Hotel Etico launches new Academy of Independence in Canberra and empowers a new generation of industry talent

Hotel Etico, Australia’s pioneering and award-winning social enterprise hotel has launched a new Academy of Independence in Canberra, ACT and welcomed a new cohort of trainees with disability for a 12-month employment and independence program.

“We are incredibly proud on this significant milestone which further strengthens our commitment to inclusion and social impact. The new Academy is a true collaborative hub built on partnership, where we’ll create new and exciting career pathways for more Australians with disability and accelerate inclusive employment across Australia,” says Andrea Comastri, CEO and Co-founder of Hotel Etico Australia.

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The new Academy of Independence is located at the Mercure Canberra. Hotel guests can expect the hotel’s high standards of comfort and service, now enriched by a culture of inclusion and a diverse team that includes trainees from Hotel Etico’s program. This fully integrated campus, made possible through an innovative partnership with Schwartz Family Company and Trilogy Hotels, is committed to nurturing the very best, diverse talent for the tourism and hospitality industry.

Scott Boyes, CEO, Trilogy Hotels, said: “We’re proud to be part of this visionary partnership. At Trilogy Hotels, we believe meaningful impact happens when great people come together with shared purpose. This initiative reflects our commitment to building diverse, talented teams and strengthening the communities we serve. We look forward to supporting Hotel Etico graduates as they build rewarding careers across our incredible industry.”

Eight young people with disability, including Down Syndrome and Autism have started their initial 12-month program at the Canberra Academy in January, and are now on their path to a career in tourism and hospitality. New trainees will join the program soon.

Trainees live onsite to experience independent living, and work in the hotel earning full award wages, rotating through a range of hospitality roles to learn about all operational functions. At the end of the program, participants will transition to the Industry Employment Program, and will be supported to secure employment in the tourism and hospitality industry.

Hotel Etico has supported more than 50 young people to date through this program. Eighty-two percent of Hotel Etico’s graduates are now pursuing rewarding careers and have acquired life skills that enhanced their confidence and independence.

Related AccomNews story: Hotel Etico: A powerful “change agent”

“People with disability bring enormous potential to our community, economy and the workforce, yet they remain underrepresented, underemployed and underpaid. We are continuing to change that narrative by empowering more and more young people with disability through our program. Lasting impact is best achieved in partnership and meaningful investment.” says Andrea.

As part of the launch, Hotel Etico has also unveiled its ‘Long Run To Inclusion’, a major awareness and fundraising initiative, focused on raising awareness about disability inclusion in Australia and raising essential funds to employ and train more young people with disability.

During February and March, the community can get involved in the Long Run To Inclusion virtually by choosing to run, walk, swim or ride, helping to raising awareness and funds.

Andrea Comastri will personally run 400km during March 8 to 21, from Hotel Etico’s original Academy in Mount Victoria, NSW to its new Academy in Canberra, ACT. The goal is to raise $400,000 and inspire communities along the way to champion disability inclusion.

Related AccomNews story: Hotel Etico takes home award for Disability Inclusion and Access

The Long Run To Inclusion will conclude on March 21, designated ‘World Down Syndrome Day’, to honour the community and many of Hotel Etico’s trainees, including its very first trainee in Italy, where the model was born.
An official gathering will be held at Parliament House on the morning of 21st March, with political representatives, community members, trainees, graduates, families and supporters, before Andrea runs to the finish line at Mercure Canberra.

“We are very proud of the work of Hotel Etico and their vital work in supporting Australians living with Down Syndrome. As people with Down Syndrome continue to face barriers in education, employment and inclusion it is critical that we support and invest in programs that unlock meaningful pathways to employment and empowerment.” says Darryl Steff, CEO of Down Syndrome Australia.

Hotel Etico invites community members, businesses and advocates to get involved and donate towards the cause. Visit the Long Run To Inclusion website to learn more or follow us on social media @hoteleticoaustralia, #LongRunToInclusion.

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