​Diploma of Hospitality
Nominee for Bendigo TAFE Vocational Student of the Year 2009

After raising four children, the time came for me to consider a career path. For as long as I can remember, I have dreamt of becoming a successful small business owner. I have always been fascinated with business management, event management, tourism and accommodation careers particularly.

I successfully completed my Diploma of Hospitality in 2009. This incorporated on-the-job placement at the Hotel Shamrock, which resulted in ongoing employment as a receptionist and the opportunity to assist the functions manager on completion of the course.

I have combined on and off-the-job training to further develop my interpersonal skills. My studies have provided me with the necessary skills to communicate with customers and provide the services they expect or require. The range of skills that the hospitality industry fosters are many and varied, incredibly interesting and rewarding, and each new day brings a wealth of exciting challenges.

Although I have found the year exhausting, I discovered to my amazement that I have an affinity with study. I am already considering my options for further education, including the possibility of a business orientated course, which I believe will further increase my chances for an exciting and worthwhile career path. I also believe I will be better placed skill and experience wise to successfully secure a future for my family and my future staff when I become a business owner in my own right.

If you work hard and keep up with the assessment workload, this course can bring you the most amazing satisfaction and infinite possibilities - look forward to the future, but enjoy the present.

"Although I have found the year an exhausting one, I have discovered to my amazement that I have an affinity with study."

Footnote

Shona has commenced yet another stage in her hospitality journey...

In early 2011, she and new business partner, Head Chef Eddie Basich, who worked together at the Victorian Wine Room within the Hotel Shamrock, agreed to merge their combined talents.  Utilising Eddie’s significant culinary skills and Shona’s Front of House expertise they are on a winner! 

They have leased the newly refurbished kitchen at the Cambrian Hotel, located at 200 Arnold Street, Bendigo.  You can be assured of a beautiful meal and service when attending for lunch or dinner which is served 6 days a week from Tuesday through to Sunday.

You have read Shona’s story, here is a snapshot about Eddie, this award-winning chef has a passion to produce significant dishes using the best and finest produce around the regions of Victoria so it’s no wonder he is known as ‘The Regional Produce Chef’.   Eddie’s credentials include ‘Best Winery Restaurant in the Yarra Valley’ at Tokar Estate 2007 and a Michelin Star at Rhodes in the square with Garry Rhode in London.