Mark Bashinsky, sous chef at Aria Restaurant in Brisbane, has been revealed as the winner of the inaugural Hostplus Hospitality Scholarship supported by Melbourne Food and Wine (MFW).
The Australia-wide industry scholarship program was launched in March 2014 during Melbourne Food and Wine Festival presented by Bank of Melbourne, and offers an up-and-coming star from Australia’s hospitality industry the opportunity to gain exclusive international work experience and a one-year mentor program with an industry leader.
On presenting Mark with the scholarship award at Melbourne’s Stokehouse City last night, Natalie O’Brien, CEO, MFW said: “We’re delighted to award Mark Bashinsky with the Hostplus Hospitality Scholarship award for 2014.
“Following an in-depth judging process reviewing high calibre applicants from right across Australia and from a range of professions, Mark demonstrated all the qualities of a future leader in Australia’s hospitality industry: a high standard of professionalism, a strong desire to build on his skills and experience, plus unlimited passion for his craft.
“On behalf of Melbourne Food and Wine, I congratulate Mark and warmly welcome him as a MFW and Hostplus ambassador on the next phase of his scholarship journey,” she said.
Umberto Mecchi, executive manager, strategy and marketing at Hostplus said: “After rising through the ranks at Aria Restaurant, we believe Mark is at a point in his career where he will benefit immensely from the scholarship by further developing his culinary skills and bringing these back to share with his team.”
On accepting the scholarship Mark said: “I’m very honoured to receive the scholarship award. I’m looking forward the next 12 months and the learnings and experiences I can bring back to share with the Aria team.
“Thank you to Hostplus and Melbourne Food and Wine for this incredible opportunity.”