For more than 35 years, Adrian Cash has been a steady presence in Tasmania’s hospitality industry, shaping memorable experiences for thousands of guests. His career has taken him from the heat of the kitchen to the complexity of large-scale event management.
Now, through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), he has turned his experience into two nationally recognised qualifications. One in Business, the other in Leadership and Management.
From the Kitchen to the Front of House
Adrian’s journey began in Launceston, where he left school in Year 10. Like many teenagers, he was eager to get into the workforce. “I didn’t enjoy school,” he recalls.
He started as an apprentice chef, working in local kitchens before landing in a café where he took on both cooking and customer service. That experience proved to be a turning point.
“We had a front-of-house staff member who could also cook, so we’d swap roles during the day,” he says. “I found I much preferred being out the front—dealing with customers, seeing what was coming, and managing things proactively rather than reacting once it all hit the kitchen.”
This ability to anticipate, organise, and lead became the foundation of his career.
When the café changed ownership, Adrian moved to a restaurant at Cataract Gorge, one of Tasmania’s most iconic tourist attractions. There he rose through the ranks to manage not only the restaurant but also a second café, taking on events and functions as well.
It wasn’t long before a larger operator, the Matson Hospitality Group, took over the venues and entrusted Adrian with greater responsibility.
During his 25 year career at The Gorge, Adrian has navigated three changes of ownership, countless weddings, concerts, and community events—all set against what he calls “the best office window in the world.”
Through it all, Adrian thrived on adapting to new leadership styles and helping owners transition smoothly.
“Each time there was a changeover, I found ways to make life easier for the new owners,” he says. “That made my life easier too, and usually put me in a better position.”
The Gift of True Hospitality
What has kept Adrian in the industry for so long is the people. He finds deep satisfaction in creating environments where others can connect, celebrate, and enjoy themselves.
“The best part of my job is dealing with people and helping them enjoy whatever it is we’re doing,” he says.
That could mean delivering a seamless wedding, a vibrant concert, or simply turning someone’s bad day around with good service.
“Sometimes someone walks in clearly having the worst week, and by the time they leave, their whole attitude has changed. Those little wins are just as rewarding as pulling off a big event.”
He laughs when recalling one regular client who asked him to plan both her second and third weddings.
“She said, ‘My first wedding was amazing, even though I’m not with him anymore. Our family still talks about how well it went. So can you do it again?’”
The RPL Process: Recognition, Step by Step
Despite decades of experience, Adrian had never pursued formal qualifications. Like many in hospitality, he built his career on hard work and practical know-how.
But when he was introduced to RPL through Churchill Education, he saw an opportunity to formalise his skills.
The process required Adrian to provide evidence of his leadership, business management, and event coordination experience.
What could have felt overwhelming instead became a confidence-boosting exercise. With guidance, Adrian was able to organise his evidence into clear sections.
“It made me stop and realise, yes, I do know this stuff. These are things I do every day without thinking, but seeing them recognised was really rewarding.”
By the end of the process, Adrian had earned not one but two qualifications:
“To have that formal recognition means a lot,” he says. “Especially for someone who left school early. It almost makes me want to go back to those teachers and say, look at what I’ve achieved!”
Recognising Leadership Skills in Hospitality
For Adrian, the impact of RPL goes beyond career credentials.
It has helped him reflect on his journey and appreciate the value of his contributions.
“Sometimes we just keep moving to the next thing without acknowledging what we’ve done,” he says. “This gave me recognition that I hadn’t even given myself.”
It has also reinforced his approach to leadership and training.
Over the years, he has mentored staff from diverse backgrounds, including long-term unemployed people re-entering the workforce. He believes the key is recognising that everyone learns differently.
“Some people remember something forever if you write it down, others need hands-on experience. Finding their way of learning is more important than forcing yours,” he says.
One of his proudest moments was seeing a young woman who once struggled to make eye contact transform into a confident hospitality worker who now gives guest lectures about her journey.
“That process reminded me of the impact we can have on others,” Adrian reflects.
Advice for Others
Adrian encourages anyone with years of experience but no formal qualifications to consider RPL.
“Look at how far you’ve come from day one to what you’re doing now,” he advises.
“Having a certificate helps in your career, but it also helps your self-worth. It gives you recognition you might not get from yourself or the people around you.”
His guiding philosophy is simple but powerful: “Don’t ever take people on face value. Get to know people properly—that’s how you help them, and yourself, do better in life.”
If you are curious to find out how your experience (in any industry) measures up against national qualifications, we invite you to apply for a free RPL appraisal here, or below.
