National Excellence Awards, inaugural Culinary Competition and much more hosted at IHHC National Conference

Across a packed three day program, IHHC members and supporters, other delegates, guest speakers and presenters gathered together at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre to learn about ‘The Future Landscape: Expertise for Changing Times’ at the 39th annual IHHC National Conference, held during the last week of November.

With well-known Brisbane television presenter/journalist Victoria Carthew acting as MC, the conference began with a traditional ‘Welcome to Country’ dance ceremony performed by Aboriginal Dance Company Nunukul Yuggera. This was followed by the official opening address by Councillor Vicki Howard, Civic Cabinet Chair for Community, Arts and Nighttime Economy and Councillor for Central City of Brisbane.

Following Vicki’s presentation, renowned body language, voice and emotion expert Dr Louise Mahler took the stage to give a fascinating presentation on improving workplace communications. Then it was time for the evening’s Welcome Reception held in the Boulevard Foyer which was also host to the conference trade expo – a chance for members, delegates and guests to mingle and check out the impressive array of stands from our conference supporters who were on hand to showcase some truly innovative and exciting products and services.

Day two featured a series of presentations and speakers with topics including insights into sustainable procurement and digital transformation of cleaning and infection control. Highlights of the afternoon’s presentations were two keynote addresses – the first by clinical psychologist Valerie Ling of the Centre for Effective Sharing who spoke on ‘quiet givers of the healthcare system’, the second an inspiring speech by Australian Canoe Sprint Olympian Lachlan Tame.

The evening hosted the inaugural IHHC Culinary Competition, held outdoors on an upper balcony and expertly hosted by Alistair McLeod from TV’s Ready Steady Cook and Off the Eaten Track. Open to anyone regularly employed within health and aged care, the event saw four competing finalist teams of two given 20 minutes prep time and 45 minutes cooking time, and scored according to a 100 point system, with up to 15 points awarded for organisation, 40 points for culinary skills, and 45 for taste and presentation.

The panel of judges – Liam O’Toole from Mater Health Brisbane, well-known chef and restaurateur Luke Mangan, and Bianca Guthrie, Senior Dietitian, Foodservice from Fiona Stanley Hospital in Adelaide – were knocked out by the quality of all finalists’ dishes so it was a very close call.

The winning team was Chef Gary Duerden and Second Chef Lisa Kille of Arcare Pimpana, with their entry of herb crusted lamb backstrap with spelt grain and ratatouille. Runner-up was Chef Rajesh Pundir and Second Chef Wade Shaw of STARS Brisbane, for their dish of Tandoori spiced chicken breast with pea and mint puree and tomato radish and pomegranate salad.

The other finalists were Chef Mario Giordano and Second Chef Christine Kenny of Arcare Helensvale St James for their dish of wild barramundi and earth grain; and Chef Darrell Bakes and Second Chef Kerry Nayler of Arcare Springwood for their dish of sticky chicken on crunchy slaw.

Day three brought more presentations across two streams, including IHHC Life Member Gary Kennedy’s presentation on the new HACCP and FSANZ allergen rules, how to engage with gender diverse people in the workplace, and a panel discussion on going green in a commercial kitchen.

Prior to the conclusion of the conference came the exciting announcement that the 2023 conference will be held at the Adelaide Hilton from 16 to 18 October. Make plans now to attend!

The conference culminated in the annual gala dinner with its ‘roaring twenties’ theme – with members, guests, supporters and even Board members getting into the spirit of the festivities.  

A highlight of the dinner was the presentation of the IHHC National Awards for Excellence, as follows:

Values in Action Customer Service Award
Sandra Jones, Customer Service Officer Extraordinaire of Noosa Care, QLD; and Grace Scambiattera, Hospitality – Housekeeping and Laundry Services at St Basil’s Aged Care, Croydon Park SA. 

Brightest Star Award
Russell Cooper, Food Services Officer, STARS Hospital, Metro North Health QLD

Leadership Award
Liam O’Toole, Food Services Manager, Mater Health Brisbane 

Project of the Year Award
Dietetics and Food Services at STARS Hospital, Metro North Health QLD

Rosemary Anne Pirie OAM Award
Winner: Liam O’Toole
Runner up: STARS Hospital for its customised focused digital food services

Congratulations all to winners, finalists and nominees, and our thanks to all those who attended the Conference. We look forward to welcoming you all to Adelaide in October!

TROY LITZOW
National Vice-President