FIVE MINUTES WITH A FRONTLINER

Swannies is a new player at Southport and you can find this former medical receptionist serving everything from a cocktail to a coffee

EMMA KERNKE, 23 WAITRESS, SWANNIES RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE BAR, SOUTHPORT How did you get the gig?

I was working at Shooters and it closed down and one of the girls who worked there is friends with the owner (of Swannies) so she got a couple of us to come over here.

What do you love about the Gold Coast?

I was born here and I just love how it’s a big town but it’s not like a big city (such as Melbourne or Sydney). It’s pretty much the best of both worlds.

What’s the most popular coffee that you sell?

I only have a month’s experience here but I’d say cappuccinos.

If you weren’t working here, where would you be working?

I had a second job as a medical receptionist when I was working at Shooters but I left that to come here full-time.

What are your future plans?

I’m hoping to start studying financial planning and accounting next year and I’ll be doing that online because I don’t have the time to go to uni.

How do you spend your free time?

I have a daughter who’s almost 3, and we like to go to the park and go for walks. She also just got a new scooter, and she’s obsessed with that.

What advice do you have for other working mums?

Find a workplace that is flexible and will work with you to let you have as much time as possible with your child as well as the work hours you need.

Are you on the Gold Coast’s frontline? Email coastweekend@news.com.au