INSIGHTS FROM INDUSTRY
HOSPITALITY AND LIFESTYLE AWARD WINNERS PUT SPOTLIGHT ON UNSUNG HEROES
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head chef, food service assistant, hospitality manager and diversional therapist team leader have one amazing thing in common—they’re all national winners in the 2021 Hospitality & Lifestyle Aged Care Awards. Run by SoupedUp, the unique program was designed specifically for hospitality and lifestyle staff—recognising and rewarding outstanding team members across catering, cleaning, laundry, and lifestyle services within aged care homes. The inaugural winners are based in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria from organisations Crowley Care, Uniting Hawkesbury Richmond and Springwood, Arcare Aged Care Parkwood, BlueCross Hansworth, and Bolton Clarke. “It’s fantastic to share some good news in aged care, amidst the on-going challenges of COVID-19. The HLAC Awards are a timely reminder of the hard-working and caring professionals that continue to deliver quality, despite the circumstances,” said SoupedUp Founder and CEO, Belinda Adams. “We are extremely proud to award and acknowledge the roles and professions that often fly under the radar; those that keep aged care homes running behind the scenes. “These 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.” National winners were nominated by colleagues, family and friends, and each one has demonstrated they go above and beyond their standard duties. “It’s been humbling to see via the submissions the number of empathetic, passionate, caring people across the country. Through the HLAC Awards, we get an opportunity to spread the word that every minute, every day, people are doing little things that count!” Belinda concluded.
Catering Innovation through COVID-19 Award: Crowley Care, NSW. When COVID-19 restrictions set in, the team had to close their popular on-site café Barneys, and instead started up a coffee van. Outstanding Event/Theme Days Award: Uniting Hawkesbury Richmond, NSW. When a resident mentioned she received a ribbon at the Hawkesbury Show, ‘The Great Hawkesbury Scone Bake Off’ event was born. Chef/Cook of the Year Award: Rudy Manu, Arcare Aged Care Parkwood, QLD. Rudy is passionate about providing five-star quality food and runs monthly food focus meetings with residents and family members. Food Service Assistant of the Year Award: Donya Hajj, BlueCross Hansworth, VIC. For Donya, Bluecross is not a job, it’s her second home, and she makes it a priority to build relationships with the residents. Hospitality Manager of the Year Award: Lindsey O’Grady, Uniting Springwood/ Uniting Hawkesbury Richmond, NSW. Lindsey is an approachable, friendly leader who goes out of his way to improve the quality of food and involve residents. Lifestyle/Activities Individual of the Year Award: Gwen Bonney, Bolton Clarke, QLD. Gwen has been instrumental in implementing innovative ideas that support resident wellbeing and connection. Alycia Johnson is Marketing & Communications Manager, SoupedUp. For more information visit soupedup.com/hlac2021
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