Food and Nutrition

Amit’s journey from prestigious five-star hotels to aged care might seem unexpected, but for him, it’s been the most rewarding chapter of his culinary career. With a Bachelor’s degree in Hotel and Tourism Management, and over 12 years of experience at renowned hotels like JW Marriott and Four Seasons across four countries, Amit brings exceptional skills to Estia Health.

As Head Chef at Estia Health Lockleys in Adelaide, Amit has discovered that cooking for residents fills him with a profound sense of purpose. While his distinguished hotel career provided invaluable experience and shaped his culinary foundation, aged care fulfills him in different ways. “The aspect of care and the opportunity to showcase that through my cooking skills is what drove me to this role,” Amit reflects.

Starting at Estia Health Craigmore in 2023, Amit joined our Lockleys home in 2025. He’s introduced restaurant-style service, breakfast buffets, cultural-themed lunches, and festive celebrations. But it’s Amit’s personal connection with residents that sets him apart. During meal services, he takes time for conversations, listening to their feedback and treasured food memories. “Seeing them enjoy the meal and hearing their experiences or memories related to a certain dish brings me happiness,” he warmly shares.

Amit’s philosophy is beautifully simple: even the most classic dish can become extraordinary when prepared with care. He leads his team with the same spirit, providing training and support while ensuring every meal meets residents’ nutritional needs and dietary preferences.

For Amit, success isn’t measured in culinary awards but in the smiles he sees on residents’ faces, and the joy of knowing his skills directly contribute to a resident’s daily happiness and wellbeing.
“At Estia Health, I get to do what I love most – cooking – and enrich my knowledge by spending time with our residents. What I give to this role, it gives me a lot more back.”

Through his expertise and genuine compassion, Amit doesn’t just nourish our residents but also brings joy and a sense of celebration to each meal.

At Estia Health, we believe food is central to wellbeing, dignity, and joy. Guided by our Healthy Eating Model, we prioritise fresh, wholesome, and nutritionally balanced meals - prepared daily in each home’s kitchen, never reheated, and always tailored to our residents’ individual needs.
This commitment is led by Justin, who oversees our national catering and hospitality teams. Together, they ensure every meal reflects our values of quality, care, and connection.
Our cook fresh philosophy sets us apart. Unlike many providers, we don’t use cook-chill or reheating methods. Every dish is made from scratch, helping preserve nutrients, enhance flavour, and support resident health - including a measurable reduction in the use of wound supplements.
Justin supports our chef-led model, where experienced head chefs use premium Australian ingredients like MSA-graded beef, sustainable seafood, and locally grown produce. Through our investment in Masterclass training, our chefs continue to refine their skills - from preparing a wider range of meat cuts to mastering low-temperature cooking techniques that retain moisture and nutrients.
“Our residents love the classics - a Sunday roast or lamb chops,” Justin says. “But what makes the difference is how we prepare them. Whether it’s slow-roasting lamb rump or serving runny eggs safely, we focus on flavour, nutrition, and personal choice.”
At Estia Health, food is more than a meal - it’s a daily opportunity to enrich and celebrate life together.

Joanna’s eight-year journey at Estia Health Lockleys is a testament to what passion and dedication can achieve. When she joined our team in June 2017 as a Food Service Assistant, she brought no experience, but a willingness to learn and care for others.

Within eight months, Joanna’s natural talent and commitment saw her promoted to Assistant Cook, and by August 2020, she had earned the role of Cook.

What drives Joanna each day is being part of a team that genuinely cares for residents’ daily wellbeing. She finds joy in the positive feedback from residents and their families, knowing that her efforts contribute to their comfort and happiness. “The satisfaction of seeing the residents happy” is what makes her work truly meaningful.

As Cook, Joanna has embraced the responsibility of helping guide the kitchen team alongside our Head Chef, Amit, ensuring meal services run smoothly and residents receive the same dining experience they know and love. Joanna takes pride in knowing our residents’ preferences, dietary needs, and the little details that make mealtimes enjoyable.  

For Joanna, being part of the Estia Health family has brought lasting friendships and the deep fulfillment that comes from making a real difference in people's lives, one meal at a time.