Caregiver profile ALAN BRYAN

Catering Manager — SEM

If you think Alan looks familiar and you’ve seen him around one of our hospitals before but just can’t quite put your finger on which one... it’s probably because he’s worked at a few of them.

Having been employed with St John of God Health Care’s Hotel Services division on three separate occasions over the past 12 years, Alan returned once again at the end of 2022 to take on the role of catering manager for our South East Melbourne hospitals.

Alan has a steeped history working in food services within the private healthcare sector after starting as an apprentice chef and working his way up the leadership ladder. When Alan isn’t working he spends his time maintaining his property, playing golf or walking his dog (Hungarian Vizsla) Lexi.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

At an early age I always was in the kitchen with my mum. There were lots of school fetes so always lots of baking to be done. I really wanted to be a pastry chef or chef.

What’s your favourite thing to do on a weekend?

Take it easy, play golf if possible and during football season I love to go watch my team Melbourne demons play.

Are you an introvert or an extrovert?

I would say introvert, but on occasions can be a little extrovert.

Do you play an instrument? If not, what would you like to learn to play?

Unfortunately I don’t play anything, but would have love to have learned how to play the saxophone.

What has been your favourite holiday?

I have been lucky enough to do a couple of trips to Europe.

The last time was to England for my son’s wedding a couple of years ago, I just love the history and the scenery. Always good to have locals who can show you the sights.

If you could pick anywhere else in the world to go, where would it be?

I’d like to go back to Dubai and stay in one of the top hotels there.

What’s your favourite season? Summer. I like the warmer weather and being able to get into shorts and a t-shirt — also the longer days.

Have you ever met anyone famous? A few celebrity chefs — famous to me anyway, for example Ainsley Harriot.

What show are you currently bingewatching or book you are reading? Ted Lasso. And any book by Bernard Cornwell.

What skill do you think you could improve on? Excel!

What’s something you’re really bad at? Singing.

If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be? Nothing, I am grateful for the experiences I have had so far.

Who do you look up to?

There is a CEO who just sets out to achieve great things and lucky for me I have had the opportunity to work with them and be a part of some of those achievements.

Morning person or night-owl?

Morning – get up and make the most of the day.

What was your first paying job? Storeman at Woolworths.

Did you learn a new skill or did anything positive happen to you during Covid?

The positive that we had, as a family, was my son and his wife moved from England back to live in Australia. They got stuck and had to stay with us before they could move onto their final destination which was Brisbane. Each weekend during their stay we had themed dinner nights. From formal dinners and murder mystery dinners to a Tour de French theme. In the end I think it was 32 of these we had. Each week one, or a couple, would be responsible for organising meals, dress ups, games, invitations etc.

It was a great distraction and it gave us all something to look forward to. It was really very special during a time that could be quite frustrating.

What do you love most about your job/workplace?

The culture, people/caregivers all have the same focus and that is the patient’s wellbeing.

This is my third time back with SJG so that must say something for the workplace.