OUR PEOPLE
Wonderful things can only be achieved by great teams.
Lance
Owner
Lance is from Mooroolbark, Melbourne and has been in the industry since 2012. He drinks long blacks and uses a coffee machine to make it. His favourite coffee blend is Organic; single origin, Guatemala; tea, herbal; chocolate, cafe style; food: asado (argentinian bbq) and vegemite sandwich with tasty cheese – Straya! In his spare time he look “after screaming kids, but I like fishing, fishing and fishing. Camping and mountain biking too”
Starj
Bungalow Team - Supervisor
Starj is from Blue Mountains and has been in the industry since 2008 (she was 13 years old!). She drinks long blacks with oat milk most of the times. Her favourite coffee blend is Organic; single origin, sumatra; tea, soothe and peppermint; chocolate, black pearl; food, bacon and egg wrap. At home she uses a french press because she enjoys it, it’s quick and it’s a tradition as she used to watch her parents brew coffee this way.  Hobbies: “I’m a foodie”. She is also into art, music, nature and dogs.
Monique
Stratford and Bungalow Team
Mon is from Mareeba and has been in the industry for more than 7 years. She drinks ce latter. Her favourite coffee blend is House Blend; tea, english breakfast; food, brisket pies. At home she doesn’t make coffee, can you believe it?! In her spare time she likes to hang our with friends and family.
Fiorella
Owner
Fi is from Argentina and has been in the industry since 2008. She drinks long blacks with a dash of milk. Her favourite origin is Guatemala; blend, Jungle Cartel; tea, rooibos; chocolate, black pearl; food, pork belly cooked by Lance. She uses a coffee machine to make coffee at home but loves the aeropress when she’s away. Her hobbies include gardening, camping and learning how to play instruments.
Jess Hathaway
Stratford team - Supervisor
Jess is from Cairns and has been in the industry since 2014. She drinks espresso over ice, white chocolate mocha or almond latte. Her favourite coffee is Flight Mode; single origin, India; Tea, rooibos berries; Chocolate, white; food, vege wraps. At home she drinks cold brew because it’s easy and you get a lot out of it. When not at work, she loves gardening, camping, doing artistic things and playing with her dogs.
Tony
Stratford
Tony is from Slovakia and is an electrician by trade, but has been working in hospitality for many years, he has done a lot of bartending. He drinks long blacks. His favourite coffee blend is House Blend; tea, his Mom’s herb tea. To make coffee at home he uses a plunger cause he can make a lot of it and strong. When not at work, he like to go camping and hiking.
Do you want to be on this page?
We are committed to building teams in which we can all grow and become better people and skilled professionals. Your experience is very important and your knowledge always welcome, but we select and keep people that align with our view of the world and our business goals.
We hold our teams to high human standards, where teamwork, transparency and accountability are key. Having the right attitude will always be of paramount importance.
As a professional you will need to be fast, reliable, efficient, happy, calm and patient. We have a great team of employees that have been with us for years. Our systems are clear and efficient and we offer a safe, respectful and supportive environment. We are organised and methodic and the wellbeing of our staff is one of our priorities.
Learn more about us here.
What previous team members say…
Surya
“I worked for Sipping Duck for 5 years. Hands down the best 5 years of my life, I really enjoyed the diversity and gaining so much knowledge of specialty coffee, the step above regular cafe work.
Once you work for Fi & Lance you wouldn’t want to work for anyone else. An incredible team built on positive attitude, growth fostered with love both personally and professionally. Filled with respect, honesty and stability.
I left to start my own business but if I was to choose to work anywhere again it would only be Sipping Duck.”
Rachael
“Sipping Duck is a family, supported by a community of coffee lovers and friends. It started out that way and will always be that way. Working at Sipping Duck is 1000 times different to any other coffee shop.
The girls I worked with are still some of my closest friends and I’ll always be thankful for the support the Sipping family gave me!Â
Thanks Fi, Lance (and Erik) for 3 amazing years working with you.”
Tayla
“My experience working with Fi, Lance and all the wonderful team at Sipping Duck has been absolutely incredible. Their drive, their work ethic, their commitment to their customers, staff and product are beyond impressive.
No two days were alike, but they were all filled with laughter, great coffee and support.
Working at Sipping Duck has been my favourite job to date and I have so much respect for Fi and Lance, and my time with the Duck will always have a special place in my heart. #flightmode4ever.”
Flor
“I worked at Sipping Duck in 2019. I loved my experience there! Thanks to the opportunity to work there I got to learn a lot and met amazing people. Fiore and Lance were never my bosses but my friends. They trusted me from the beggining and were there for anything I needed, they are fun to work with, and they have a very warm heart which translates into their relationship with staff and customers. Lots of love!”
