From making the perfect espresso to creating a dining experience to remember, the Southern Downs Regional Council (SDRC) is offering the opportunity for hospitality workers to hone in on their skills with a series of new workshops. As an initiative of Council’s Economic Development and Tourism Unit, the workshops are being held as part of SDRC’s ongoing commitment to increase the abilities and skills of the region’s workforce and the capacity of its businesses.

SDRC worked in partnership with Southern Queensland Country Tourism to secure almost $8000 in funding via the Australian Government’s Tourism Demand Driver Infrastructure (TDDI) Fund, which is administered through Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC). SDRC regularly deliver workshops, expos and forums on a range of topics to upskill and mentor local businesses to encourage continuous growth and long-term success. Workshops include ‘Develop Your Customer Experience’, ‘Barista Training’ and ‘Front of House and Customer Service’ and are all facilitated by the Queensland College Wine Tourism’s Front of House Supervisor and Trainer, Kim Gallaway.

With more than 15 years’ experience working in the hospitality industry, exclusive one-on-one mentoring sessions with Kim are also available through the ‘Develop Your Customer Experience’ workshop. Home to award winning Varias Restaurant, the architecturally designed Queensland College Wine Tourism has recently become a registered training organisation through the University of Southern Queensland. Councillor for Regional Promotion, Tourism and The Arts, Rod Kelly said the workshops are a wonderful opportunity and encourages all local businesses to take part. “This is a great opportunity for business owners in the hospitality and tourism space to upskill and equip themselves with the right tools to improve and grow their business,” said Cr Kelly. “Council is committed to developing tourism, the local economy and encouraging economic growth and these workshops are just one way we are working to ensure our local businesses thrive and are sustainable.”

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