Nick Unmack

At Cicerello’s, we employ approximately 250 staff across our hospitality operations, with around 10% of them being skilled Filipino workers. Since 2007, we’ve been recruiting offshore to fill urgent gaps in both management and kitchen operations. Over the years, we’ve learned that having the ability to trade test candidates and work with a partner who has people on the ground to screen and prepare applicants is essential.

Partnering with Peloton WorkReady has made that process even more seamless. Their presence in the Philippines and hands-on approach in recruitment have helped us find honest, hardworking, and loyal staff who align with the values we uphold in our business. We’ve been so pleased with the results that we keep going back to Peloton when we need new talent—because we know they deliver.

I have found Filipino staff to be honest, reliable, hardworking and loyal family people, which is consistent with my personal values and strongly aligns with the culture of the businesses I own and operate.

Many of the workers we’ve hired have gone on to build their lives here, with pathways that allow them to bring their families to Australia. Supporting them through this transition is something we take seriously, helping through interest-free loans, housing support, and extra hours where needed. Eighteen years later, some of our earliest recruits from 2008 are still with us—now with their own families working in the business.

This kind of loyalty fosters a sense of community and family that’s vital in the hospitality industry. It’s built on trust and mutual respect, and it’s been gratifying to be part of their journey toward the Australian dream.