OUR STORY

How we began

1999

Where it all began

Founded as the CHP School of Hospitality under Canterbury Hurlstone Park RSL, becoming NSW's first club-owned Registered Training Organisation (RTO).

Early 2000s

Growing our reach

Expanded into Hospitality Traineeships, partnering with clubs across Sydney's Inner West and Canterbury-Bankstown regions.

Supporting more businesses

Demand grew beyond clubs as businesses across multiple industries turned to us for workforce training and professional development.

Today

Building careers

Delivered nationally recognised hospitality training, helping people build skills and create career pathways within the club industry.

CMNL Academy

Now proudly operating as CMNL Academy, still NSW's only club-owned Registered Training Organisation, delivering nationally recognised training for individuals and businesses across Australia.

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A woman in a chef's uniform and apron writing notes at a desk in a modern kitchen or restaurant setting, with two manuals on hospitality visible on the table and a large window in the background.

Where we are now

We have helped over 10,000 people successfully attain certified training, with numerous students returning to continually develop their skills.

CMNL Academy now has a wide range of nationally accredited courses in Hospitality, Leadership and Management, Commercial Cookery and more.

We continue to showcase our training through our own people across all our hospitality venues. From traineeships, existing worker traineeships, apprenticeships to customised leadership training, our staff are a product of career development

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Who we have helped

Our long and trusted relationships with various job service agencies allows us to cater specific training needs to assist job seekers.

Whether they are new to the country, or are looking to return back into the workforce, we continue to see the need in supporting the wider community to provide quality training that leads to successful careers in the industry.

Our relationship extends to senior colleges and other specialised educational institutions, where our trainers spend time, not only educating, but supporting the students to gain confidence and the skills they are seeking to gain employment and independence.

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Communal Group is dedicated to community partnerships, initiatives and improving the wellbeing of the communities we serve.

Giving back through ClubGRANTS

Today, we proudly partner with multiple schools, delivering hospitality training to students in Years 10, 11 and 12. Supporting our community and investing in the next generation of hospitality professionals remains a key focus of CMNL Academy.

Eligible schools and students are encouraged to apply for funding opportunities available through the ClubGRANTS program. Where approved, this support may be used towards nationally accredited training programs delivered by CMNL Academy, helping students gain industry-relevant skills and qualifications.

  • "Dom's enthusiasm & guidance was exceptional."

  • "Was terrific and the kids loved it. They were hanging on Dom's every word and learnt a lot. The chat you guys had with them at the end was also a great encouragement for those thinking about taking the next step into the job market."

  • "The discussions & insights into the industry were really useful for my next steps."

  • "Dominic was a really wonderful trainer, he was kind and good with instructions. Very helpful and patient :)"

  • "I thought it was great that Margaret was able to keep the course at a fast pace for those who could absorb and process the information quickly, while also making time for students who needs support. I also like that even though the content may not be relatable, she checked in on students to reflect how the content could be used in our professions. Thank you Margaret and team."