector, particularly in the dry season and this is one way we are able to fill a gap with our participants.”
An added bonus for the community is that the group prepare dinner for the young girls and boys who attend activities at the YMCA on Monday and Tuesday evenings.
“Down the track we plan to start using produce from the Food Ladder in Katherine, which can supply us with bush tucker and other fresh ingredients.”
Chris McLennan
ACM national rural property writer based in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria. Career journalist. Multi award winner.
ACM national rural property writer based in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria. Career journalist. Multi award winner.
