NEWSPAPER
Season, aprons, and a dash of flavour! Come with us to get to know the KitchenManagementcourse From gourmet techniques tomasteringkitchenskills, get a taste of what is cooking on page 2!
From pastry chef to shapingbrightfuturesat GIC,ChristineGrouxbrings her culinary expertise to thekitchenandclassroom.
Our hospitality trainer inspires with every lesson. Meet her on page 3!
Spreading smiles from ArgentinatoAustralia: it takes just two minutes to fall in love with Tomas. This friendly and hilarious student is our Student of the Month. Discover more abouthimonpage4!
Morecontentjustforyou: alistwiththebestfreebies to get on your birthday, who has started and who has finished their courses from GIC, birthdays, and so much more to read. Come check it all out!
Course of the month: Kitchen Management
A recipe for success: Inside our Kitchen Management course
WhatsetstheKitchenManagementandHospitalitycoursesatGICapartistheirstrong focusonpractical,hands-onexperience.Fromdayone,studentsimmersethemselvesinrealworldkitchenenvironments,applyingtheoreticalknowledgeinacommercialsetting.This exposure helps them prepare for the fast-paced nature of the hospitality industry, where teamwork,ef�iciency,andconsistencyareessential.
Practicalclassesinacommercialkitchenofferinvaluableexperience.Studentslearnhow tomanagetimeeffectively,handlehigh-pressuresituations,andcollaboratewithothersin aprofessionalenvironment.Theseclassesgobeyondwhataclassroomcanprovide,allowing studentstodevelopcriticalskillslikemultitasking,problem-solving,andattentiontodetail. “Inafast-pacedkitchen,studentslearntoprioritisetasksandjugglemultipleresponsibilities whilemaintaininghighstandards,”thecourseinstructorexplains.Thisreal-worldpractice buildscon�idenceandensuresthatstudentsarereadyfortheprofessionalkitchens.
Thecoursesdon’tjustfocusonculinaryskills.Studentsarealsotaughtthemanagement sideofrunningakitchen,preparingthemforleadershiproles.Withlessonsonbudgeting, inventory control, and staff management, the curriculum provides a comprehensive understandingofkitchenoperations.Graduatesoftenstarttheircareersaschefs,gradually workingtheirwayuptosouscheforkitchenmanagerpositions,andsomeeventuallymove ontoexecutivechefrolesorevenopentheirownbusinesses.
The curriculum also stays up to date with current hospitality trends, focusing on sustainability,foodwastereduction,anddietarytrends.Studentslearneco-friendlykitchen practices,sustainablesourcing,andhowtominimisefoodwaste.Theprogramalsoincorporates trainingonplant-basedandallergen-friendlycooking,ensuringgraduatesarepreparedto meetevolvingindustrydemands.Feedbackfrompaststudentshighlightstheimpactofthese coursesontheircareers.Manyhavecreditedthehands-onexperiencewithbuildingtheir
These courses balance creativity and management by integrating both: we encourage students to express creativity alongside essential business skills.
- Christine, Kitchen Management trainer
Christine: Inspiring the next chefs
ChristineGroux’spassionfortheculinary andhospitalityindustrystartedatayoung age, growing up in a family that cherished food and shared culinary traditions. "I alwayswantedtobeachef.Myfamilywas passionateaboutfood—myoldersisteris alsoachef,"sheshares.Christine’sjourney began as an apprentice chef, where she honedherskillsinhigh-pressurekitchens, learningthevalueofdiscipline,teamwork, andattentiontodetail.
Withexperienceatprestigiousvenueslike PalazzoVersaceandHyattRegency,Christine bringsreal-worldexpertisetoherteaching at GIC. “Those experiences taught me the importance of service, ef�iciency, and teamwork,”shesays.Christine’sfocusison preparing students not only in culinary techniquesbutalsoinprofessionalismand leadership, skills that are crucial in highpressureenvironments.
Her love for pastry also makes its way into theclassroom,sparkingenthusiasmamongher students.“Ienjoysharingthecreativitythatgoes into pastry-making,” Christine says, and her students often �ind themselves inspired by the artistryinvolved."It’sincredibletoseethemgain con�idence and master new techniques. Being partoftheirjourneyastheydeveloptheirskills andcreativityistrulyinspiring,"shesays.
Outsideofteaching,Christineisananimallover withtwodogs,fish,andapassionforhand-feeding wildbirds.Shealsoenjoysroadtripstodiscover newbakeriesandisafanofindoorplants.When it comes to cooking at home, Christine’s go-to dishinvolvesherfavouriteingredient:truffle.And whenitcomestodesserts,herfriendscan’tget enoughofhersignatureorangeandpoppyseed cake,atreatshe’softenaskedtomake.
