Ian Joins Interview Panel for New Resthaven Cook

When Resthaven Malvern was in the market for a new cook, managers at the site asked resident Mr Ian Weekley to join them during the interview process. Ian, who has lived at Resthaven since May 2024 is part of the site’s Menu Meetings and provides regular feedback to Resthaven on the quality, taste, and nutrition of his meals.

‘Nutrition is vital,’ says Ian. ‘My questions to the candidates were around their knowledge of nutrition and their understanding of how the dining experience impacts people’s health.’

With a career in the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) spanning 40 years, Ian held a variety of roles as an officer. He would often be at sea for weeks or months at a time, sailing widely throughout the South Pacific Ocean and the Southeast Asian areas. One of his roles was as the Executive Officer (second-in-command) where he was responsible for the organisation and delivery of food for those onboard. Later, as the captain of patrol boats, he cemented his understanding of the importance of food and nutrition when in a restricted environment.

‘Menu planning and ensuring the quality of the food were two things that were important in the role,’ Ian says. ‘When you are out at sea and away from home port, sometimes for months at a time, you learn what is needed to keep the crew healthy and at the top of their game.’

In the RAN, Ian was also involved in the selection of sailors for special roles and promotions as well as defending, prosecuting and acting as ‘magistrate’ in Navy disciplinary proceedings. In later years of service, Ian worked closely with members of the Australian Public Service, conducing formal interviews for employment and procurement matters as well as tender evaluation projects. He also had roles in Risk Management and Work Health and Safety (WHS) which also have relevance to food preparation, health and communal living.

‘So, I was pleased to be involved on the interview panel for Resthaven Malvern,’ Ian says. ‘My aim was to elicit a response from the candidates that would highlight their interest and professionalism in the food they cook and serve, and an understanding of the residents who they are cooking for. I wanted them to think about residents, right from the start, not just about what is going on directly in the kitchen.’

The lead candidate during the interview process says he found the interaction with Ian to be very valuable.

Ian is an active member of the Resthaven Malvern community. In addition to his interest in the dining experience, he is also working with staff and residents at Resthaven Malvern growing herbs and maintaining a small flower garden. He is working on a larger, longer-term proposal for beautifying the verges on the roads surrounding Resthaven Malvern.

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