David Elia Hostplus, Damien Neylon, Natalie O'Brien MFW
David Elia Hostplus, Damien Neylon, Natalie O'Brien MFW
David Elia Hostplus, Damien Neylon, Natalie O’Brien MFW

Damien Neylon, Sous Chef, Brae, VIC, is the winner of the 2015 Hostplus Hospitality Scholarship supported by Melbourne Food and Wine (MFW).

Natalie O’Brien, CEO, Melbourne Food and Wine summed up why Damien was selected above other high calibre applications from all across the hospitality industry:

“There was a real depth of quality in the applications that we received this year, however, Damien’s level of skill and dedication to his craft stood out to the judging panel,” O’Brien said.

“He clearly has a very bright future ahead of him and it is such a pleasure to play a helping hand to realise his career aspirations.”

On accepting the scholarship Damien said: “Firstly I’d like to thank Melbourne Food and Wine and Hostplus for this great opportunity. In this scholarship, I’d like to continue to move forward as a chef, learning and seeing new things and applying them in the workplace, and hopefully contributing to what I think is a really special industry.”

Damien will work closely with Melbourne Food and Wine and Hostplus to tailor his once-in-a-lifetime work experience to three world-leading restaurants later this year, and will document his journey through the Melbourne Food and Wine website. He will also be connected with a Melbourne Food and Wine Legend for a year-long mentorship on his return.

David Elia, CEO, Hostplus said: “We’ve been the national super fund for people working in hospitality for 27 years and we’re proud to back this scholarship – it’s just one of the many ways we are helping to support the industry by providing structured pathways for future talent.”

James Wilkinson

Editor-In-Chief, Hotel Management