Top Marks for New Chefs at Baptistcare Moonya

It’s not just the food at Baptistcare Moonya Residential Care in Manjimup that’s been scoring top marks. Chefs Saul Yates and Rob Whitelaw have both recently completed their three-year chef apprenticeships, scoring full marks in their final assessment.

Their success is a reflection of the amazing meals enjoyed by residents at Baptistcare Moonya, which has a reputation for restaurant-quality food.

Both Mr Yates and Mr Whitelaw started as kitchenhands at Baptistcare Moonya about 10 years ago.

Today, they enjoy preparing delicious, nutritious, beautifully presented dishes for Baptistcare Moonya’s residents. Their homemade pies, pasta bakes, roasts, quiches and Friday fish and chips all get rave reviews.

Raised by a single dad who was a baker and pastry chef, Mr Yates jumped at the chance to become an apprentice chef through Baptistcare.

“Dad always had my brother and I in the kitchen. Cooking as a job just seemed natural,” Mr Yates said.

“The most satisfying part about working as a chef in aged care is when you take a few minutes to make something special or have a chat and it makes a resident’s day.”

Mr Whitelaw became interested in cooking through his family, who were involved in catering in the horse racing industry, and then through managing hotels and clubs.

“A trade certificate was a personal goal as at the age of 61 I never had one,” Mr Whitelaw said.

“Working at Baptistcare Moonya is satisfying because we’re giving back to those who made it possible for us to be here.”

Nicolle Warren, Manager Residential Care at Baptistcare Moonya, said residents and employees alike were proud of their newly-qualified chefs.

“It is a tremendous achievement and testament to the men’s hard work,” she said.

“Residents tell us time and again that the food at Baptistcare Moonya is one of the highlights, with amazing meals that make Moonya feel like home.”

Residents are looking forward to the chefs creating their Christmas party menu, with traditional turkey and ham and all the trimmings, pavlova, plum pudding and brandy custard, and a selection of salads, prawn platters, fruit platters, nibbles and drinks.

Find out more about Baptistcare.

Pictured: Chef Rob Whitelaw at Baptistcare Moonya in Manjimup