Warrigal Shell Cove played host to an extraordinary three-day event, where renowned Australian cook and food advocate, Maggie Beer, and her Foundation team came together with the aim of improving the dining experiences of older people across Australia.

Warrigal was thrilled to have the opportunity to host Maggie Beer, alongside cooks, chefs and carers from Warrigal properties and partners CaterCare and Catering Industries.

Throughout the three-day event, Maggie and her team passionately shared their expertise in good food and nourishment. Engaging discussions revolved around designing menus tailored to the specific needs of older people, while Warrigal chefs embarked on a transformative journey to refine their cooking techniques under her expert guidance.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have brought together our talented chefs and the passionate team from the Maggie Beer Foundation,” said Alissa Walsh, Warrigal’s Acting CEO. “This remarkable collaboration perfectly aligns with our own mission to provide our older people with delicious meals. It also highlights our dedication to the ever-changing food and nutrition standards, making this visit truly special.”

This invaluable opportunity was made possible by the generous support of Anne and Garry Edwards, whose vision to create a lasting legacy for Gwen, Garry’s mother and a former resident at Warrigal’s Mount Terry home, ignited the idea of enhancing the lives of aged care residents through an elevated dining experience.

The development of this program has been an extensive collaborative effort involving every level of management at Warrigal, and numerous other stakeholders (including dietitians, residents and their family members). The sessions marked the launch of the first mentoring program, which will be followed by regular catch-up sessions with the Maggie Beer Foundation and Warrigal’s chefs, ensuring continuous growth and improvement to the daily meals and menu offered to Warrigal residents.