Who needs to head out to a bar when you can become your own bartender in Brisbane, right in the comfort of your home? Learning to make cocktails at home is not only a fun and rewarding hobby, but it also gives you the chance to shake things up and add your personal touch to your favourite drinks. From essential equipment and ingredients to classic cocktail recipes, we've got you covered.

Essential Equipment and Ingredients

The first step in becoming your own mobile bartender in Brisbane - or anywhere, for that matter - is to have the right tools and ingredients. Essential cocktail equipment includes a cocktail shaker, a strainer, a jigger for measuring, and a bar spoon for stirring. As for the ingredients, you'll need a variety of spirits, mixers, and garnishes, which we will cover in more detail in the next section.

Stocking Your Home Bar

Building a home bar may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. Begin with the basic spirits such as vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and whiskey. You can then gradually add more types of spirits as you expand your cocktail repertoire. As for mixers, ensure you have soda, tonic water, various fruit juices, and bitters. Don't forget garnishes like citrus slices, olives, cherries, and herbs to add that final flourish to your drinks.

Essential Cocktail Techniques

Mastering the essential cocktail techniques can elevate your drinks from good to great. Shaking is the key technique used for cocktails with juice or dairy ingredients, helping to mix and aerate the drink. Stirring, on the other hand, is used for spirit-forward cocktails, ensuring the drink is properly chilled and diluted without becoming too frothy. Straining is also important, removing unwanted ice or fruit pieces to give your cocktail a professional finish.

Classic Cocktail Recipes

Now that you're all set, it's time to start making cocktails! Here are a few classic recipes to get you started:

• Old Fashioned: Combine 60ml bourbon, a sugar cube, and a few dashes of Angostura bitters in a glass. Add ice, stir, and garnish with an orange twist.

• Martini: Stir 60ml gin and 15ml dry vermouth with ice, then strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist or an olive.

• Margarita: Shake 60ml tequila, 30ml lime juice, and 30ml Cointreau with ice, then strain into a salt-rimmed glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Feel free to put your spin on these classic recipes. After all, part of the fun of being a mobile bartender in Brisbane - or your home - is experimenting and finding your perfect mix.

Drink Responsibly

While making cocktails at home is fun and exciting, it's essential to always drink responsibly. Monitor your alcohol intake, drink plenty of water, and never drink and drive.

Ready to put your newfound cocktail-making skills to the test? If you're looking for an exciting opportunity to work in the hospitality and events industry and make some extra cash, apply with Stitch Hire today!

Navigating the financial world can be tricky, especially when you're balancing hospitality work in Brisbane's dynamic industry. This sector, often featuring flexible hours and opportunities, attracts a diverse range of people, including Visa holders and university students. So, how can you ensure you're saving efficiently and budgeting effectively while handling your hospitality jobs in Brisbane? Here are five practical tips.

Tip 1: Track Your Income and Expenses

The first step in any financial planning journey is understanding your cash flow. Since hospitality work can sometimes have irregular hours, your income might vary from week to week. Use a budgeting app or a simple spreadsheet to keep track of all your income and expenses. This step will give you a clear picture of your financial situation and allow you to identify areas where you can save.

Tip 2: Set Realistic Financial Goals

Whether it's saving for a holiday, a car, or paying off student loans, setting financial goals can motivate you to save. Be specific about what you're saving for, how much you need, and by when you'd like to achieve your goal. Remember, your goals should be achievable – setting unattainable targets might discourage you.

Tip 3: Prioritise Saving – Even Small Amounts Matter

With every paycheck, aim to save a portion of your income. Even if it's a small amount, consistent saving can accumulate over time. Try automating your savings so that a specified amount goes directly into your savings account every time you get paid. This "set it and forget it" approach can make saving easier and more efficient.

Tip 4: Make Use of Student or Visa Holder Financial Resources

Universities often provide financial planning resources and workshops for students. As a Visa holder, you may also be entitled to specific financial planning resources or support from organisations in Australia. Make sure you're aware of all the resources available to you and don't hesitate to use them.

Tip 5: Consider Part-Time or Casual Roles to Supplement Income

If you're a university student or Visa holder, consider taking on part-time or casual hospitality jobs in Brisbane. These roles can offer flexible hours that work around your study schedule or visa restrictions, and the additional income can be directed towards your savings goals.

