New business arises from determination
15 December 2011
Starting a successful catering company and ending ties with Centrelink was Gavin Draper’s key motivations when he registered with MatchWorks in Footscray.
With 20-years’ experience working around the world, Gavin has served food at restaurants in England, France, Spain and also on the cruise liner the Queen Elizabeth 2 for 12 months.
Gavin came to Australia 10 years ago for a lifestyle change and while he worked from Perth to Sydney, and Cairns to Melbourne, nothing became permanent.
Gavin registered himself at MatchWorks in Footscray to get some support and help with the barriers he faced with his employment.
He had regular meeting with MatchWorks Employment Consultant Natasha Anastasi where they worked through Gavin’s barriers including self-esteem.
MatchWorks Footscray Job Services Australia Site Manager Chris Dearsley said it quickly became clear that Gavin would thrive on being his own boss and was referred to the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS).
This gave Gavin the opportunity to present a business plan to TAFE advisors at Victoria University, where he was provided with small business training, advice and mentoring.
Together with the NEIS program Gavin worked with various businesses for three to six months to further gain knowledge that he would use for his own business.
“It was Gavin’s drive and passion that has made him a success,” said Chris.
Gavin now runs a successful catering company, Repertoire Catering, based in Yarraville, Melbourne.
Repertoire Catering brings together Gavin’s creativity, sense of adventure and love of food.
Gavin admits that while it has been hard work to build his own business from unemployment, there are still further obstacles to get through to become more secure.
The website (www.repertoirecatering.com.au) is just a stepping stone to the future that Gavin has paved himself.
“Follow your dreams, because this is the only way to success,” Gavin said.