Letizia's Story
Letizia's Story . . .
Without turning this into a novel
(because, let’s face it, time is precious) here’s a quick snapshot of my journey:
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1985 - At 16 years old, I started my cooking apprenticeship, eager to learn and grow. I was always willing to move across Australia for the right opportunity.
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1996 - Met Mr. Mosimann in Brisbane, Australia
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1997 - Attended a Mosimann's Cooking Academy in Battersea, London
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1997 - Worked as a Chef Tournant at Mosimann's London
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1998 - Embarked on a culinary adventure across Europe, working as a Stagier at various prestigious hotels.
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2002 - Letizia's Café Bar Restaurant established - A multi-story restaurant with a 100-year-old cellar and a blues bar in the attic. Thanks to our dedicated team, we achieved so much.
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2005 Powercor Winner Business Excellence Award
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2006 - 2007 - 2008 - 2009 Recommended The Age Good Food Guide
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Won Numerous Wine Club Awards
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2017 - COOKING 4 LIFE Hospitality Training & Development established - Realizing I couldn’t run a restaurant forever, I began planning my exit strategy. I went back to night school for a year to earn my Trainer’s Qualification.
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2018 - COOKING 4 LIFE Hospitality Training & Development partners with Quality Service Skills After meeting CEO Jackie Moriarty at an RSA Training day in Melbourne, we formed a partnership. With hospitality qualifications on scope, COOKING 4 LIFE was officially underway.
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2018 - 2023 - COOKING 4 LIFE & CVGT Through a partnership with CVGT Shepparton, we launched the Indigenous Hospitality course. From those humble beginnings, we now deliver courses across various sites and serve other job providers.
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2023 - COOKING 4 LIFE PARTNERS with Allens Training Pty Ltd To diversify our range of offerings, we partnered with Allens Training to add White Card and First Aid to our qualifications.
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2024 - COOKING 4 LIFE IS NOW "Letizia's Training & Development" ​With our expanded range of courses, we decided it was time to rebrand to reflect our growth beyond hospitality and cooking.
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2024 - "Finalists in the Greater Shepparton Business Network SPC Business Excellence Awards " ​We were honored to be finalists celebrating our commitment to excellence in training &community support.
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2025 - "With new trainers joining our team, Letizia’s Training & Development continued to grow stronger together. " ​This year also marked the launch of our Essential Series - a collection of practical, easy-to-follow training workshops designed to empower students with the confidence and skills to succeed.
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"Believe. Achieve. Succeed." ​At Letizia’s, it’s more than a motto - it’s a journey. We help students Believe in themselves, Achieve real skills and qualifications, and Succeed with confidence in work and life. Because when you know your potential, anything is possible.
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TO BE CONTINUED . . .
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Where Did the "Relax, You're at Letizia’s Now" Slogan Come From?
The slogan was born from a memorable moment when a customer called our restaurant at 11 PM, asking if they could still get a meal while passing through Shepparton. I replied, “Relax, you’re at Letizia’s now,” and it instantly resonated. From that moment, it became part of who we are and has stuck ever since.​
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Meet the Letizia's Team
Mario Letizia
Founder & Lead Trainer
My friends call me Marz — the only time I hear “Mario” is from my father… and that usually means I’m in trouble!
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My personal goal is to help as many students not just gain a qualification, but realise their full potential.
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When I’m not training, you’ll often find me in my workshop. Every coffee machine you see in our classes - I’ve built myself. One day, when I eventually step back from training, I imagine I’ll spend my days happily pottering around in there.
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And when it’s time to unwind, I pick up my guitar. It’s how I reset after a big day - music, like training, feeds the soul.
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I’m looking forward to meeting you and being part of your journey.
Believe. Achieve. Succeed. Let’s learn, grow, and achieve - together.
Tiffany Letizia
Director of
Administration & Accounts
Walter Letizia
Mascot
I grew up in Kyabram, and have always lived in the Goulburn Valley area.
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I met Marz at Letizia's Restaurant, and after a few cocktails, well let's just say the rest is history. This year we will have now shared 15 wonderful years together.
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My previous experience includes Optical Dispensing and Retail Management at Specsavers, as well as Employment Consultant and Team Leader at both Madec and are-able (formerly WDEA Works).
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I am currently studying part time to become a Psychologist, and working part time as Practice Manager at GV Developmental Clinic.
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When we are not working, my favourite thing to do is travel on holidays with Marz & Walter.
