Nicole Austin

The last four years have been filled with firsts for Nicky Austin, co-owner of Pambula’s popular specialty cafe, Toast. After 20 years working across the tourism, hospitality, arts and culture industries, she and partner Ollie have made their home on the Far South Coast, started a family, and found great reward in growing their business. 

Since opening in 2019, Toast was awarded ‘Best Start Up’ in the NSW Business Awards 2021, and has undergone two renovations to keep up with growing demand.   

Hesitant to celebrate arriving on the ‘other side’ of the challenges of the last few years, she is keen to share their story of success, and the reward of working in hospitality on the Sapphire Coast. Nicky is passionate about introducing young people to a career in hospitality, and breaking down preconceptions of ‘hospo life’ that have been forged in the past. She is especially interested in sharing experiences of navigating running a business with family, building positive leadership and team culture, combating skill shortages, and promoting kindness towards workers in the customer service industry.