Debra Ferguson
Mount Cottrell,VIC
Summary
I am a very highly-motivated person with desire to take on new challenges. I have a strong work ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills. I can work effectively unsupervised and I quickly master new skills.
I am a committed job seeker with a history of meeting company needs with consistent and organized practices. I am highly skilled in working under pressure and adapting to new situations and challenges to best enhance the organizational brand.
I am an experienced and dependable worker with a proven track record of efficiently completing tasks in various settings. Skilled in manual labor, equipment operation, and maintaining a clean and organized workspace. Safety-conscious with a strong work ethic and the ability to adapt to different environments. Ready to contribute to a dynamic team and make a positive impact.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
4
4
Certification
Work History
Owner/Manager
Melbourne 4x4 Training & Proving Ground
Mount Cottrell, Victoria
02.2008 - 12.2022
- Owner of my own business that provided a property where clients from all around the world would come and test their vehicles.
- I provided a safe environment for clients to run 4x4 training courses as well as our own in house 4x4 training to the public.
- I helped/worked with clients to organise their events by setting up our conference room, with tables and chairs, audio, visual systems.
- I prepared meals for events, such as weddings and conferences for car, motorbike, and tractor manufacturers. Sometimes up to 150 people a day. To a very high standard and always served on time.
- Provided excellent tuition to clients on how to operate and maintain a 4x4 vehicle. I was a 4x4 Driver Trainer also.
- Maintained relationships with existing clients by providing superior customer service. These included clients such as Vic Police, Vic Ambulance, SES, Australian Army, Toyota, Land Rover, Holden just to name a few
- Basically all car companies used my property to test their new vehicles and then bring their staff out to train them at my property on the functionality of the vehicles.
- Did all the reception work, taking bookings, moving bookings, all enquires.
- Reviewed legal documents related to business operations.
- All accounting, sending invoices and doing tax returns.
- Cleaning of the toilet blocks and conference room.
- Hired and trained staff to help with waitressing for events with over 40 people. Under 40 people I managed it all myself.
- Helped set up and organise the property with props etc for movie productions and tv commercials.
- Ordered all the food, cleaning products and any items that clients required for their events.
- I operated the whole business by myself with my husband as the maintenance manager.
Retail Assistant Manager
JV Marine World
Laverton Nth, Victoria
08.2004 - 02.2008
- Monitored inventory levels and reordered merchandise as needed.
- Trained, coached, and mentored new team members on customer service and operational standards.
- Developed relationships with customers by providing knowledgeable advice about products.
- Resolved conflicts between employees or customers in a professional manner.
- Performed daily opening and closing duties including cash handling and reconciliation.
- Coordinated with vendors for product availability and delivery schedules.
- Conducted regular inventory checks to ensure accuracy of stock levels.
- Maintained a neat, clean, organized work environment that meets company standards.
- Implemented loss prevention measures to protect against shoplifting or theft incidents.
- Responded promptly to customer inquiries or complaints regarding products or services.
- Collaborated with other managers on projects such as store layout changes or marketing campaigns.
- Processed sales transactions via cash register and telephone orders.
- Recognized by management for providing exceptional customer service.
Restaurant Floor Manager
La Porchetta
Altona Meadows, Victoria
09.2002 - 07.2004
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and courteously.
- Assigned tasks to staff members, monitored performance, and provided feedback.
- Supervised day-to-day activities of front-of-house staff including servers & bartenders.
- Directed and coordinated the daily operations of the restaurant floor.
- Maintained a high level of customer service throughout the restaurant.
- Resolved and investigated complaints regarding service & food quality.
- Trained new employees to perform duties.
- Assisted staff by serving food and beverages, taking orders on POS system, preparing & serving coffee, working behind the bar.
- Oversaw food preparation, production and presentation according to quality standards.
- Inspected dining and serving areas for cleanliness and proper setup.
Bistro Manager
Western Bulldogs Football Club
Footscray, Victoria
07.1996 - 11.1998
- Trained and supervised staff on restaurant policies, procedures, and service standards.
- Managed inventory of food, beverage, and supplies to ensure efficient operations.
- Performed opening and closing duties including setting up dining areas, restocking shelves, cleaning kitchen equipment.
- Created daily shift schedules for waitstaff according to business needs.
- Maintained accurate records of sales transactions and inventory levels.
- Supervised waitstaff to ensure quality customer service and satisfaction.
- Verified accuracy of orders before delivery by checking presentation of dishes against menu descriptions.
- Coordinated catering services for special events such as weddings or corporate functions.
- Monitored cash register operations during shifts for accuracy of transactions.
- Consistently maintained high levels of cleanliness, organization, storage and sanitation of food and beverage products to ensure quality.
- Assisted bartenders when needed during peak hours or when short staffed.
Education
Certificate IV in Hospitality - Hospitality
Victorian University
Melbourne, VIC10-1995
High School Diploma -
Westbourne Grammer School
Truganina, VIC11-1994
Skills
- Business Management
- Regulatory Compliance
- Customer Relations
- Sales Management
- Event Organiser
- 4x4 Training and assessment
- Stock control
- Business Administration
- Bar attendant and waitressing
- Staff Management
- Verbal and written communication
- Staff hiring
- Food Preparation
- Customer service
Affiliations
- My Husband and I with our 2 children Corey 13y & Chloe 9y live on, maintain and own an 86 acre property on the Werribee River.
- I Hand raise and breed native Australian wildlife - Emus, kangaroos, black cockatoos and many more.
- I love fishing, hunting, camping and travelling with friends and family.
Certification
- RSA renewed on 26/8/2024
- RSG granted 27/8/2024 - Module 1 complete of certificate.
- Workplace hygiene for food handlers Certificate renewed 27/8/24
- Certificate IV in Training & Assessment completed in 2012 but not updated
- Food Safety Level 2
- Courses Completed and certificate obtained in * Basic Barista * Understanding Wine * Hospitality Essentials - spirits , cocktails, wine, beer & cider. Customer greeting & customer service
Languages
English
Professional
References
References available upon request.
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
swipe to browse
Timeline
Owner/Manager
Melbourne 4x4 Training & Proving Ground
02.2008 - 12.2022
Retail Assistant Manager
JV Marine World
08.2004 - 02.2008
Restaurant Floor Manager
La Porchetta
09.2002 - 07.2004
Bistro Manager
Western Bulldogs Football Club
07.1996 - 11.1998
Certificate IV in Hospitality - Hospitality
Victorian University
High School Diploma -
Westbourne Grammer School
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