Nelson Brash, an inspiring and proud Grand Team member, climbed to the peak of Mt Kilimanjaro and took The Grand with him!
Nelson is valued by all fellow teammates at The Grand and represents what we are all about – a happy and proud environment.
When visiting The Grand you can find Nelson with an infectious smile greeting you at the front door, kindly taking your order at the bar or serving your delicious meal to your table.
We are all so proud of Nelson’s incredible achievement.
Read our motivating interview with Nelson below!
What inspired you to climb Mt Kilimanjaro?
I’ve always seen mountain climbing as a pinnacle of human achievement, something someone can always look back on to remind them what they’re made of. It’s a little bit of temporary discomfort for a lifetime of good memories and satisfaction. Ever since I saw Everest (2015) I’ve always wanted to be the one to grace the skies. I’m inspired to adventure far beyond shores in this life and I believe mountains are the greatest medium for self-discovery.
How did your colleagues with the Grand Team help you to achieve your goal?
Firstly my colleagues were always very kind and accommodating to me from the get-go, fostering within me a great sense of belonging and purpose at work. They were encouraging of my adventures and when times were tough on Kilimanjaro I often thought about them, imagining them all in my corner which for sure helped me push on through pain. I knew that when i came back to Melbourne an amazing working environment lay in wait for me, and this notion offered me sustained positivity on the trip. When my proper consciousness eluded me on the mountain my memories of the Grand’s great workplace never did. I think when you feel as close as I do to the Grand Team, you can find the motivation to do anything for we all bring each other higher.
What does being a part of the Grand Team mean to you?
It’s definitely a privilege for me to be working at the grand. It might sound funny, but it is an honour in many ways. I haven’t worked too long in hospitality and suddenly I’ve found myself working at one of the best pubs in Melbourne- one nominated for all sorts of awards every year- and I feel very grateful to be fair. The grand team is made up of very unique, talented and dynamic individuals and it means being part of a tight-knit group which exists purely for positive reasons. We bring members of the public together and offer invaluable pastimes and at the same time all our staff find enjoyment In themselves on the job everyday ❤️🩹😀. I feel like, for example on Saturday nights when everyone comes to the Grand with their mates, those behind the bar and the registers have done so too. After all, the Grand means belongingness.
What do you hope to achieve next?
I’m going to climb either Mont Blanc (4809m) in the French Alps or hike Everest base camp next. Whichever I do next I’m going to do it with my brother Kane, who has worked at the Grand since February 2021. Hoping to scratch another one of the seven summits off my list before too long, too 😉.
Comment:
I’m not a man of religion, but this bible verse often rang true for me on the mountain. The Grand itself may be quintessentially expressed here:
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for you are with me. Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me”. (Psalm 23:4).
Photos of Nelson’s amazing achievement can be found below.
