Chef Spotlight: Maudsland's Chef Mandi

With more than 25 years of experience in the early childhood sector, Mandi brings a rare and deeply valuable combination of skills to Sanctuary Maudsland. As both a qualified Educator and Chef, she understands the important role food plays in a child’s day; not only in nourishing growing bodies, but in creating opportunities for connection, confidence, curiosity and learning.

During her time at Maudsland, Mandi has brought her passion for nutrition, cooking and education together in ways that extend well beyond the kitchen. For Mandi, food is about so much more than what appears on a plate. It is a chance to spark conversation, build relationships, introduce children to new flavours and textures, and help them develop positive connections with food from an early age.

Whether she is establishing vegetable and native food gardens, planning cooking experiences alongside Uncle Allan, or supporting children to develop practical food preparation skills, Mandi is always looking for ways to make learning meaningful and hands-on. These experiences give children the chance to explore where food comes from, take pride in contributing to their own meals, and build everyday skills in a way that feels natural, joyful and connected to their world.

Mandi also generously shares her knowledge with families through her Did You Know? blogs, offering helpful nutrition information and simple insights that support children’s wellbeing both at the centre and at home.

Her commitment to lifelong learning is just as inspiring. Alongside her role at Sanctuary, Mandi recently completed her Certificate IV in Nutrition and continues to seek out new ideas to bring into the learning environment. She has also been a dedicated contributor to our Chef Engagement Project, embracing every opportunity to connect, reflect and share ideas with chefs across our centres. Her curiosity and love of learning spills into life outside the centre too, where she loves nothing more than a European adventure.

Reflecting on this milestone, Mandi shared that working as a chef in early childhood has been “the best of both worlds,” allowing her love of nutrition, cooking and working with children to come together in one role. Some of her most rewarding moments, she said, have been spent alongside children in the garden and the classroom; moments she “looks forward to for many years to come.”

As Mandi celebrates five wonderful years with Sanctuary, we are proud to recognise the thoughtful and lasting impact she has on the children, families and educators at Maudsland. Her work reminds us that food can be a beautiful part of learning, belonging and connection, and we look forward to seeing her journey continue to inspire our Sanctuary community.