This kitchen rules

By Jessica Howard

The number of meals made out of the Ballan District Health and Care kitchen has been doubled.

Recent renovations saw the installation of a custom made freezer room, a blast chiller, large bain-marie, a four burner gas cooktop and custom made stainless steel benches.

The kitchen was also re-equipped with shelving, a dishwasher inlet bench and a gas tilting bratt pan.

Funding for the refurbishment was part of a grant from the State Government’s Regional Health Infrastructure Fund and community fundraising totaling more than $22,000.

A generous $10,000 was also donated by the Grosvenor Foundation.

Member for Buninyong, Geoff Howard officially opened the new kitchen on Wednesday December 6.

“It’s great to see the new kitchen up and cooking in time for Christmas,” he said.
“The kitchen caters for patients, aged care residents and all the children attending the Ballan Childcare Centre.
“A weekly meal is also prepared for the Ballan Senior Citizens Centre, as well as meals for community members who depend on Meals on Wheels”.

BDHC Chief executive Wayne Weaire said the upgrade was a great example of when community, philanthropy and government come together.

“[The refurbishment] has doubled our cooking to 4,000 meals; has increased the variety of meals we can offer our patients, residents and children and has improved the physical work environment for the hard-working kitchen team,” he said.

“Thank you to the Victorian State Government, the Grosvenor Foundation and all of the individuals and businesses who contributed to the 2016 Love is in the Air fundraiser.”