Catering & Laundry

Bachelor of Applied Science (Food Technology), Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary)

When he joined ARV, Peter had more than twenty years of experience in the Australian food industry as a Food Technologist and lecturer in Science and Food Technology.

Peter now oversees a staff of 88, and an annual budget in excess of $15 million. He is in charge of a largely unseen but critical aspect of residential aged care through the provision of Food and Laundry services.

“I have a keen interest in Aged Care food service and the challenge of producing home-style varied menus in a high quality commercial kitchen,” he said. “I love the variety in my role and interaction with people, most importantly, with the residents we are serving.”

Peter manages cost control under often difficult economic conditions. “In a market with total CPI movement of 4% food costs can fluctuate up to 8% per annum,” Peter explained.  “Laundry is also a critical and large part of aged care, handling personal wash as well as linen products. Our current laundry washes 30 tonnes of resident laundry per week.”

Peter’s extensive portfolio includes financials, manufacturing efficiency, quality and food safety, as well as OH&S and maintenance. Yet there is a key personal aspect to this work.

“By meeting the physical and social needs of our residents, Food and Linen services are integral in promoting a community of Christian care as well as encouraging people to be well-fed and healthy,” Peter said.

“Food is a focus of social functions as well as a critical part of residential aged care.”