If you're looking for flexible and rewarding work opportunities that pay above award rates, sign up with Stitch Hire today! Our commitment to excellence and reliable support make us the top choice for hospitality workers in Brisbane who want to earn money on their own terms.

Are you looking to enter the exciting world of hospitality? With the right preparation, you can land your dream job, even if you have little to no experience. In this blog post, we'll provide five essential tips to help you ace your next hospitality interview in Australia. We'll also discuss crucial certifications like RSA, RMLV, and RSG that can help set you apart from the competition.

1. Do Your Research

Before heading to the interview, it's crucial to research the company and its values. Visit their website and social media pages to get an understanding of their brand, target audience, and the type of service they provide. This knowledge will demonstrate your interest in the company and help you tailor your answers to align with their vision.

2. Obtain Relevant Certifications

While not all hospitality roles require certifications, having them can give you an advantage over other applicants. Here are three essential certifications for those looking to work in Australia's hospitality industry:

• Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA): This certification is mandatory for anyone serving or selling alcohol. Completing an RSA course demonstrates your knowledge of responsible alcohol service practices and relevant Australian laws.

• Responsible Management of Licensed Venues (RMLV): This certification is required for managers of licensed venues in Queensland. It teaches you how to manage and maintain a safe, responsible, and lawful environment for your patrons.

• Responsible Service of Gambling (RSG): If you plan to work in a venue that offers gambling services, an RSG certification is a must. This training equips you with the skills and knowledge to promote responsible gambling practices and adhere to relevant Australian laws.

3. Showcase Your Transferable Skills

Even if you don't have direct experience in hospitality, you may possess transferable skills that can benefit the role. Emphasize your strengths in communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and customer service. Provide specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how these skills will make you an asset to the company.

4. Prepare for Behavioural Questions

Hospitality interviews often include behavioural questions designed to assess your ability to handle challenging situations. Prepare by thinking about how you've dealt with difficult customers, resolved conflicts, and demonstrated adaptability in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, ensuring they're clear and concise.

5. Dress Appropriately and Exude Confidence

First impressions matter, so make sure to dress professionally for your interview. Opt for a clean, neat, and conservative outfit that reflects the style of the venue. During the interview, maintain good eye contact, sit up straight, and speak clearly. Remember to smile and stay positive, showcasing your enthusiasm for the role and the hospitality industry.

You're All Set!

With these five tips in mind, you'll be well-prepared to make a great impression at your next hospitality interview. By doing your research, obtaining relevant certifications, showcasing your transferable skills, and presenting yourself confidently, you'll be well on your way to landing your dream job in Australia's thriving hospitality industry. Good luck!

As international travel returns to Brisbane after COVID, the demand for hospitality workers is greater than ever. This bustling city offers a wealth of opportunities for backpackers seeking quick and easy work. In this blog post, we'll provide you with a step-by-step guide to finding a hospitality job in Brisbane, ensuring you make the most of your time in this vibrant Australian city.

1. Get the Right Visa and Certifications

Before you start your job search, ensure you have the correct visa to work in Australia. Most backpackers opt for the Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417) or the Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462). These visas allow you to work for up to 12 months, with a maximum of six months per employer.

Additionally, consider obtaining the following certifications to increase your employability in the hospitality industry:

• Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA): A mandatory certification for those serving or selling alcohol in Australia.

• Responsible Service of Gambling (RSG): A necessary certification if you plan to work in a venue that offers gambling services.

2. Create a Compelling Resume

Tailor your resume to highlight your transferable skills and relevant experience in the hospitality sector. Include any customer service, communication, and teamwork experiences that demonstrate your ability to excel in a hospitality role. Don't forget to mention your RSA and RSG certifications if you've obtained them.

3. Start Your Job Hunt

Brisbane has numerous hospitality job opportunities, especially as the industry rebounds from the pandemic. Begin your search by:

• Visiting popular job search websites like Seek, Indeed, and Gumtree.

• Joining Facebook groups dedicated to hospitality job listings in Brisbane.

• Networking with fellow backpackers and locals to learn about job openings.

• Walking around the city and handing out resumes to bars, cafes, and restaurants.

