Chris Lucas has announced the launch of Collective Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation whose purpose is to support the long-term, sustainable future of Australia’s hospitality sector.
Having played a pivotal role in the Australian dining scene over the past 30 years, Lucas’ restaurants are synonymous with industry innovation and have employed tens of thousands of young people to date.
Lucas has also led the way in developing progressive workplace practices that not only foster creativity but have set his workplaces amongst the country’s most advanced in the areas of training, culture and workplace respect. In creating his foundation Lucas aims to continue advocating for the industry he loves and has had a lifelong association with.
Australia’s restaurant and hospitality sector is world-class and today represents one of the most consequential sectors for the Australian economy. Dining out remains a favourite pastime of Australians and is one of the top three motivators for tourism. There are 56,000 restaurants and cafes in a $64 billion sector that employs half a million people – and including indirect jobs, that number doubles. From barista to the board room, from apprentice chef to chief executive, the career paths in hospitality are many and varied.
The Foundation has four clear priorities:
1. Build community and industry knowledge of the hospitality value chain, its role and contribution to the Australian economy and the professional career pathways that exist
2. Foster education and career development for emerging leaders in hospitality to ensure a sustainable pipeline of professionals
3. Support and encourage creativity and innovation across the value chain from agriculture to sustainable development initiatives that will be essential to the sector in the coming decades
4. Create job training and enablement programs for aspiring hospitality professionals with a particular focus on those from regional and rural areas of Australia and with diverse backgrounds
To enable the first two priorities, the Foundation is also announcing a partnership with La Trobe University to conduct research and build bespoke, professional education for the sector.
Professor Suzanne O’Keefe, Dean of La Trobe Business School, said combining research with educational program development would enable a deeper understanding of the real-world challenges faced by aspiring hospitality managers and leaders and help to ensure applied learning outcomes for participants.
The Foundation operates with an independent board of four Directors, including Executive Chair, Angie Bradbury.
“The research phase kicks off in October to understand the barriers for young waiters, chefs and sommeliers to pursue a career in the sector, while simultaneously understanding what the gaps and limitations are for restaurant operators as far as recruiting and developing senior staff. We believe this is the first time a study like this has been undertaken and the findings will be used to inform our industry and community engagement activity as well the education program,” Bradbury said.
This Foundation is for the entire sector and we are looking to convene an industry steering committee to provide insights and help shape the Foundation’s activity. Expressions of interest will be opening via the Foundation website shortly.