As we approach the end of 2025, it gives us the opportunity to reflect on the past year of working hard to reinvigorate the QLD/NSW Branch and drive innovation across the health and aged care sector.

Firstly, we would like to extend our sincere thanks for your support throughout our first year leading the QLD/NSW Branch of Hospitality in Healthcare. What a year it’s been: fast-paced and full of achievements. It truly feels like only weeks ago that we were navigating a cyclone in Queensland, yet here we are reflecting on everything we’ve accomplished in the past 12 months.

We delivered a range of events in both QLD & NSW, covering industry innovation, the new Aged Care Standard 6, education sessions and valuable networking opportunities for members and our valued supporters.

Some of this year’s standout moments included the National Conference held in Melbourne, Birch & Waite Factory Tour in NSW, our partnership with Choice Collective, the QLD/NSW Excellence Awards (over 33 nominations across four categories) and the cooking demonstration featuring St Vincent Care’s David Martin and Nestlé Professional’s Elke Travers at the Bidfood showroom in Sydney.  

Our biggest milestone, however, was the official rebrand from IHHC to Hospitality in Healthcare. The refresh marked a transition to a more modern identity, consistent with hospitality’s changing landscape.

This year’s National Conference was a resounding success. From insightful presentations to innovation in the Supporter Room and the Gala Dinner, the energy was outstanding.

A particular highlight was the Hospitality in Healthcare Culinary Cooking Competition. Congratulations to our 2025 winners Steph Park and Rajesh Pundir from STARS Hospital Brisbane. We thank judges Emma Cameron, Glenn Flood and Adam Nicholls, and our supporters UNOX Australia, Bega Foodservice and Moffat.

Committee update

At our AGM held in mid-November, all positions were declared vacant and the following office bearers were elected:

Chair: Brendan Host

Deputy Chair: Kevin Dunne

Treasurer: Ben Hensley

Secretary: Jen Ellick

Committee Members: Paul Constable, Denise Cruickshank, Ellen Hingston, Lillian Forrest and Lyn Grundy.

During 2024/2025 we farewelled Valerie Seychell, Liam O’Toole and Jackie Downs due to personal commitments and welcomed Lillian Forrest and Lyn Grundy. We thank all outgoing members for their contributions.

The committee is planning the 2026 event calendar, with exciting opportunities ahead. We welcome new Gold Supporters Max Stocks and Creative Hospitality Designs.

From the committee, we wish you and your families a safe and joyful Christmas and New Year.

We extend appreciation to our committee, our Platinum and Gold Supporters and our members. Your commitment is vital to the success of Hospitality in Healthcare. Together, we continue to build a connected and innovative community. 

BRENDAN, KEVIN & the QLD/NSW Committee