4. Be Flexible and Persistent

The key to finding quick and easy work as a backpacker is being flexible and persistent. Be open to different types of roles within the hospitality industry, such as bartending, waiting tables, or working in a hotel. Apply to multiple positions and follow up with potential employers to increase your chances of success.

5. Prepare for Interviews

Once you've secured an interview, research the company and its values. Prepare to answer behavioural questions that assess your ability to handle challenging situations in a hospitality setting. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, and don't forget to mention your certifications and visa status.

As Brisbane's hospitality industry experiences a post-COVID resurgence, there's never been a better time for backpackers to find quick and easy work in this dynamic city. By obtaining the right visa and certifications, crafting a compelling resume, and persistently searching for job opportunities, you'll be well on your way to enjoying a fulfilling and rewarding experience in Brisbane. Happy job hunting!

Temporary staffing in the hospitality industry is a practice that has grown in popularity over the years. With the rise of the gig economy, many employers are turning to this strategy as a way to fill labour gaps quickly and efficiently. Employers can find temporary staff for a variety of roles, including housekeeping, food and beverage, front desk, and maintenance. This type of staffing allows employers to have the flexibility to adjust their workforce based on customer demand and seasonality, while still ensuring that the quality of service is maintained. Temporary staff can also be used to supplement full-time staff during peak periods. This can help employers minimize labour costs while still ensuring that customer service remains high.

The main benefit of using temporary staffing in the hospitality industry is the flexibility it offers employers. By using temporary staff, employers can quickly and efficiently fill labour gaps as needed, without having to commit to a long-term contract or full-time staff. This can be especially beneficial during peak seasons or when customer demand is unpredictable. Additionally, by using temporary staff, employers can avoid the costs associated with full-time staff, such as benefits, vacation days, and recruitment fees.

Stitch Hire is a temporary staffing solution that specialises in events, bartending, general F&B services, cocktail services, barista services, and much more. Moreover, working with Stitch Hire gives you access to an additional and flexible pool of staff for those periods when your roster is looking thin through those peak trade periods or through waves of unexpected illness.

This little thing called the freelance economy has boomed in the 21st century. However, the fact that it’s worth an estimated $4.2 trillion in 2021, we can safely say that it’s not so little at all. To give some perspective, if the global freelance economy were a country, then its “GDP” of $4.2T would make it the fourth-largest economy in the world––following the United States ($21.4T), China ($14.3T), and Japan ($5.1T).

And by all signs of where things are progressing, this trend is not only expected to grow drastically, but is set to revolutionize the workforce as we know it.

What is Freelancing?

Freelancers are workers who take on jobs and projects as they come, instead of having a part or full-time job with an employer. This is the case across a broad range of industries, including technology, art & design, transport, education, and of course – what we do here at Stitch -hospitality. (But more on how we come into the picture in our next post!)

What is Driving the Freelancer Revolution?

The contemporary explosion in freelance work has been attributed to three major technological forces:

• The Internet––enabling people to connect with anyone on the globe at any time;

• Remote Tools––enabling people to collaborate with anyone on the globe at any time;

• Workflow Tools (i.e. contracting, payment, project management)––enabling people to run scalable and profitable one-person businesses.

What are the Benefits?

The most common benefits which people associate with freelancing include:

• The flexibility to set one’s own hours, with the freedom to work whenever and wherever one chooses;

• The ability to control the kind of jobs and projects that one takes on;

• The ocean of opportunity that is available on freelance platforms, with the ability to find work on demand.

Who is Freelancing For?

Freelancing has become an attractive option among the following types of people:

• Those with an in-demand skill to offer the marketplace;

• Workers who may not have a definite, long-term professional career;

• Those who may already be employed in a job but seek extra income;

• Full-time employment seekers;

• Students.

Other than those types of people, freelancing is simply an exciting avenue for anyone who wants to achieve the benefits previously mentioned.

The Freelancer Revolution is Here to Stay

According to a study by UpWork and the Freelancers Union, freelancers currently make up one-third of the workforce. As technology advances and the global economy undergoes significant changes in a post-pandemic world, we can expect a dramatic rise in this movement.

The freelance economy is one of the most important trends of the modern world. As it continues to take shape, we see it having a major positive impact on both businesses that need skilled labour, as well as individuals who want more freedom over where and when they work.

The freelancer revolution is here and it is here to stay.