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> From 1–30 June 2026, we're raising funds so that we can create more opportunities for legends like Rose. Every donation is tax-deductible, and your impact will be doubled thanks to dollar-matching from Scarf Partners, Mount Zero, Stomping Ground, Starward and Daylesford & Hepburn Mineral Springs Co. Donate today. 

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Which Scarf program did you do?

Winter Scarf ‘24. 

The program that Rose took part in included 10 weeks of training and mentoring, paid work experience at two Winter Scarf events (at Stomping Ground and Starward) and paid work experience with Scarf Partner, Garden State Hotel. 

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What was your experience of looking for work and applying for jobs before you came to Scarf?

I was looking for jobs for around one year before I heard about Scarf. I had applied for many jobs but never got one. The feedback [from potential employers] was that I don't have experience. 
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Why did you apply for Scarf?

To get experience so I can work in hospitality and to help me potentially open my own café in the future.

What was the best part of the program?

The best part was bar training and coffee training since I am interested in making drinks. I have to also mention the work experience part [Rose undertook paid work experience at Tippy-Tay at Garden State Hotel, coordinated and paid for by Scarf] was great as it helped me get the skill set needed in a hospitality job instead of only the theory and knowing how a hospitality job is like and experience what hospo is about.

What was it like to train and work with mentors?

Having mentors was very helpful especially when it's a whole new, different environment of work. Having someone you can ask about anything related to the job and that can give you tips about the job was great!

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I was looking for jobs for around one year before I heard about Scarf.

Working during Winter Scarf Dinners at Stomping Ground in 2024. Photos: Roger Ungers. 

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You were offered an ongoing job at Garden State Hotel after doing your Scarf work experience there in mid-2024. What's it like?

Working at Garden State Hotel has been great. Having a good team to work with really makes a difference, as every day I learn new skills from all of my coworkers to better my skills.

What is your dream job?

Honestly I don't think that I have one dream job. There are a few jobs that I really like that I want to try such as bartender, researcher and music related jobs. I would alternate between them if I could.

What advice do you have for future Scarf trainees?

I would tell future Scarf trainees to not be afraid of making a mistake or even asking a simple question because that's how you learn and don't be afraid of trying something new!

Working at Garden State has been great. Having a good team to work with really makes a difference as everyday I learn new skills.

What was it like to do the Scarf cocktail masterclass at Starward?

I loved doing the masterclass as I enjoy making drinks and am always open to learning more about certain drinks. The masterclass was even more fun as I got reunited with people from the program that I haven't seen in a while.

Do you think masterclass opportunities are beneficial for Scarf Graduates? If yes, why?

Yes! It was very beneficial because we got to enhance our cocktail making skills. Having masterclasses like these would be very useful as we get to learn more in depth about bar-related things.

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Rose with fellow Winter Scarf '24 trainees, mentors and the Scarf team, at Starward Bar & Distillery. Photo: Roger Ungers. 

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How has working at more Scarf events (like the 15th Birthday Party, and Do More Than Dine ‘26) helped to build your confidence and skills?

I like helping Scarf as much as I can and especially when it comes to events and when it’s something I can help with. Working at more Scarf events has indeed build my confidence and skills, as I have become familiar with how the events are designed and I know most of the people that are organising and [working at them].

You’ve been working with Scarf Training and Events Manager Nele to create a special cocktail list for the upcoming Autumn Scarf Dinners. What's it been like to do this work?

I have always enjoyed making cocktails, and Scarf giving me the opportunity to create a cocktail list made me feel so honoured and so happy. I loved creating and testing cocktails with Nele.

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Working behind the bar at Scarf's 15th birthday party in September 2025. Photo: Laura May Grogan. .

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What’s your favourite cocktail on the Autumn Scarf Dinners cocktail list, and why?

My favourite cocktail is the one inspired by ‘mohabbat ka sharbat’, an Indian drink. It has Bathtub Gin Co's 'Williamstown' gin, lemon juice, watermelon and rose water. It’s pink, it looks so pretty, and it tastes so sweet. It was originally going to be clarified with milk but we decided it didn’t taste that great - but still, it was fun having to experiment different ways to make a cocktail, unlike the other cocktails which are much easier to form. That being said, all the drinks on the Autumn Scarf Dinners cocktail list are amazing and I’m very proud that Nele and I got to create them.

Working behind the bar at 'Do More Than Dine' in April 2026. Photos: Carmen Zammit.

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You’ve been working at Garden State Hotel for over 18 months now. What’s your favourite part about working there, and how have your skills and confidence grown since you started?

My favourite part about working there is when I’m bartending, especially in Tippy Tay. I feel like my skills and confidence just kept and keeps on growing bigger because I have become so familiar with the place and the people.

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From 1 - 30 June 2026, we're raising funds so that we can create more opportunities for young people like Rose. Every donation is tax-deductible, and you can double your impact thanks to dollar-matching from some wonderful Scarf Partners. 

Donate Now   

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NB: Rose answered the majority of these questions in writing, in January and March 2025. Some additional questions were answered in writing in May 2026.