Started in memory of an outstanding young man who died in tragic circumstances whilst working in London, the Dan Pontifex Memorial Fund has, for the last three years, sponsored a working placement in Europe for young Australians involved in the hospitality industry. The trustees of the fund later decided to offer a similar placement in Australia, based in Adelaide, to a candidate (of any nationality) who is resident in the UK.
The fund covers the cost of flights, travel insurance, accommodation and expenses for the successful candidate who will spend a minimum of four weeks and up to three months in Australia. Their time will be spent in a mixture of activities, mostly working in restaurants and wineries, in order to gain experience and knowledge of Australian food and wine although placements are tailored to the needs of the successful applicant. Candidates are expected, as a prerequisite, to have a strong interest in wine but may come from any area of the hospitality industry. They must also agree to return to the UK at the end of their placement and to obtain agreement from their current employer. They will be able to take up their placement any time between October 2004 and June 2005.
Interested applicants will be expected to apply with a short essay (500-750 words) explaining why they wish to apply. A short autobiography should be included but it is stressed that enthusiasm and evidence of genuine interest will be more important to the board than literary merit. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview in early September 2004. Applications should be tendered by 24th July 2004. This year's board will consist of David Gleave (Liberty Wines), Nicholas Lander (Financial Times), Rowley Leigh (Kensington Place) and Nicholas Smallwood (UK Director, Dan Pontifex Memorial Fund).
Applications should be sent by mail to Rowley Leigh, Dan Pontifex Memorial Fund, Kensington Place, 201 Kensington Church Street, London W8 7LX or by e-mail at rleigh@egami.co.uk . Any enquiries should be made to the same address.