To celebrate International Women's Day 2025, and all the incredible women in hospitality who keep the Perth scene turning, we asking a local chef, bar owner and marketing manager just how they'd like to see action accelerated for women in the industry.
Kat Dehavilland
Owner of Bar Amelie
What do you love about your job and the hospitality industry?
I love creating how a great hospitality experience can connect people and create memories. There is nothing better than connecting over great food and great service.
Who inspires you?
When it comes to females, Sue Hodder, the chief winemaker for Wynns, who is constantly at the forefront of progression and innovation, including sustainabilty and advocating for females - her multiple awards speak for her vast achievements. Closer to home, you really can't go past Sonia Gastevich who arrived here as a young 18-year-old from Croatia and has built one of the largest hospitality property and venue portfolios in WA. She is still at her venue seven days a week greeting customers and ensuring everyone is doing their job. All while helping others. She's now in her 80's which is really inspirational. Erin Larkin and Foni Pollitt are two other females who I greatly admire and find their work inspiring.
How can we #AccelerateAction for women in the industry?
When I was the State Manager for Treasury Wine Estates we actually created the Woman in Drinks chapter for WA. Part of what we did was provide scholarships, funding for woman seeking to expand their chosen area of knowledge whether it was through placements, training programs like WSET, brewing or worklace. We also advocated for flexible working hours in what has always been a very male dominated industry. Unfortunately, my redundancy saw this chapter be put on hold until recently, but we are looking to reactivate the chapter. More programs encouraging woman to take a chance or more male operators looking to be inclusive along with industry representation on boards like the AHA and LSA.
Molly Myers
Group Marketing Manager of Prendiville Group
What do you love about your job and the hospitality industry?
I love how every day is different, with new and exciting challenges. From creating crave-worthy campaigns for our food and beverage outlets, to promoting unforgettable holidays or staycations. Marketing in the hospitality industry is all about experiences, and I get to sell the dream—one delicious, aspirational campaign at a time!
Who inspires you?
The women I work alongside every day, their power to cut through the norm, creating meaningful connections and campaigns with customers and stakeholders alike. And, of course, my mum – a superwoman also making strides in the hospitality industry with her events styling business.
How can we #AccelerateAction for women in the industry?
We can #AccelerateAction for women in hospitality by fostering supportive environments where women thrive. Leading an all-women team and collaborating with women-led agencies, I see firsthand the impact of mentorship, creative empowerment, and strong representation. By championing women’s voices and celebrating their successes, we pave the way for more female leaders in the industry.
Shannon Holdsworth
Head Chef of Shui
What do you love about your job and the hospitality industry?
I love the pressure and movement of my job, the chaos it can bring and how supported you feel with the right team. The hospitality industry offers such a wide range of experiences and will introduce you to some of the most amazing, life changing people.
Who inspires you?
Who inspires me are the people working alongside me not only now but throughout my career. We bleed, we burn, we sweat, and cry together. Then continue to show up, to laugh, muck around and get shit done together. They - the chefs, cooks, kitchenhands - inspire me the most.
How can we #AccelerateAction for women in the industry?
I think we can accelerate action by genuinely supporting women in the industry. I think not looking at everything from a money or advertising perspective would go a long way and we started actually listening to and treating one another like the humans we all are.
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