The Staff
The Nunnery — Fitzroy
The Nunnery is run by a tireless roster of staff. They’re there early in the morning to help check-out those with a long flight ahead, and they stay behind well into the night to check-in those who’d just gotten off one.
We had the chance to speak to two of the staff members. Jacqui, the manager, and Elyse, the newbie.
The manager:
Jacqui is from New Zealand, and came to Melbourne four years ago. Three and a half years ago, she began working at The Nunnery as a receptionist, working her way up first as the head cleaner — “that was my test, to see if I could hack the pace” — then promoted to Assistant Manager.
The newbie:
Melbourne born and bred, Elyse has been at the Nunnery for a month. When she was in London, her first job was at a hostel, and she’d loved it. This love translated itself back across the world, and when Elyse came home, it was only natural that she continued working at something she loved.
Working Experience
Having traveled extensively through Europe, Elyse is no stranger to hostel life. “Everyone was just so nice,” Elyse recalled her first day, which included a ‘huge learning curve’ full of procedures and rules. “But that’s the great thing about hostels — that’s the nature of the beast — you walk into a hostel, and you become instant friends with everyone.”
“It’s a great working atmosphere, people are genuinely happy to stay with you.” Jacqui had worked in hostels before The Nunnery, too. Like Elyse, it was the positive vibes that attracted her to stay in the business. “It’s awesome to also give them a great idea of the area.”
The area that Jacqui talked about would be Carlton, a busy suburb with lingering reminders from the heritage era of Victoria. The Nunnery itself also proudly proclaims its historical quality, and its architecture and design is something loved both by the residents and staff.
The love for the Nunnery
“It’s a really old building, it’s a beautiful building, with lots of history.” Jacqui’s eyes beam with pride as she describes the place where, working or not, she could be found almost everyday.
Even after a month, Elyse still finds fresh beauty in her place of work. “There is hardwood floors, tall ceilings, stained glass windows…the building itself just blows me away.” But the building isn’t the only thing that brings the guests. “The staff here are all so incredible, which in turn attracts a certain kind of people [who work here], and that in turn attracts the guests, who are equally amazing.”
The Nunnery can be found at 116 Nicholson St, Fitzroy 3065
Telephone: 1800 032 635 (free within Australia) or +61 3 9419 8637
Website: www.nunnery.com.au
Email: info@nunnery.com.au
