The former Sapphire Coast Anglican College student and Cruise Eden volunteer has landed work with global cruise industry giant Intercruises.

As part of her studies for a Certificate III in Tourism at SCAC via TAFE Bega, Ms Clark had to log 70 hours of work placement.

This she did as part of the Cruise Eden Meet and Greet team, welcoming cruise ship visitors to the Port of Eden and making sure they enjoyed their stay as much as possible.

As a result of a partnership between SCAC, Sapphire Coast Tourism and Cruise Eden, a rare opportunity was provided by Port Authority NSW for two Tourism students from the Bega Valley to experience the industry in Sydney.

Ms Clark and another student from Bega High School were the successful students selected for the all expenses paid trip, heading to Sydney in October with careers adviser Debbie Meers and Cruise Eden’s Natalie Godward.

They toured the Sydney Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay, met with senior management from Intercruises, Destination NSW, Port Authority, and City of Sydney, and observed the Radiance of the Sea cruise ship embarkation and disembarkation operation.

Ms Clark said it was a fantastic opportunity.

“They showed us all the different jobs there and all the people working gave us their first hand knowledge of the industry,” she said. 

Afterwards, Ms Clark bravely fronted up to Intercruises’ Australian regional director Martin Bidgood and asked him how she could go about working with the company.

She sent him her resume and is now working on the check-in desk at the Overseas Passenger Terminal in Circular Quay.

Ms Clark said she feels inspired by the experience of her new collegues. 

“They looked very favourably on her work with the Cruise Eden Meet and Greet team and her studies at SCAC,” Ms Meers said.

“She’s a great young woman with a huge potential – and well done for being brave enough to ask the question!

Ms Godward was also pleased for Ms Clark.

“We're proud of Maharla's efforts and excited to see Cruise Eden work experience lead to job success,” she posted on Cruise Eden’s Facebook page.