Forherstudents,Christineadvises“Focuson masteringthebasics,developstrongorganisational skills,andalwaysstaypassionate.Thatpassion iswhatsetsyouapartintheindustry.”
Always staying up to date with culinary trends, Christine regularly explores new techniques and ingredients through industry publications, online resources, and social media.
With her extensive experience and deep passion for teaching, Christine is dedicated to guiding the next generation of culinary professionals to success.
Tomas Cosentino
TomasCosentino,33,isoriginallyfrom ArgentinaandhasbeenlivinginAustralia foroversixyears.Herecentlymovedfrom Sydney to the Gold Coast in search of a morerelaxedlifestylebytheocean.
Hispassionforhospitalityledhimto study Hospitality Management at GIC. "I’vealwaysenjoyedworkingwithpeople, andthiscourseletsmecombinethatwith mylovefortheculinaryarts."Withyears ofexperienceinthehospitalityindustry, Tomasbringsapracticalapproachtohis studies."Iapproachmycourseworkwith a real-world perspective, making connectionsbetweentheoryandpractice."
His favourite part of the course? The hands-on cooking sessions. "They’ve helpedmerefinemyskillsandunderstand kitchen operations. This practical experienceispreparingmetomanagea kitcheneffectively."Tomasalsoenjoysthe exposuretodiverseculturesandcuisines, whichenricheshislearning.
Outside of class, Tomas is passionate about experimenting with different cuisinesandphotography."Ihaveapassionforphotography,especiallycapturing foodandtravelexperiences.It’safunway formetocombinemyinterests!"
Our student of the month
Balancing work and study hasn’t been easy, but it’staughtTomasvaluabletimemanagementskills. His experience working in top-tier establishments complementsthelessonshelearnsatGIC,reinforcing the importance of attention to detail and excellent service.Forthoseenteringtheindustry,Tomasadvisesstayingpassionateandopen-minded."Theindustrycanbechallenging,butit’ssorewarding.Don’t hesitatetoaskquestionsandkeeplearning."
Forthefuture,Tomasdreamsofmanaginghisown restaurantorcafé."I’mexcitedtobringmyvisionto lifeandcreateawelcomingspaceforguests."With hisdedication,hisdreamiswellwithinreach!
The industry can be challenging, but it’s so rewarding. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and keep learning.
05/10 - Diego A. Diaz Pachon
Adv. Diploma of Leadership and Management
11/10 - John Ryan Olaivar
Certificate IV in Kitchen Management
14/10 - Ana Lucia da S. Santos
General English
18/10 - Mian Anam Ul Haq
Certificate III in Wall and Floor Tiling
28/10 - Melania Alicia Ciorciari
General English,
29/10 - Joaquin A. R. Lanza
Certificate III in Painting and Decorating
29/10 - Yuyan Wen
Diploma of Hospitality Management
Welcome!
Camila Lopez
Certificate III in Fitness
Nojus Jankauskas
Certificate III in Fitness
Saul Alejandro S. Torres
Certificate III in Sport, Aquatics and Recreation
Genki Matsuyama
Certificate IV in Business
Yuyan Wen
Diploma of Hospitality Management
We have a lot of students celebrating theirbirthdaysthisOctober,andwewantto makesureyoumakethemostofyourday!
Didyouknowthatplentyofbusinessesin Australia offer amazing birthday freebies? From free meals at restaurants to complimentarybeautyproductsandcoffee, thereareloadsofdealsoutthere.Signingup forloyaltyprogramsorappsisusuallyallit takestoaccessthesegoodies.
It’s a fun way to treat yourself on your special day without spending a dime. Curious to see what’s available? Check out the full list of birthday freebies in Australia at7NEWS: https://shorturl.at/GLB3N.
WHAT’S ON, GC?
Every Saturday of October + Thursday 31st Oct
NIGHTNAV
You have 40 minutes to navigate through various checkpoints using the MapRun smartphone app and a paper map. Test your skills, race the clock and have fun!
Saturday, 12th Oct
Australia’s largest and longest-running Oktoberfest in the Gardens festival it's back with a frothy bang for 2024 edition! OKTOBERFESTINTHEGARDENS
Friday to Sunday, 25th to 27th Oct
Get ready for adrenaline-pumping action at Round 11 of the Repco Supercars ChampionshipreturningtotheGoldCoast! BOOSTMOBILEGOLDCOAST500
Weekend, 12th and 13th Oct
Friday to Sunday, 18th to 20th Oct
COUNTRYMUSICFESTIVAL
HeldinBroadbeach,Groundwaterisafree country music festival showcasing some of the best country artists over 3 days.
With architect-led building tours, selfguided explorations and more, this event highlights extraordinary local buildings, places and spaces that shape the city. GOLDCOASTOPENHOUSE All event information has been verified on the What's on Gold Coast website. Check there for more events!
