Volunteer mentors play a vital part in Scarf programs. Hospitality professionals with big hearts take on this important role, to share their knowledge, skills and networks with Scarf trainees. We'd love to introduce you to some of the legends who've mentored during recent Scarf seasons. 

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Gabs - Mentor and Trainer

Gabriel (or Gabs as he's more commonly known) has been working in hospitality for close to twenty years, in three countries - Australia, Brazil and England. He’s managed a 350 seat cafe, waited tables in fine dining restaurants, worked in events and set up cafes for Code Black Coffee. He currently runs the bar at Footscray's Bar Thyme, a restaurant-bar hybrid which champions sustainability, low waste and small-scale producers. Previously, he worked at Free to Feed and Gerald’s Bar. Gabs has mentored and run training sessions at Scarf since early 2015 and his training sessions always get the trainees smiling as well as greatly improving their 3-plate carry and service skills. His commitment to social justice and human rights is put into practice through his volunteering with Scarf, and he believes that connecting young people with practical experience and pathways to employment is crucial to empowerment. Gabs enjoys sharing his knowledge of the hospitality industry and supporting trainees as they learn and evolve throughout the program.

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Rieko - Mentor

Rieko first became a Scarf Mentor in 2014 and we’ve been lucky enough to have him come back to several seasons since, as a Mentor and Lead Mentor. When undertaking the Volunteer Lead Mentor role, Rieko closely assisted the Scarf Restaurant Manager, running pre-service briefing and matching trainees with mentors, greeting and seating customers and overseeing the smooth running of service. Rieko has been working in hospitality for eight years, and his enthusiasm, professionalism and commitment are evident to all who work with him. Rieko believes that there is a great need for sharing knowledge, skills and networks with young people eager to learn. Rieko is currently the Manager of Food and Beverage Operations at one of Melbourne’s best hotels, Pullman Albert Park, and completed his MBA in 2020. 

Get to know Rieko better in this Q & A from Spring Scarf '19. 

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Maeve - Mentor

Maeve has been a volunteer mentor since Winter Scarf '16 at Robert Burns Hotel, returning for subsequent seasons at The Lincoln, Auction Rooms and The Rochey. She has also recently completed her Masters of Teaching, specialising in teaching French, Psychology and English in secondary schools. Between full-time study and Scarf mentoring, Maeve has been lucky to work in several very delicious and community-focused hospitality businesses - from managing The General Food Store, a small cafe in the Dandenong Ranges, to front of house at the hatted farm-to-plate O.MY Restaurant in Beaconsfield, and most recently at a tiny but brilliant cake shop called Beatrix in North Melbourne. Her great enthusiasm for creating empathetic and supportive learning environments, and for fostering self-confidence and growth in young people has been very well suited to the Scarf training program. Finding particular fulfilment in building fun and mutually rewarding relationships with trainees has seen her return to Scarf year after year, as a mentor, lead mentor, fundraising campaign volunteer, practice job interviewer and enthusiastic diner! Maeve also loves introducing friends and family to the warmth of Scarf Dinners and plans to continue her involvement with Scarf for years to come. 

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Michael - Mentor

Michael’s worked in hospitality for over 20 years. He started as an apprentice in the kitchen at 15, became a certified chef and then moved to the front of house where he’s a natural fit. At 18, Michael left his home city of Amsterdam to travel the world. He was a snowboard instructor during the winter season in Austria and a flair bartender in Spain in summer before moving to England to work for Jamie Oliver and Marco Pierre White. In 2011, he found his calling in Melbourne and began working for The European Group whilst undertaking a degree in International Studies at Deakin University. He also became certified in four languages, opening up opportunities to work as a translator on the side. After managing The European in Spring St, Michael oversaw the opening of French Saloon which he also managed, bringing his vast wine knowledge and qualifications to the role. In his spare time, Michael loves to cook, read, play piano, run, cycle and collect hats (and he wears a hat with more pizzazz than most!)

"My love for Scarf is undeniable. I don't consider the mentor role as work, even after spending ten hours at work before my Scarf volunteer shift starts. Time flies by, sometimes too fast - 10 weeks is merely not enough. The recipe of Scarf appeals to me in so many ways, so I will always come back." Michael

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Caitlin - Mentor and Trainer

Caitlin has over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry across venues in Sydney, New York, Canada and Melbourne. After spending a few solid years behind the bar, she most recently was the Bar Manager at Garden State Hotel and has since joined the team at QT Melbourne. Caitlin has been volunteering with Scarf for the three years she has been in Melbourne, both as a mentor and running bar training sessions throughout Scarf 10-week seasons. Caitlin believes the work Scarf is doing and the opportunities created is exactly the change the industry needs. Having seen many graduates go on to work at Garden State Hotel (at last count, six graduates have transitioned from Scarf to ongoing employment at Garden State Hotel), Caitlin's witnessed firsthand the impact of the program and how it can transform the lives of young people who've faced barriers to work. 

"It's a privilege to work with the trainees and see the development that happens each season as they learn new skills, build confidence, and gain employment." Caitlin

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Inspired by the legends above? 

Head over to Hospitality Mentoring to find out more, and:

 Apply Now 

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Cover image: Mentoring in action behind the bar during Spring Scarf '19 at Garden State Hotel. Photo: Roger Ungers