Scarf and The Mulberry Group’s 10-Year Collaboration Opens Doors for Young Job Seekers

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Social enterprise Scarf has partnered with hospitality legends The Mulberry Group for a decade. To celebrate, they’re hosting two pop-up dinners at Liminal in November, offering impactful dining experiences that support young people from asylum seeker and refugee backgrounds. Scarf is excited to bring their unique events back to Liminal, after running a popular dinner series there in 2022 which included special guest diner Matt Preston.

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Scarf Dinners at Liminal in 2022. Spring Scarf '22 trainee Peter serves guests, while Hazel chefs Kyle Nicol and Oliver Edwards run the kitchen. Photos: Roger Ungers. 

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The upcoming Scarf Dinners at Liminal will provide paid, hands-on front-of-house training for Scarf’s Spring '24 trainees, who will serve a three-course menu designed and cooked by The Mulberry Group chefs Laura Boulton (Square One Rialto) and Travis Goodlet (Liminal). For $75, diners will enjoy a Spring-inspired menu featuring produce from Mount Zero Olives, Loafer Bread, Calendar Cheese and Common Ground Project. Ticket prices include a contribution toward award wages for Scarf trainees, emphasising Scarf’s commitment to fair pay and empowering young people through meaningful work.

Trainees will receive guidance from seasoned mentors during the dinners, building their confidence and industry skills. By providing training, mentoring and real work experience in a professional setting, Scarf programs enable trainees to establish strong hospitality industry networks.

Since 2013, The Mulberry Group has played an integral role in supporting Scarf’s mission through training and events, fundraising initiatives - including their annual fundraising gala dinner, Do More Than Dine - and work experience. Through this partnership, Scarf trainees currently gain valuable weekly paid experience at Liminal, Dessous, and Square One Rialto, working under the mentorship of skilled professionals.

"Partnering with Scarf has been an incredibly valuable undertaking for our restaurant group,” said Nathan Toleman, Founder & Creative Director of The Mulberry Group. “We see our staff eager to engage and support the next generation of hospitality professionals."

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Spring Scarf '22 trainees Mahabub and Halima serve VIP guest, Scarf Ambassador Matt Preston at Liminal. Photos: Roger Ungers. 

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Other Melbourne venues, including Stomping Ground Brewery & Beer Hall, Starward Bar & Distillery, Tippy-Tay, and Pullman Melbourne Albert Park, also participate in Scarf’s 8-week work experience program, providing an inclusive entry point into the hospitality sector. Recently, three Scarf graduates secured ongoing positions through these connections, underscoring the program’s impact in creating sustainable job pathways.

Founded in 2010, Scarf has helped over 350 young people gain work experience, with more than 70% securing jobs after graduating. “We’re thrilled to end 2024 with these pop-up dinners with The Mulberry Group, who are such an integral partner to Scarf,” says Hannah Brennan, Scarf CEO and Co-Founder. “And we can't wait to welcome lots of diners, who play a really important role … by attending, you enjoy a great meal while actively supporting young people who are starting their working lives in Australia.”

Event Details

• Dates: Wednesday 20 & 27 November 2024

• Venue: Liminal, 161 Collins St, Melbourne CBD

• Ticket Price: $75, includes 3 course set menu and a contribution to trainee wages

UPDATE 18/11/2024: A generous Scarf supporter has offered to cover 1/3 of the price of all tickets sold from today, until all spaces are booked out. Tickets are now $50, and include a 3 course set menu and invaluable opportunities for Scarf trainees.

• Book now:
  
  

  All bookings are for 2 hours. If you require more time, please let the team know on arrival and we will do our best to accommodate you. Seating at Liminal is a mix of chairs, couches/booths and stools. Please email us - bookings@scarfcommunity.org - if you have a specific request regarding the type of seat you need, are planning to book for a group of 10+, or you'd like to use a Scarf Gift Card.

   

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About The Mulberry Group

The Mulberry Group is a prominent hospitality group dedicated to sustainability and community. With highly regarded Melbourne venues including Hazel, Lilac Wine, Molli, and Liminal, and social enterprise/regenerative farm Common Ground Project, they actively contribute to social causes and promote food security.