Catering for a win

By Tania Martin
TWO of Kalorama’s rising hospitality stars have been praised for their excellent service.
Up-and-coming chef Hayley Jones and conference manager Kim Harding recently took out the inaugural International Association of Conference Centre (IACC) Chairman’s Awards for Excellence.
Both from The Country Place in Kalorama have been recognised for their outstanding service.
Ms Jones is no stranger to that winning feeling as she proved in 2006 after winning the Best Commis Chef at Swinburne University’s annual competition.
And by mid 2006 Ms Jones had won a silver medal for a TAFE based cooking competition which secured her a spot in running for the Apprentice of Year.
Now having won an inaugural award for excellence, Ms Jones says she looks forward to continue to challenge herself.
“At the end of the year I will finish my apprenticeship and I look forward to having the opportunity of competing at the IACC Copper Skillet Competition and hopefully representing The Country Place overseas,” she said.
Sue Sedelies of The Country Place said Ms Jones’ enthusiasm and flair for cooking would pave the way for a bright future. Kim Harding, who was nominated for her excellent management skills, was speechless when she was named one of the winners of the inaugural award.
“I am so pleased to have been put forward for this award and even more amazed to have won,” she said.
But Ms Sedelies says it was no surprise that Ms Harding won because she is such a genuine person.
“She is self-motivated and has a genuine interest in all people she meets,” Ms Sedelies said.
Ms Harding is also no stranger to awards after being named as employee of the year in 2006 at the Country Place for her outstanding service and loyalty to both staff and customers.