The trainee was recognised by Charcoal Lane’s partnered training provider for “outstanding achievement”, particularly during Charcoal Lane’s Taste of Reconciliation Lunch Bridge Lunch early in March – an open-air dining experience on Melbourne’s Sandridge Bridge that showcased the restaurant’s modern native menu and promoted reconciliation.
The Certificate III Hospitality trainee arrived at Sandridge Bridge early on the Sunday to help set up the event for 150 guests after working a late shift at Charcoal Lane the night before. During the lunch she impressed Aboriginal elders and other diners with her knowledge and hospitality skills, and stayed on to clean up.
It was a long and hot day, with many of the usual “hospitality frustrations”, but Marley played a real leadership role in keeping her colleagues cheery and positive until the end.
In recent months Marley has been something of a spokesperson for Charcoal Lane and Apprenticeships Plus, being interviewed in The Melbourne Times and on Indigenous TV station NITV to encourage other young Aboriginal people to reach their potential.
In the newspaper article Marley spoke of the positive impact Charcoal Lane has had on her life:
"I wanted to connect with the Indigenous side of it all, to be able to pass on my knowledge about our culture and food to others," she said. "I feel like I'm embracing a positive outlook. I have cousins up in Albury who look at me and see that if I can do it, they can do it.”
Charcoal Lane Program Coordinator Stephanie Simson said Marley was a very worthy recipient of the Monthly Apprenticeship/Trainee award.
“Marley is doing fabulously and is looking at a work experience placement at the Mercure Hotel in the city,“ said Stephanie.
“Apprenticeships Plus employs more than 500 apprentices and trainees, so she had plenty of competition. We’re very proud of her!”
Charcoal Lane trainees and apprentices are part of an integrated program that includes personal skills development and accredited education (Certificate II and III in Hospitality),
with the aim of transiting to sustainable employment.
Specialising in modern cuisine infused with native flavours, the restaurant has built up a reputation for quality since opening in July 2009 and featured in The Age Good Food Guide 2010.
Charcoal Lane is at 136 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy, and opens from Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 10.30pm. To book call (03) 9418 3400 or email eat@charcoallane.com.au
Visit Mission Australia's Aboriginal & Torres Strait Island resources page for our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), the latest indigenous news, current affairs and policy updates.
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