Uniting AgeWell’s unique Masterclass initiative last night earned the organisation an ACSA Victoria Aged Care Award for Innovation in Service or Design.
Sponsored by Epicor, the award recognises a program, project or initiative that shows originality to improve the lives of older Australians.
The award was accepted by Senior Hotel Services Manager Melissa Nicholson and Hotel Services Manager Victoria Carlo Napoli, at an event in Melbourne on Wednesday night.
Senior Hotel Services Manager Melissa Nicholson said she was “immensely proud” of the Hotel Services Team and grateful for the support received by the Uniting AgeWell community.
“It is rare that food services are recognised at these industry awards, so we were blown away,” she said.
I want to thank the Uniting AgeWell Board and CEO, who encourage us to think outside the square and be creative in the way we deliver services to our clients.
Masterclass 2017 saw chefs from across Uniting AgeWell’s residential communities battle it out in the kitchen, in an effort to inspire creativity in catering.
They were challenged to create a main and dessert dish in just 90 minutes, and were judged on presentation, creativity, cleanliness of workstations, adherence to the aged care dietary guidelines and taste.
They also received advice from top Australian chefs to improve the overall dining experience for residents across the organisation.
As a result of Masterclass 2017, complaints about food have decreased dramatically and the initiative has been integrated into the regular training calendar.
Uniting AgeWell would like to congratulate the category finalists – Martin Luther Homes and Assisi Centre Aged Care – and all other award winners.
The organisation will now join award winners from each state and territory at the ACSA National Awards presentation in Sydney in September.