Our 2023 Scholars
Lily Lapper, Restaurant Manager Mr Wong
Lily Lapper is the Restaurant Manager at Merivale’s renowned restaurant Mr Wong where she leads a small army of hospitality professionals. Before relocating to Sydney, Lily was the Restaurant Manager at 2-hatted Laura in the Mornington Peninsula. Lily also worked at the revered Carlton Wine Room, mentored by Travis Howe. Her trip will focus on further developing her leadership skills, visiting businesses that have a strong reputation for prioritising their team's wellbeing and hospitality tenure, while maintaining a profitable business.
Sam Bray, Head Chef Manky Sally’s/Moo Brew
Starting his career in Adelaide, Sam staged at world-renowned Noma, and worked in some iconic kitchens before putting down roots in Tasmania. Originally working at MONA, Sam is now Head Chef at Manky Sally’s in Hobart which is on a path to becoming a zero-waste kitchen. Sam recently undertook the WSET Level 2 as well as an applied science certificate at the University of Tasmania to build his knowledge on fermentation to upcycle by-products from the hospitality, wine and brewing industries. Sam plans to visit pioneering zero waste and sustainably minded restaurants and volunteer at not-for-profit ‘Food for Soul’ founded by Massimo Bottura.