1. History of the Award

From 1998  to 2009,  the Rotary Club Of Engadine in association with School of Hospitality & Tourism at the Loftus Campus  Sutherland College, Sydney Institute of TAFE conducted a Vocational Service Award in Hospitality & Tourism. Its objective was to promote excellence in Hospitality and Tourism Industry. In the 2010 Academic year and in its 13th year, the awards program was modified to include Environmental issues in keeping with changes in course curriculum occurring at that time. 

From 2014, the award has been renamed the Hospitality Leadership and Development Award and open to students across all Hospitality Courses at the Sutherland College of TAFE on the Loftus Campus. It follows a similar pattern to the previous awards whereby nominated students are required to submit a  short Cv detailing their employment history within the Industry, their leadership and development roles within and external to TAFE. In addition, students must meet the following criteria

1.Has demonstrated a commitment to the Hospitality & Tourism  Industry

2. Demonstrated an involvement in the industry and or their associations.

3. Is highly motivated and displays high leadership skills

4. Has a consistent academic record

Students are required to submit their applications to the Senior Head Teacher Hospitality before the   end of TAFE year.  

The awardees will be required to attend a presentation evening involving the Rotary Club Of Engadine members and TAFE teaching staff. This is usually held in late May following the School's Graduation Night. Selected students will be advised in writing.

2. 2016 Awards 

The 2016 Award presentation evening was held on 23rd May last and Rotary was honored to present awards to three very highly and outstanding candidates . They were 

 Jose Calleja 

Jose is now assistant manager of Mercure Canberra hotel . He has held several major posts with Fiji Tourism including playing a role in targeting  of golfing destinations. Other postings and experience include  1. Duty manager at Royal Hotel, Paddington  2.A series of appointments involving golf courses in Hanoi, Macau and The Australian,

He was educated St Thomas Boys High School (Christian Brothers) in Lewisham and recently graduated with the Diploma of Hospitality Management Sutherland College of TAFE and previously graduated in the Bachelor's degree in Business Sport Management (Griffith University). He numbers the President of Fiji, RatuEpeli Nailatikau among his references...

Felicia Soultados

Felica achieved her  Higher School Cerlificate at Casimir CatholicCollege in 2012 She then studied Bachelor of Business and Commerce (Properly) at University of Westem Sydney (2013). This was followed by the Advanced Diploma of   Hospitality with an overall distinction at Loftus TAFE (2014)

She  currently works  at the Bayside Brassiere, St George Sailing Club where she had previously worked  part time (four n years) and is now Manager of their Restaurant. she had also worked at the Yiamas Greek Tavern and Pizza Hut. 

Timothy Peckham:

  Initially Timothy worked as a casual at Sizzlers St George (January Jan to June 2007) then Short term at Sanity Music until September 2007 . He then moved to a fulltime position with Bexley RSl and Community Club where he is now employed as a Duty Manager. He is a graduate in Advanced Diploma of Hospitality , Loftus TAFE (2015) and a Certificate 3 in Hospitality Operations, Loftus TAFE ( 2008)

The Rotary Club Of Engadine wishes all awardees best wishes and success in their future endeavors. . 

   Awardees Jose Calleja, Engadine President Greg Mokeeff, Felica Soultados and Timothy Peckham