Ashleigh Dick is your go-to person…

Ashleigh Dick (Far Right) / Photo Credit: Sarah Jane Photography

Ashleigh Dick is your go-to person…

- I am always willing to get stuck in and make a plan -

If you need something done at Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine, Ashleigh is your go-to person. Why Ashleigh, you may ask. It’s because, bar the cooking, she is responsible for organising functions, the admin - and everything in between.

What does Ashleigh find challenging in this role? “Nothing,” she says, “because I love it all.” After a few seconds she admits that getting things done without interruption can be taxing. “No day is the same, there is always someone or something that needs attention, but I love the hustle and bustle of it all,” she adds, with enthusiasm written in her smile.

For Ashleigh the satisfaction she receives from a successful function, is her reward for the time and effort she puts into her days. “When clients and guests are happy, we are happy,” she shares. Getting through the “madness of graduation without too many hiccups” is an accomplishment Ashleigh is proud of. “It was a first for me and there was a lot of planning, but it was, by far, my favourite time of the year. Seeing the students graduate was a special moment.”

Born in the Chinese Year of the Monkey, Ashleigh has what it takes to succeed in the position she holds - imaginative, inquisitive and loves to keep an eye on everything that is going on around her; is never backward in offering advice or trying to sort out the problems of others. “Beside getting endless supplies of yummy food, I enjoy the variety, the hospitality side - coordinating the functions in particular - as well as interacting with the students. Witnessing their development is an eye opener,” she says.

Ashleigh’s advice to those considering entering her field of work is “to be flexible and make a plan when needed - often things don’t go as expected; you just have to change the plan and make it work; get stuck in; don’t be afraid to ask and think outside the box”.

Having worked, previously, in the hospitality industry, telecommunications and recruitment, Ashleigh has found her niche, and is happy to be part of the growth of Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine. “There are so many exciting opportunities and so much growth happening,” she shares.

When asked about her hobbies, Ashleigh responded: “Do watching Netflix and drinking wine count as hobbies?” I guess for a full-time, working mom with the responsibilities she carries, they do count!