Our aged care ‘hospo’ hero

17 October 2023

17 Oct 2023

A chef stand with two women. He is holding a certificate

Not all heroes wear capes … some of them wear chef’s hats!

VMCH is thrilled to share our Head Chef Manager, Sanath Wanniarachchi, has been named a Hospitality & Lifestyle Aged Care (HLAC) Hero!

HLAC Heroes – a national initiative by aged care catering software provider SoupedUp – recognise 10 outstanding people from across Australia who provide quality and superior catering, cleaning, laundry and lifestyle services within aged care.

Sanath joined VMCH in 2015, following a career in coveted positions in some of the world’s most luxurious hotels and casinos, including the 7-star Burj-Al-Arab Hotel in Dubai.

Now, the 30-year hospitality veteran supports chefs across VMCH’s 14 aged care residences, helping them to enhance culinary initiatives, the dining room experience, food presentation and new menu ideas.

It’s a very rewarding job,” Sanath says. “Food is a very important part of aged care and residents should of course have access to the best quality food available. Our focus extends beyond taste and presentation; we prioritise crafting nutritionally balanced diets while maintaining impeccable hygiene and food safety standards. Together, we have built a robust team of chefs, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and engagement.”

Sanath says receiving the HLAC award has brought him “immense joy and a sense of fulfilment.”

As I reflect upon my journey in the hospitality industry, and especially the last ten years devoted to the aged care sector, I am humbled and deeply appreciative of the unique and rewarding path my career has taken.

“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to every individual who has been part of this remarkable journey. To my fellow chef managers, chefs, cooks, food service assistant’s, lifestyle teams, cleaning staff, management, VMCH marketing team, and all the clinical staff, your unwavering support has been instrumental in reaching this milestone.”

SoupedUp Founder and CEO Belinda Adams says the company is “extremely proud” to acknowledge roles and professions within aged care that often fly under the radar, like Sanath’s.

“HLAC Hero recipients are just a snippet of the empathetic, passionate, caring people who go the extra mile for their residents in aged care. We’re delighted to be able to give back to these individuals and sites and highlight their exceptional work, despite the challenges thrown their way.”

VMCH General Manager of Hospitality, Sally Bliesner, said she was “extremely proud” of Sanath’s achievement.

It’s fantastic to see Sanath recognised for his continued hard work and dedication to his role. Our aged care community at VMCH is truly lucky to benefit from his expertise and heart. Sanath really deserves this recognition.”

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Acknowledgement of Country

We here at VMCH respectfully acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which we gather, and we would like to take a moment to honour the fact that we live on the lands of the oldest civilisation in the world. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and wisdom of Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander peoples, and pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging.