Photo of Maggie Beer enjoying a snack with senior lady

Maggie Beer launches new training program for aged-care cooks.

“Food is nutrition not just for the body, but also for the soul. It’s what fires our appetite for life,” beams Australian chef Maggie Beer in an interview with the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Journal.

Published: 7 September 2023
  • national
  • 7 September 2023
  • Australian Nursing and Midwifery Journal

Her outlook is a big reason behind the establishment of a new federal government-funded training program to help aged care cooks and chefs deliver more nutritious, and better quality, food across the sector.

Launched by Ms Beer, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Aged Care Minister Anika Wells at a nursing home in South Australia, the $5 million education and training program, to be run by the Maggie Beer Foundation, will aim to give every chef and cook working in residential aged care the opportunity to develop their culinary skills and improve food, nutrition and the dining experience for older people.

The free program includes:

  • Online learning modules

  • State and Territory training hubs

  • A Trainer Mentor Program

  • Professional Community network opportunities