A Passion for Quality Food in Aged Care

Catering expert Ellis Wilkinson is using his passion and skill to help create positive change around food quality and service for residents in aged care.

Ellis joined not-for-profit aged and disability organisation Villa Maria Catholic Homes as Catering Services Manager in July 2015.

With over 20 years’ experience within the food services industry as an executive chef, head chef and within management positions for some of the largest catering companies in the world, Ellis describes his current role as “challenging, interesting and rewarding”.

“Food is such a huge part of life. Not only does it provide nourishment, it brings happiness and excitement and can evoke memories through taste and smell – something that’s vitally important to people living in aged care.”

Ellis has wide and varied experience within the food services industry, with roles including:

• Former Vice Chairman of the Institute of Hospitality in Healthcare SA/WA
• Committee Member of the Food Tourism and Hospitality Industry Skills Advisory Council SA Inc
• Key member of the project team which developed aged care-specific training currently on offer at TAFE SA
• Past and current panel member for Tasting Australia’s aged care event
• Selection to cook for the King and Queen of Sweden on their Australian visit

“The first challenge in creating change is to adjust the perception of aged care cookery, which has long been seen as an industry where chefs and cooks go to retire, or where overcooked and pureed food is the norm,” Ellis said.

“The next challenge will be to attract the younger generation of chefs to our industry and educate those already working within it.”

Ellis said VMCH would soon introduce new menus across the organisation’s aged care service, focussing on produce-driven meals that promote health, wellbeing and cultural diversity.

“Moving forward we hope to not only maximise the residents’ dining experience here at VMCH; but advocate for change across the industry as a whole.”

Click here to find out more about Villa Maria Catholic Homes' aged care services.