The Hon Ryan Park MP
Member for Keira
Minister for Health
Minister for Regional Health
Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast
Alison Byrnes MP
Member for Cunningham
Media Release
ILLAWARRA DIGGERS SERVES UP EXCELLENCE WITH MAJOR KITCHEN UPGRADE AND MAGGIE BEER FOUNDATION PARTNERSHIP
Illawarra Diggers has taken a step forward in transforming the dining experience of aged care residents by coordinating a state-of-the-art kitchen refit with a nationally recognised culinary training program delivered by the Maggie Beer Foundation.
Recognised for its commitment to onsite “cook fresh” meals, Illawarra Diggers was selected in late 2024 to participate in the Foundation’s national food reform initiative, funded by the Department of Health and Aged Care.
Over the past year, celebrity chef and Foundation mentor James Reeson has worked closely with kitchen staff to enhance flavour, nutrition and food presentation.
“Our team has worked side-by-side with James and the Foundation’s experts to explore new recipes, refine our service, and build capacity,” said Hospitality Manager Michelle Carlson.
“It’s been an exciting journey that’s lifted both skills and standards.”
Coinciding with this training, Illawarra Diggers completed a full-scale kitchen upgrade—its first in over 15 years. The $800,000 refit included new flooring, walls, cool and freezer rooms, servery, ovens, dishwashing facilities, and dry goods storage. To continue delivering fresh meals throughout construction, a temporary outdoor kitchen setup was installed in the rear courtyard for three months at a further cost of $100,000.
“The result is a modern, efficient, and high-performance facility that allows us to expand our menus and offer even more meal choices to our 105 residents,” Michelle Carlson said.
“We serve fresh meals 365 days a year, breakfast through to supper, and having a fit-for-purpose kitchen is essential to doing that well.”
Illawarra Diggers CEO Peter Whittall said despite construction happening adjacent to the dining area, there wasn’t a single resident complaint.
“Our residents showed extraordinary understanding, and our staff went above and beyond to maintain the highest standards—even completing our three-year reaccreditation audit with the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission mid-build.”
Member for Cunningham, Alison Byrnes MP said she was delighted the investment from the Federal Government aimed at improving food quality in aged care was inspiring facilities like Illawarra Diggers to take the next steps in delivering higher quality service.
“The Albanese Government has been working hard to help providers serve more delicious and nutritious food for older people in our community. It is really fantastic to see Illawarra Diggers take that idea and expand on it by investing in their kitchen facilities,” Ms Byrnes said.
“Improved nutrition, improved food and improved dining experiences really do lead to better quality of life for our older people and I want to thank Diggers for their commitment to this goal,” she said.
Member for Keira, Ryan Park MP commended the team behind this extensive kitchen refit and for their ongoing care and commitment to excellence.
“I am proud to see Illawarra Diggers continues to set a high standard in aged care, not only through its exceptional service but now through this impressive kitchen upgrade and partnership with the Maggie Beer Foundation,” Mr Park said.
“This is a shining example of what can be achieved when dedication to dignity, nutrition, and innovation come together to improve quality of life for residents.”
Chef James Reeson will return to Illawarra Diggers to mark the conclusion of the Maggie Beer Foundation’s 12-month program, which will continue with monthly coaching and support to embed a culture of culinary excellence.
