Media release – Tasmanian Hospitality Association, 7 July 2023
THA Women in Leadership scholarships announced
Fifteen of Tasmanian hospitality’s emerging and talented females will receive a boost on their career journey after receiving scholarships under one of the Tasmanian Hospitality Association’s new initiatives.
The THA launched its Women in Leadership (WIL) program earlier this year with the aim to highlight, celebrate and increase the stories and impact women have on the industry.
Part of the program includes bespoke scholarship opportunities and following a strong response the successful recipients have been announced.
Showcasing the diverse nature of the scholarships, successful applicants were selected from all parts of Tasmania, from Bruny Island to Strahan to Cradle Mountain and St Helens.
WIL program manager Jess Gulliver said the positive response from the hospitality community for the scholarships highlights the desire of women to advance their careers.
“It was great to see so many applications for the scholarship in its first year of being offered,” Ms Gulliver said. “This is proof that women within the industry are eager to upskill and take opportunities for their career growth.
“The calibre of applications was outstanding, and the decision was extremely hard, with a lot of discussion going into the outcome. We are looking forward to offering this opportunity again next year.”
Pennicott Wilderness Journeys employee Talsa Yates secured one of five Diploma of Leadership and Management scholarships, offered through THA training partner SCALA.
Ms Yates, who moved to Tasmania from Canada six years ago, has been with PWJ since late 2020. She currently runs the catering for the company’s popular Wineglass Bay Cruise at Coles Bay and said the scholarship opportunity came at the perfect time for her career.
“It is all very exciting and just the encouragement and support I needed at this time in my career,” she said. “As life does, this opportunity presented itself at just the right time and I am so grateful.”
Minister for Hospitality and Events, Nic Street, congratulated the successful recipients and said he looked forward to seeing them progress their career in the industry.
“As one of the state’s largest employers, it is important that the hospitality industry is representative of the community it serves, so it is great to see so many women looking to take on leadership roles” he said.
“Since 2022-23, the Tasmanian Government has invested $600,000 for initiatives to support women’s leadership skills development in the industry and we will continue to back them in any way we can.”
THA chief executive Steve Old said it was extremely pleasing to see such an array of hospitality businesses and positions represented with the scholarships.
“We are extremely proud to be leading the way with initiatives such as our Women in Leadership program,” Mr Old said.
“We want to ensure women, who form such an integral part of our industry, can envision fulfilling, long term careers when they enter the workforce and these scholarships will assist in developing our future leaders.”
Aside from the eight scholarships provided through SCALA, Visitor Experience Training (VXT) provided six Leadership Development Program opportunities while the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) provided a Foundation of Directorship scholarship.
Recipients
