> From 1–30 June 2026, we're raising funds so that we can create more opportunities for legends like Dis. Every donation is tax-deductible, and your impact will be doubled thanks to dollar-matching from Scarf Partners, Mount Zero, Stomping Ground, Starward and Daylesford & Hepburn Mineral Springs Co. Donate today. 

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Which program did you graduate from?

Autumn Scarf ‘25. 

The seasonal program that Dis took part in included 10 weeks of training and mentoring, paid work experience at two pop-up Scarf Dinners at Capitano, and paid work experience with Scarf Partner, Allpress Espresso.

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What was your experience of looking for work and applying for jobs before you came to Scarf?

Before Scarf, I wasn’t very confident when it came to applying for jobs. I often felt like I wasn’t deserving enough or didn’t have the right skills, even though I really wanted to learn. That mindset held me back from applying consistently.

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How did you find out about Scarf?

I found out about Scarf through a close friend who was also a graduate of the program. I met them during one of my internships, and hearing about their experience made me want to be part of the same supportive community.

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The Autumn Scarf '25 trainees undertaking skills service training with Scarf mentor Gabs. Photo: Roger Ungers. 

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Why did you apply for the Scarf program?

I applied because Scarf felt like one of the most supportive communities I had come across. I had mainly worked behind the scenes as a kitchen hand, but I really wanted to learn the art of coffee and gain front-of-house experience. Scarf felt like the right place to step into that world in a safe and welcoming environment.

What was the best part of the program?

The best part was being part of such a strong and supportive community. It was the way everyone genuinely wanted to see you grow. As someone navigating hospitality for the first time, it helped me build confidence and feel like I actually belonged in the industry.

Scarf is welcoming, supportive, and built to help you grow, even if you have zero confidence at the start.

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What was it like to work alongside mentors during Scarf Dinners at Capitano?

Working at Scarf Dinners at Capitano was my first real front-of-house experience. At first, it was intimidating, but the mentors made everything feel manageable. They were patient, supportive, and really took the time to guide us through each step, which helped me learn quickly and confidently.

What was it like to do your work experience shifts at Allpress Espresso?

Allpress was one of the best learning environments I could have asked for. I started learning coffee there, and everyone was incredibly helpful and welcoming. They made me feel at home, and I learned not just technical barista skills, but also how to create great customer experiences.

The mentors made everything feel manageable. They were patient, supportive, and really took the time to guide us through each step.

What was your first job after graduating from Scarf?

My first job after Scarf was at Noble Park RSL, where I started working in coffee, then moved into bartending, front-of-house, and eventually became a gaming attendant. I also began working as a barista at Livis La Ceylon, a Sri Lankan café in South Melbourne.

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What other involvement have you had with Scarf, apart from the program?

After graduating, I've stayed involved as part of the Scarf Dinners staff and collaborated on events, wine tastings, and other hospitality experiences. It keeps me connected to the community and allows me to keep learning and giving back. I am currently co-designing the cocktail list for the Winter Scarf Dinners at Lankan Tucker, with Nele. 

Where are you currently working, and what makes you most excited about your current job/s?

I’m still working at Noble Park RSL, and as a barista at Livis La Ceylon in South Melbourne. Apart from hospitality roles I'm also doing content creation and social media work in the hospitality space. What excites me most is being able to combine creativity with real-world hospitality experience that tell stories and above all meeting new people.

What's your advice to future Scarf trainees?

Honestly, Scarf is one of the best places to start if you want to get into hospitality. It’s welcoming, supportive, and built to help you grow, even if you have zero confidence at the start. The trainers and the whole crew genuinely want to see you succeed. It’s 100% worth it.

Scarf helped me build confidence & feel like I actually belonged in the industry.

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Help us create more opportunities

From 1–30 June 2026, we're raising funds so that we can create more opportunities for legends like Dis. If we can reach our target, we'll be able to create at least 60 new trainee positions in the next year. Every donation is tax-deductible, and you can double your impact thanks to dollar-matching from some wonderful Scarf Partners. 

Donate Now   

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Dis with fellow Scarf Graduates, Ana, Lily and Marian, and Hilary McNevin, at Do More Than Dine '26. Photo: Carmen Zammit. 

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NB: Dis answered these questions in writing, in June 2026.