Catholic Homes has received two major honours at the 2026 Western Australian Hospitality in Healthcare Excellence Awards, recognising innovation, resident participation and exceptional service in aged care hospitality.
The Catholic Homes Resident MasterChef Project was named Project of the Year, while Godofredo (Jeff) San Diego, Chef Manager at St Vincent’s Residential Care in Guildford, received the Brilliance in Service Award.
Catholic Homes Head Chef Manoj Rawat was also nominated for the Values in Action/Exceptional Customer Service Award, recognising his person-centred leadership and commitment to creating meaningful dining experiences at Sister Mary Glowrey Residential Care.
The Hospitality in Healthcare Excellence Awards recognise individuals and teams who demonstrate excellence, leadership and commitment within the health and aged care hospitality sector.
The Resident MasterChef Project was developed over several months in the lead-up to Nutrition and Hydration Week. The project was led by Vivek Shetty and Stephanie Ellwood.
More than 50 residents from five Catholic Homes locations helped shape the project, transforming it from a cooking competition into a sustained journey of creativity, collaboration and skill-building.
Residents grew and selected herbs for the final dishes, decorated herb pots, designed table settings and dining showpieces, and practised alongside chefs to develop their confidence in the kitchen.
The project culminated in a 90-minute MasterChef-style mystery box challenge, with residents taking on the role of sous chefs. Families also participated as judges, creating further opportunities for residents, relatives and employees from across Catholic Homes to connect.
Complementary activities included dietitian-led nutrition sessions, smoothie demonstrations, food quizzes and a shared lunch.
By involving residents in food selection, preparation, presentation and decision-making, the project demonstrated how dining can become a meaningful, participatory experience that supports dignity, autonomy and choice.
It also strengthened relationships across five Catholic Homes communities and has provided a framework for further resident-led dining activities.
Jeff’s Brilliance in Service Award recognises his exceptional commitment to creating personalised, inclusive and meaningful dining experiences for residents at St Vincent’s.
As Chef Manager, Jeff leads food services for 86 residents. He takes time to understand each resident’s dietary requirements, preferences, culture and personal history, ensuring meals are not only safe and nutritious but also enjoyable and meaningful.
Jeff regularly meets with residents and families, adapts menus to meet clinical and cultural needs, and ensures people requiring texture-modified meals can continue to enjoy choice and variety.
He has also introduced a monthly Breakfast Club in response to feedback from the St Vincent’s Food Focus Group. Each month, residents from different areas of the home come together to enjoy a cooked breakfast, encouraging new friendships and greater social connection.
Other initiatives include cultural food celebrations, fine-dining experiences and involving residents in cooking activities. For the Resident MasterChef Project, Jeff trained residents to work alongside him as sous chefs, helping them build confidence and showcase their skills.
His contribution extends beyond the kitchen. By listening carefully and responding to what matters to residents, Jeff helps create a dining service grounded in dignity, belonging and genuine choice.
Catholic Homes’ two Western Australian award winners will now progress to the national Hospitality in Healthcare Excellence Awards, with the national recipients to be announced in October.