What's a Scarf Event? By attending a Scarf Event, you’re making a real difference to the lives of young people who have faced barriers to work. Professionals do the cooking and Scarf trainees and mentors take care of the front of house. Scarf Events take place in different venues each season, and have run at the likes of Rumi, Starward Distillery, Stomping Ground Brewery & Beer Hall, Ladro and Bhang. If you’re booking in to a Scarf Event, you can expect delicious food, a top-notch drinks list, attentive service, a fun and buzzy atmosphere and the opportunity to provide valuable feedback as the trainees build their confidence. . What's a Scarf Event? Scarf Events are a core part of our program offering, enabling trainees to gain front-of-house paid work experience in a top-notch Melbourne venue. Scarf Events see us working closely with partner venues, to allow trainees to put their newly learned skills and knowledge into play in a hands-on, supportive work environment. Whilst we provide "real-world" work experience, Scarf staff, mentors and trainers work within a Trauma-Informed Framework with a strong focus on Trainee Wellbeing and Boosting Job-Readiness. Our parter venues are a key part of Scarf's model, and we proudly pay them to cater Scarf Events. . Trainees Scarf trainees are resilient young people seeking protection and those from refugee and migrant backgrounds who are facing barriers to work. Many have experienced long-term unemployment and for most trainees, Scarf is their first taste of paid employment in Australia. Following their involvement in a Scarf program, graduates are provided with up to six months of post-program support from Scarf in order to give them the best chance at securing employment beyond the program. We're proud that 72% of participants from our 10-week Seasonal Programs are in employment within six months of graduating.. . Winter Scarf '24 Trainees, photographed by Roger Ungers. Back row L to R: Tamana, Manozh, Peter, Rose, Georgio. Front row L to R: Haiou, Monica, Chris. . Mentors Scarf mentors are hospitality professionals who volunteer their time to play a crucial role during Scarf Dinners. They are paired up with a trainee (generally in a one-to-one ratio) and give guidance and support as the trainees build their skills and confidence serving you, our wonderful guests. Mentors also provide networks into the hospitality industry. . Accessibility All Scarf Partner venues are fully wheelchair accessible. If you have any queries regarding accessibility, please get in touch with us via [email protected]. . Drinks A fantastic drinks list is offered at Scarf Events thanks to generous support from our Hospitality Partners including Unico Zelo Wine, NON, Stomping Ground Brewing Co, Starward Whisky, Bathtub Gin Co, Daylesford & Hepburn Mineral Springs Co, Five Senses Coffee and more. . . Trainee Wages Scarf is committed to remunerating our participants for all work undertaken during Scarf Events and work experience shifts. Our trainees and graduates are paid Restaurant Industry Award wages, directly by Scarf, and in doing this we show our trainees and graduates that they are valued, and demonstrate what fair working conditions look like in Australia. . Bookings Policy As per Scarf's booking policy, prepaid tickets to this Scarf Event are non-refundable. This policy was put in place to protect us from last minute cancellations which compromise Scarf's viability as a sustainable social enterprise. If you’re unable to honour your booking, you’re welcome to pass on your ticket/s to a friend. . Still debating whether or not to come along? Scarf Events allow you to create serious social impact while enjoying a great night out. Please read our 2022 Impact Report to gain a deeper understanding of how we transform lives through hospitality. You can also read about the impact we made during Autumn Scarf '23 here and Winter Scarf '23 here. . . For more of an idea of what to expect at Scarf Events, see the Scarf Calendar. . . But hey, don’t just listen to us! Here are some words from regular Scarf supporters*: “People are helping and having a wonderful experience at the same time. When people see the hope and happiness on the trainees' faces they begin to understand what is possible, and that they can be agents for change. It is positive and empowering for both diners and trainees.” “Scarf Events happen in great restaurants so the participants - diners and trainee waiters - benefit from the ambience and resources of an established restaurant. As a diner you can see that there is really good and supportive training.” “Scarf Events actually give refugees an opportunity for skills and work placement.” “It's a social enterprise that people (ie. paying customers) actually want to engage with. It provides a realistic work environment for trainees that leads to actual job opportunities. Everyone wins; the diners get a great meal too.” “I love coming to Scarf Events because they’re a great example of 'shared value' - the restaurants do good while advancing their business at the same time. It also makes it very easy for diners to make a positive contribution to the community - win, win!” . *diner quotes were collected during a 2017 evaluation which saw us surveying trainees, mentors and regular attendees of Scarf Dinners . . Sounds like a great night out? We recommend you sign up to our newsletter to make sure you find out about all of our upcoming events and news. You can find us on Instagram and Facebook too. . . . Cover Image: Spring Scarf '23 at Noisy Ritual. Photo: Roger Ungers