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Who we are
We enable people with disability to live a life of dignity and independence through work. We empower employers to create diverse and inclusive workplaces. We work to break down prejudices about the talents of people with disability "one stay at a time".
Our core value pillars are: Inclusive, Innovative, Smart.
Our team:
- Andrea Comastri: CEO and co-founder
- Saraya O'Connell: General Manager
- Nathalie Kasselis: Training Manager
- Sophia Ballone: Employment Manager
- Tali Forwood: Compliance Manager
Gallery
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Josh, Hotel Etico Graduate, at Fairmont Resort, Industry Partner.
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Toby, trainee, setting up the restaurant before service.
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Olivia, trainee, prepping in the restaurant kitchen.
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Ferris, trainee, setting up the restaurant before service.
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What we do
Our first hotel is a small 1 room boutique hotel, restaurant and bar in Mount Victoria (Blue Mountains, NSW).
We employ groups of 15 young adults with disability on a 1 year residential program. They live on site in the Academy of Independence for the first 12 months while working on full award wages and training on the job in hospitality and independent living skills. They work front and centre across all areas of the business. After 12 months they graduate and they are supported in securing ongoing open employment in the tourism and hospitality industry through a range of industry partners. To date we have worked with 44 young people with disability and 82% of our graduates have secured ongoing employment. At an industry level we partner with hotel operators and work with them to provide emplopyment and transform their internal culture and employment practices to be more inclusive. AT a community level, we transform community perceptions about disability by providing a unique holiday and food and beverage experience, as well as corporate and group stays, in a fully inclusive and integrated setting, that have a significant impact on people's perceptions of disability.
Since opening in November 2020 we have won multiple awards including the Australian Human RIghts Award, the Accommodation Australia Innovation Award, The Accommodation Australia Access and Inclusion Award, The Blue Mountains Small Business Award and the Disability Service Award.
Our work
Torrens University Australia Research – Joyful Work, Joyful Learning
ReportsDownload the preliminary research insights report here.
Torrens University Australia Research – Joyful Work, Joyful LearningOur Impact
PlatformsView our impact.
Our ImpactRoom for All - The Inclusion in Hospitality Podcast
PodcastsThis is a podcast where we dive deep into the world of inclusive employment and explore the power of creating opportunities for people with disabilities.
Room for All - The Inclusion in Hospitality PodcastHotel Etico and Destination NSW
VideosWatch our graduate stories.
Hotel Etico and Destination NSW
Head office:
- New South Wales
Service location(s):
- New South Wales
- Australian Capital Territory
Type(s) of actor:
- Social Enterprises
Area(s) of activity:
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