From 20 - 22 August 2017, thirty chefs and cooks from aged care homes across Australia participated in a workshop unlike any other - the 'Creating An Appetite For Life' Education Program. Guests travelled to the Barossa to partake in the program, which was held at Nuriootpa High School over the course of two days. As an introduction on day one, each chef or cook discussed what their biggest challenges were, and as a group, tried to find a solution. Chefs and cooks had the opportunity to network with others in the industry, sample delicious menus that they could replicate back in their workplaces, test out their skills in cooking challenges and hear from a range of experts in the industry. Guest speakers throughout the two days included:
Olivia Farrer - Dietitian, Flinders University Ran a workshop 'How to rock your menu review'
Tara Grahame Cochrane - Landscape Architect of healing and therapeutic landscapes and co-creator of Gardens That Care Highlighted the benefits of gardens in aged care
Rebecca Sullivan - Granny Skills Rebecca hosted an interactive session about her mission to safeguard our ‘granny skills,’ by protecting food heritage, culture, skills, knowledge and tradition, passing down what grannies know best.
Claudia Ait-Touati - CEO Careship Coorong Discussed the benefits of care farming for those with dementia
Mel Roberts - Maggie Beer Foundation Chef Lively discussions were had around work flow and time management in the kitchen
Peter Morgan-Jones - Executive Chef, HammondCare Peter demonstrated just how delicious (and appealing!) texture modified and finger foods can be. Demo included hands-on experience for participants.
James Shepherd - Food Safety Systems Discussion around current food safety regulations in aged care kitchens.
Professor Lee – Fay Low, University of Sydney Enlightened chefs and cooks how they can be change agents in their aged care workplaces. Chefs and cooks left the workshop feeling inspired and eager to put their learnings into practice back at their homes.
Watch this space to find out about upcoming workshops in 2018!
