Meet Pana and Daisy, who know the secret ingredient of being a chef is cooking with love. Pana grew up cooking avgolemono in her Greek mother’s kitchen while Daisy left the adobo of the Philippines of her youth to study commercial cookery in Australia. 

They’ve both experienced firsthand how Uniting AgeWell “grows” its staff, and their talent and hard work have seen them rise through the ranks in the kitchen at Preston Community where both started out as Food Services Assistants (FSAs). 

Pana Kapsalis, who is the Chef Supervisor says her Mum was the guiding star in teaching her to cook with love and  now lives in aged care. “I ask myself ‘would Mum like this dish?’ and if she would, then I’m happy to serve it to the residents,” Pana explains. 

Judging by the compliments she receives from residents, many of whom are from European backgrounds, the Mum-Quality-Test is working a treat. 

Pana, who did a Hospitality Management Course many years ago, loves what she does. She’s been at Preston Community for over seven years and started off prepping the food, cleaning the kitchen, loading the trolley and serving the meals. 

“It’s important to learn from the ground up,” says Pana.  “It has taught me the value of what working in the kitchen entails.” 

She was first promoted to Second Chef and then to her current role, which she has held for nearly three years.  She has a large team reporting to her and is keen to develop them too in the  same way she was mentored.  She has also participated in Uniting AgeWell’s Masterclass program – you can see her in action here. 

One of those to take a leaf out of her cook book is Daisy Andes.  She also started as an FSA and Pana quickly recognised her ability and how she lives the values of Uniting AgeWell. 

Daisy is now Second Chef and couldn’t be happier. 

Daisy moved to Australia from the Philippines in 2022 to study Commercial Cooking.  She joined Preston Community in 2023, determined to make her career a success. 

She likes working with older people, describes the kitchen as a warm inclusive haven and says she is hugely appreciative to Pana for recognising her talent. 

 “Uniting AgeWell is such a supportive organisation,” says Daisy.  “I know they are 100 per cent in my corner.” 

Pana does the earlier shift and cooks breakfast and the main meal of the day – lunch. Daisy does the desserts and also cooks the evening meal.  

What are some favourites?  “Tiramisu and cheesecake,” says Daisy. One dish from Italy and one with origins as diverse as Ancient Greece and New York. Both a sensational combination.  

On Aged Care Employee Day it’s time to celebrate Pana and Daisy, as well as all our staff, for the work they do each and every day in putting our customers first and foremost in everything they do.  Thank you for caring!