Dawn Bennett
Safety Beach,Australia
Summary
Dynamic Events Manager and Pastry Chef with a strong work ethic and commitment to continuous learning and growth. Comprehensive knowledge of operations in both front and back of house settings, with a passion for creativity and excellence in the hospitality industry. Awarded Gold Medal at the Victorian Patisserie Trainee Challenge (July 2024) and recognized as Outstanding Patisserie Student of the Year at Holmesglen TAFE (2024). Highly Skilled in Floral Design, Event Management, Wedding Styling, and Photography.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Pastry & Event Chef
The Big Group
09.2024 - Current
- Pastry Production & Event Chef at The Big Group Melbourne, specialising in high profile events including the AFL Grand final, Caulfield & Flemington races, Australian Open, Mecca Bourke St opening.
- Recognised as Employee of the month last December for outstanding performance.
Jewellery Consultant
Reflections Jewellers
05.2021 - 05.2023
- Developed successful solutions tailored to clients' specific needs.
- Utilized strong communication skills when interacting with clients or colleagues.
Freelance Florist
Coco & Jimmy
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Demonstrated expertise in flower design and arrangement, including traditional, modern and specific styles.
- Managed inventory and sourcing of fresh flowers, ensuring quality and availability.
- Provided exceptional customer service by advising clients on floral selections and arrangements.
Self Employed
Coco & Jimmy
01.2019 - 01.2021
- Participated in ongoing training to enhance own job skills and knowledge.
- Identified ways to improve efficiency in operations and implemented process changes.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
Florist
Flowers of Canterbury
01.2016 - 01.2019
- Exhibited strong customer service skills to ensure customers received satisfactory products.
- Collaborated effectively with team members to meet tight deadlines.
- Managed inventory levels to ensure freshness of stock while minimizing waste.
Self Employed
The Baravan
01.2012 - 01.2016
- Self Employed - Converted Vintage 1961 Sunliner Caravan into a travelling Bar, Catering for Wedding & Corporate Events.
- Provided staffing for Events.
- Managed all business aspects of job.
Event & Party Stylist
Ruby May Designs
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Event & Party Stylist.
- Provided consultations to clients to determine their specific needs.
- Took client brief and creatively turned their event into a beautifully styled occasion through the use of florals, food and graphic design.
Business Development Manager
Egan Hospitality
01.2007 - 01.2009
- Business Development Manager- Catering & Events.
- Engaged in cold calling activities for lead generation purposes.
- Managed client relationships, providing exceptional customer service to ensure satisfaction and retention.
- Conducted site visits and sales meetings with clients.
Self-employed Florist
Bunch
01.2003 - 01.2006
- Self-employed - Wedding and Corporate Event Florist.
- Ordered and purchased flowers and supplies from wholesalers and growers to maintain adequate inventory.
- Displayed excellent multitasking abilities while managing multiple projects simultaneously.
- Created bridal bouquets, stunning arrangements and styled Venues large and small for both weddings and corporate events.
Trainee Florist and Shop Assistant
Flora
01.2002 - 01.2003
- Working as trainee florist and shop assistant.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of team, while managing multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Created stunning floral arrangements and bouquets for customers.
Conference Event Manager
Euromoney Conferences
01.2001 - 01.2002
- Events Manager for International financial conferences.
- Organised and travelled worldwide to run financial conferences.
- Coordinated services for events, such as accommodation and transportation for participants, facilities, catering, signage, displays, special needs requirements, printing, and event security.
- Negotiated contracts with service providers and suppliers such as hotels, convention centers, and speakers.
Events Manager
EVENTIVE LTD.
01.1999 - 01.2001
- Events Manager - organising and running of large corporate events in Dublin, throughout Ireland and overseas.
- Coordinated with vendors, caterers, and other service providers to ensure all event needs were met.
- Suggested creative ideas to ensure each event was original and customised to clients specific needs.
- Developed detailed project timelines to enhance overall event execution efficiency.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to align goals and optimize event outcomes.
French Customer Service Rep-Norton Antivirus Specialist
Symantec Ltd.
01.1997 - 01.1999
- Computer Software - French Customer Service Rep-Norton Antivirus Specialist.
- Assisted with training and mentoring new team members.
- Assisted customers with product selection by providing detailed information about available products and services.
Education
Cert III Patisserie - Patisserie
Holmesglen Tafe
Melbourne06.2024
Bachelor of Arts International - French & English
University College Dublin
Dublin01.1995
Certification
- Cert III Patisserie
- BA INT French & English
LANGUAGES
French
Fluent
University College Dublin
Timeline
Pastry & Event Chef
The Big Group
09.2024 - Current
Jewellery Consultant
Reflections Jewellers
05.2021 - 05.2023
Freelance Florist
Coco & Jimmy
01.2020 - 01.2021
Self Employed
Coco & Jimmy
01.2019 - 01.2021
Florist
Flowers of Canterbury
01.2016 - 01.2019
Self Employed
The Baravan
01.2012 - 01.2016
Event & Party Stylist
Ruby May Designs
01.2011 - 01.2012
Business Development Manager
Egan Hospitality
01.2007 - 01.2009
Self-employed Florist
Bunch
01.2003 - 01.2006
Trainee Florist and Shop Assistant
Flora
01.2002 - 01.2003
Conference Event Manager
Euromoney Conferences
01.2001 - 01.2002
Events Manager
EVENTIVE LTD.
01.1999 - 01.2001
French Customer Service Rep-Norton Antivirus Specialist
Symantec Ltd.
01.1997 - 01.1999
Bachelor of Arts International - French & English
University College Dublin
Cert III Patisserie - Patisserie
Holmesglen Tafe