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Hi my name is Walter Letizia. A day in my life at Letizia's Training & Development consists of shredding the sensitive paper work to comply with the privacy act.
In my spare time I like to chew bones & sleep.
I love pranking my dad by leaving my toys and sharp bones around the house and watching him stand on them and yelp out in pain.
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My least favourite thing is bath time. No matter how hard I try to hide from mum she always finds me!
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Training Team
Dale Smith
Trainer & Assessor
Hi, I’m Dale - a hands-on trainer with real world experience across trades, hospitality, and baking.
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I’ve spent 18 years in the automotive industry, 27 years in hospitality leadership, and later became a trainer in the baking sector, passing on my skills to apprentice bakers and pastry chefs.
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I’ve also worked in everything from construction to plumbing, so I understand what it takes to adapt and succeed in different fields.
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What drives me is helping others grow. I’m passionate about building confidence and guiding students to believe in themselves both in their learning and in life.
Can’t wait to work with you!
Richenda Pritchard
Trainer & Assessor
Hi, I’m Richenda - I bring over 30 years of hands-on hospitality experience to the training space.
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I started my journey as a chef, moved into front-of-house roles, and went on to own and co-own restaurants, cafés, and a catering company. One of my proudest moments was earning a Chef’s Hat for my restaurant Delizia Cucina, and recently being named Lead Judge for the Golden Plate Awards.
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Now, I’m focused on sharing what I’ve learned - helping others build skills in hospitality and small business. I’m also passionate about social justice and want to support refugees, young people, immigrants, and others doing it tough.
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Looking forward to making a difference together!
Bertram du Plooy
Trainer & Assessor
Hi, I’m Bertram - a chef, trainer, and believer in purpose, passion, and possibility.
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I’ve spent over 17 years in the hospitality industry, from bustling restaurant kitchens to serving as Head Chef at the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa. I’ve led teams, managed top catering companies, worked abroad, and even owned Spoon 2 Spoon Cake Boutique, a family business built on love and tradition.
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What drives me now is helping others grow especially those who doubt their own potential. In the classroom, I bring more than culinary experience; I bring encouragement, compassion, and a belief that everyone has a purpose.
Because no matter where you start, you are capable of something greater sometimes
All it takes is someone to believe in you!
Learning Support Team
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Miss Bethany
Barista Sista
Hi, I’m Bethany – My days start early, often at 4 AM, milking cows before joining the team to assist with our Barista courses. Coffee is my passion, and I love creating an environment where students feel welcome, supported, and confident as they learn.
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I take pride in connecting with students and being part of their journey, whether it’s guiding them through the basics or celebrating their wins along the way.
Behind the scenes, I’m dedicated to helping others and ensuring every class is positive, encouraging, and enjoyable for everyone involved.
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When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with family, keeping busy on the farm, and perfecting my own coffee skills. It’s a joy to bring that same passion into the classroom and watch students discover what they’re capable of.
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Looking forward to continuing this great work together!
Miss Dani
The Pristine Machine
Hi, I’m Dani – I first met Marz as a student, where I worked hard to gain my qualifications in commercial cleaning.
My dedication and passion must have shown, because Marz offered me the opportunity to assist him in his training work. That experience gave me the confidence to take the leap and start my own business DW Pristine Cleaning which I now run alongside helping with Letizia’s Training & Development.
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I’m a proud working mum of two, and I love showing my kids that hard work and persistence can open amazing doors. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing others succeed it truly fills my cup.
Being part of a team that supports and inspires each other is something I deeply value, and I’m grateful to contribute in a way that makes a difference.
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Looking forward to learning together.
Miss Karmen
Rescue Rockstar
Hi, I’m Karmen – Originally from South Australia, I’ve always had a passion for helping others.
My background includes working as a volunteer ambulance officer and studying as a paramedic, which has given me a strong foundation in medical knowledge and emergency care.
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These days, I assist with First Aid training at Letizia’s Training & Development, where I love answering questions and sharing practical skills. Students often tell me how much they appreciate my knowledge, patience, and down-to-earth approach and there’s nothing better than seeing that “lightbulb moment” when they feel confident in their abilities.
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Outside of training, you’ll usually find me with a coffee in hand, cooking up something delicious, or spending time with my daughter and family. I’m grateful to be part of a team that’s as passionate about supporting people as I am.
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Here’s to learning side-by-side.