Back of House, Front of Mind

Meet Jono Outred, a small-scale farmer and freelance writer for the food & beverage industry. Jono spent a decade working as a chef, operating at various levels and capacities. Throughout his career, he encountered numerous remarkable experiences as well as formidable challenges. There were times when he grappled with mental health issues, but these trials also served as invaluable learning ex...

Welcome to our latest podcast episode, where we have the privilege of speaking with Lorraine Keane, the CEO of Holyoake, and Steve Papadopolous, the Prevention Services Manager. For nearly half a century, Holyoake has been a steadfast pillar in the realm of alcohol and drug services, illuminating paths toward personal transformation and community empowerment. Today, we're delving into a topic...

Introducing Lachie Sheridan, the creative force behind the viral social media account3 "Perth Dude Food." With an impressive 15-year background as a chef, Lachie's culinary journey has been nothing short of remarkable. After transitioning away from full-time restaurant work around 2013, Lachie ventured into catering and also took on roles as a business development and food sales acco...

Caroline Taylor is a Chef, Presenter, and Hospitality Consultant with 20 years of experience in the industry. Opening her first restaurant at age 20, Swan Valley Institute Taylor’s Art and Coffee House, trained by Restranteurs Kate and Fiona Lamont, Caroline creates tasty and accessible recipes showcasing quality WA produce for the home cook. A regular contributor to ABC ‘Perth Foodie’ segment, 6P...

Tess Crake, born and raised in Perth, currently serves as the General Manager of Sin Gin Distillery in the Swan Valley. This thriving business operates in the hospitality and tourism sectors, producing and retailing spirits. Sin Gin has garnered significant recognition, including winning the prestigious Gold Tourism Award in 2022 and receiving multiple awards for its exceptional spirits. With a de...

Kevin Dobson is an accomplished chef and co-owner of 3.8 Baysie. With a lifelong passion for hospitality, Kevin began his culinary journey at the age of 12 as a fry boy. From there, he explored various culinary roles, including bakeries and hotels across Australia and New Zealand. His culinary adventures also took him to the United States and Mallorca, Spain, where he gained valuable experience an...

Born in West Australia, Chef Rohan Park followed his family's culinary legacy after exploring other fields. He honed his skills at renowned wineries in Margaret River, developing a passion for native ingredients and foraging. Joining Fervor, he crafted unique dining experiences across Australia. Park then spearheaded the opening of Fleur, a seafood-focused restaurant in Perth that garnered num...

Craig Hollywood is Western Australia’s Local Hero for 2022 as part of the Australian Of The Year Awards. He is the Founder of the volunteer-led for purpose organisation Short Back & Sidewalks, a group that provides positive connections and breaks the stigma attached to vulnerable members of the community across Australia, one free haircut at a time. SBSW was founded by Craig as a result of obs...

Rachael Niall, an accomplished Beverage & Business Coach, specialises in helping entrepreneurs in the drinks and hospitality industry. Passionate about branding and product development, she supports clients in creating successful businesses while prioritising personal well-being. As the founder of Tomorrow on Tap, a renowned non-alcoholic drinks store, Rachael's entrepreneurial spirit shin...

In this episode, we sit down with Kate O'Hara, CEO of Foodbank WA, and Jennifer Tartaglia, Manager of the Nutrition Education Team, to discuss some of the pressing issues related to food in Australia. Foodbank WA is Australia's largest food relief organisation, providing food and groceries to charities and school breakfast programs in every state and territory. With a mission to fight hung...

Join us as we sit down with Alex Paioff, Managing Director of MITP Agency & Pilerats, Part owner of music venues Jack Rabbit Slims, and Lucy's Love Shack. Alex's work in these businesses has been recognised in AMID's Top 50 Most Powerful in the Australian Music and Entertainment Industry, where he was ranked No. 41, and as a finalist in the West Australian Young Achiever Awards.  T...

James Connolly is a highly experienced bartender from Perth, Australia, with an impressive career spanning over 15 years. Throughout this time, he has held various roles in the hospitality industry, primarily focused on bars, including running small establishments like El Publico, Defectors, and Enrique's, as well as more significant venues such as Long Chim and the Ark Group. This year James...

Join us as we sit down with Greg Leaver, who has been part of the hospitality industry for 25 years. From humble beginnings as the owner of a small book cafe on Wray Avenue, X-Wray Cafe in Fremantle, Greg has grown to co-own four successful venues, including Strange Company, Ronnie Nights, Al Lupo, and a local cafe. With a team of 35 employees spread across these venues, Greg shares his insights o...

Join us in this episode as we celebrate International Women's Day with Anneke Brown Anneke Brown has spent her 25-year career traveling the world with hospitality. She is a founding member and Acting Chair of Women in Tourism and Hospitality WA, and a Commissioner on the Board of Tourism WA. She is also a proud and devoted mother to a gorgeous three-year-old boy. Anneke’s international experience...

Join us in this episode as we sit down with Scott Alfonso, a yoga teacher, student, and occasional chef.  Scott has spent nearly 20 years working in the hospitality industry - bartending, waiting, and the majority of his time as a chef. He started work in New York before relocating to Australia. He has worked in bars, restaurants, yachts, private chef work, functions, and everything in betwee...

Join us in this episode as we sit down with Chris Harris, a seasoned psychologist and mental health expert with over 30 years of experience.  Chris is the Co-Founder and Board Member of Healthy Mind Menu, as well as the Head of Mental Health at Mineral Resources Limited.  He's made significant contributions to the field, including founding several mental health services in Western Austra...