2005 - 2006

2005

Year 11 was my first year as an upper school student, and I took full benefit of the eligibilities such as free periods and leaving school during lunch. Because I loved food so much I enrolled myself into the certificate 1 course in Hospitality (kitchen operations). I did find it easy and completed it with an A. I took part in 2 work experiences, the first was at Extensions restaurant on the beach in Bunbury, and the second at Josephines where I started working.

I played soccer for Hay Park United soccer club in the under 16’s team as goalkeeper. The team was similar to 2004 and was under the coaching order of Terry Kavanah. We won the League and Cup undefeated so it was my best ever year with a local team. And being undefeated, we played 22 games without a loss.
I went to Perth for a soccer competition with all the other juniors, my team finished near the bottom of the table but I still had a ball and it was a great experience. I met Jason Petkovic, the Perth Glory goalkeeper at the time, which was a pleasure and also the team's assistant coaches.
I attended Country Week for the first time with Bunbury Senior High School playing in the soccer team. I was reserve goalkeeper as an older year 12 was in the goals this year, but I did play left defence instead. We did fairly well and our position at the end of the competition was 3rd. The competition was held in Perth and attended by all the major country high schools in Western Australia. Sports included soccer, hockey, basketball, netball, volleyball and AFL. If you call dancing a sport, then it was also there.

Around January I quit my job at Tarantinos and started at the Hungry Hollow Tavern. They paid me more money so I was happy with that and the chef's were willing to let me get more involved.
At the end of 2005 I changed jobs and started working at Josephines restaurant in Bunbury City. It is still my favourite restaurant and I recommend anyone who likes italian seafood and is in the area, to go and get a table. I was working as a kitchen hand around 4 nights a week. I was also offered an apprenticeship once again which I kindly turned down, due to my realisation that being a Chef for the rest of my life just wasn't what I wanted any more.

2006