A recent hospital stay gave me a valuable opportunity to observe firsthand the remarkable dedication of our support services teams from the perspective of a patient. From the ward staff facilitating smooth transitions for patients in and out of surgery, to the cleaning teams maintaining impeccable hygiene standards, and the food services staff ensuring meals were delivered with care and efficiency – each person plays an essential role in delivering high quality healthcare.

Particularly commendable were the food services staff who brought my meals after a full day of fasting. These quiet yet vital efforts form the backbone of a well-functioning hospital and are worthy of ongoing recognition.

Our QLD/NSW branch has been busy with events over the past several months:

• In April our longstanding Supporter Nutritious Cuisine (who is also the proud sponsor of the Rosemary Ann Pirie OAM Award, the highest honour the IHHC bestows at our National Awards of Excellence) generously opened their doors for a site tour of their Salisbury, QLD premises, showcasing the great work chef and owner Rodger Graf and his team are doing to enhance the aged care dining experience with texture modified and moulded food innovations.

  The event included a delicious breakfast and short presentation, with Rodger sharing the company’s history, product innovations and the evolution of their moulds used for texture modified meals. Observing the live production and packaging process provided valuable insights. Our sincere thanks to Rodger and his team for warmly welcoming the group.

• Then in July we held a Food and Equipment Innovation event at Royal Brisbane Women’s Hospital Education Centre, Herston Health Precinct. Supported by Smooth Dining, Birch & Waite, Moffat and UNOX Australia, it provided a chance for attendees to learn about the latest innovation in health and aged care, followed by cocktails and the chance for everyone to network.

• This was followed in August by a breakfast networking session, guest speaker presentation and site tour of Bidfood Australia’s Morningside QLD distribution facility which again proved to be a great success, with members and supporters coming together for a lively gathering full of innovation, insights and the opportunity to make valuable connections. Molly and the Bidfood team shared insights and hosted the site tour, followed by a presentation from Cher of AerVision Technologies on how AI can assist with tray accuracy, meal intake tracking and realtime analytics. Tracey French from Supporter Trumps Foods Australia showcased food innovations, the Trumps product range and how they meet allergen requirements for health and aged care, and the QLD team from CCI Group Services were also in attendance. We’re grateful to all who contributed to making the event such a success.

• The QLD/NSW Committee has also been collaborating with Birch & Waite, UNOX Australia and Meyer Food Co on a new event series in NSW as part of the Choice Collective. These events focus on providing education regarding Standard 6 in Aged Care, with an emphasis on enhancing choice, variety and dining experience. They also create meaningful opportunities for professionals across the sector to connect and share solutions.

• And by the time you read this, our first Sydney event in a long time will have been held on 5 September. St Vincent's Care Hotel Service Manager and Executive Chef VIC/NSW David Martin, a leading advocate for improving food standards in health and aged care, spoke on the new Aged Care Standards and shared insights and food trends, followed by supporter presentations from Nestlé Australia, Bidfood Australia and CBORD on food innovations and menu management systems and the chance for attendees to catch up and network over dinner.

Having announced our State Excellence Award winners for 2025 last month, we’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate all those who consistently demonstrate excellence, leadership and commitment to hospitality in healthcare. You can read about our winners in this issue’s separate article.

In closing, we sincerely thank our committee members and extend special appreciation to our Platinum and Gold supporters. Your ongoing commitment and contributions are essential to the continued success of IHHC. Through your support we can promote innovation, excellence and connection throughout our industry sector. Together we can continue to build a stronger and more vibrant professional community – one dedicated to outstanding service, care and collaboration.

BRENDAN & KEVIN