Matthew McLeod: Jeaneth Bautista Scholarship recipient

Early leadership and a natural confidence with numbers 

Growing up in Hamilton, Victoria, Matthew McLeod attended George Street Primary School, where he embraced leadership from a young age as school captain and house leader. That same sense of initiative continued at Baimbridge College, where he particularly enjoyed mathematics and developed an early confidence with numbers – strengths that would later help shape a very different future. 

Building resilience through hospitality 

At 16, Matthew left school to begin a cooking apprenticeship. By 18, he was a qualified chef it wasn’t long until he moved to Melbourne, where he worked in highly regarded restaurants. It’s here he had exposure to the management side of operations. As his responsibilities grew, so did his interest in reporting, budgeting and the systems that sit behind a successful business. 

Trusted with managing food costs and meeting budget targets, Matthew discovered that working with numbers was not simply part of the role – it was something he genuinely enjoyed. After returning to Warrnambool with his family, he worked briefly as an executive chef before taking a significant step and opening his own venue, Salt Restaurant. Running a business deepened his understanding of financial systems, accountability and long-term planning, and reinforced the value of building strong foundations for sustainable success. 

First steps in a new direction 

It was through using MYOB accounting software, lodging his own BAS and working alongside his accountant at year end that Matthew’s interest in accounting evolved into a genuine passion. Drawing on years of practical business experience, he decided at 31 to apply to Deakin University. Being accepted into the Associate Degree of Business was a chance to formalise his skills and begin a new chapter with real confidence and ambition. 

Opening the door to further opportunity 

Matthew could not move directly into his preferred course at first, needing to complete the Associate Degree of Business. It gave him the confidence to pursue a profession that could offer both purpose and stability. For Matthew, studying accounting is the first step towards a fulfilling career with a more sustainable work–life balance.

His future is bright, with hopes of completing his bachelor’s degree and continuing on to further qualifications, including becoming a CA. Alongside his studies, Matthew is gaining practical experience through an internship at a local firm while continuing to run his restaurant in Warrnambool. The support of this scholarship not only eases financial pressure, but opens the door to industry connections, professional experience and opportunities that will help shape the next stage of his career. 

For Matthew the scholarship not only affirmed his potential and strengthened his commitment to succeed but has set the foundation for a future brimming with opportunity.

About the Jeaneth Bautista Scholarship

Pitcher Partners Melbourne established the scholarship in memory of valued colleague, partner and friend Jeaneth Bautista.

Jeaneth was a highly valued member of the Finance & Operations team in Melbourne. She brought so much to so many with her spirit, great sense of humour and her strength of character to get the job done. Jeaneth’s generous nature meant she spent much of her free time helping others – including organising fundraising efforts for the under privileged in her native
Philippines.

Those lucky enough to have worked with her will continue to honour her memory in the firm and through this scholarship.