Australia’s restaurant and hospitality sector is undeniably world-class. Dining out remains one of Australia’s favourite pastimes and is among the top three motivators for tourism.
From barista to the board room and from apprentice chef to chief executive, the career paths in hospitality are many and varied. But with those careers not always as valued as they should be, young people remain unaware of the opportunities for success a long-term and rewarding future in hospitality can bring.
Build awareness and understanding of the hospitality value chain, its role and contribution to the Australian economy and the professional career pathways that exist.
Support and encourage creativity and innovation across the value chain; from agriculture to sustainable development initiatives that will be essential to the sector in the coming decades.
Foster education and career development for emerging leaders in hospitality to ensure a sustainable pipeline of professionals.
Job training and enablement programs for aspiring hospitality professionals with a particular focus on those from regional and rural areas of Australia, and those with diverse backgrounds.
The Foundation's focus is industry-wide and national in scope, offering opportunities for the entire sector to participate as we grow.
Chris Lucas is a high-profile, award-winning restaurateur and a leader in Australia’s hospitality sector. Lucas Collective owns and operates 15 venues, employing more than 1,500 staff across the likes of Chin Chin (Melb, Sydney, Geelong), Maison Bâtard, the ACT's Carlotta, Grill Americano (Melbourne, Sydney).
Chris is deeply passionate about the role that restaurants play in a city’s social fabric. Places to connect, experience and celebrate. Places that support and champion local producers, growers, winemakers, distillers and more. Places that attract domestic and international visitation and stand as a key pillar of a city’s culture.
As the company grows, the need for more business administration, planning, design, finance, marketing, project management and senior operational roles also increases, as does the challenge to attract, develop and retain senior leaders across the entire hospitality sector.
As such, the Foundation has been created to develop initiatives that will support the long-term sustainable future of Australia’s hospitality sector.
Executive Director
Non-Executive Director
Non-Executive Director
Non-Executive Director
Collective Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors. Executive Director Angie Bradbury leads an Industry Advisory Group to oversee program development.
CEO, Food And Drink Victoria
General Manager, Open Table Restaurant Sales & Services
Director, Damm Fine Food Co
General Manager, Guest Experience & Partnerships, Lucas Collective
Director, Corporate Education & Strategic Partnerships, Monash University
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