Born in Bankstown, New South Wales, I arrived into the world already destined to become a lifelong Canterbury Bulldogs supporter. Hospitality has been part of my DNA from the very beginning. Growing up in a family of chefs, with both my father and grandfather working in the profession, many of my earliest memories were formed in busy commercial kitchens. My first memories in a kitchen were around ten years of age, when I was entrusted with preparing side salads, served in the unforgettable parquet wooden bowls of the 1980s, at my family’s restaurant within Liverpool Catholic Club.

I was educated at Trinity Grammar School in Sydney before embarking on a career in hospitality that has now spanned more than 35 years. Throughout that time, I have been fortunate to gain experience across a broad range of sectors including corporate catering, contract management, and large-scale hospitality operations across Australia. These experiences have provided me with a deep appreciation of the role food, service, and community play in improving people’s quality of life.

In 2013, I transitioned into the aged care sector with Opal Aged Care, managing hospitality services across Australia. In 2018, I joined Estia Health, where I currently serve as Head of Hospitality and Lifestyle. In this role, I am responsible for hospitality and lifestyle operations across 98 aged care homes nationwide. Leading teams that deliver more than 45,000 meals each day is both a privilege and a responsibility that I take seriously.

I am particularly passionate about championing fresh food in aged care, challenging outdated food safety misconceptions, and advocating for chef-led service models that deliver exceptional dining experiences while maintaining sustainable food costs. I firmly believe that great food is fundamental to dignity, wellbeing, and quality of life for older Australians.

Beyond my professional role, I am a proud member of the Australian Army Reserve, a Meat & Livestock Australia Ambassador, and a member of the New South Wales Food Safety Advisory Committee. Outside of work, I enjoy nothing more than spending time with my family, camping, cooking over fire and watching the kids play sport. I’m married to Melissa and have 5 children: Georgia, Bella, Amelia, Xavier and Elowen.