In Senior Living homes and Hospitals, a good meal can mean so much more than just food on a plate. It can be comfort, connection and a highlight of the day. For Fie Cronin, Chef Manager with Medirest, it’s all about creating meals that bring joy to residents’ lives — and her passion hasn’t gone unnoticed. Recently, Fie won the Culinary Award at the 2024 NSW/ACT Star Awards, where Compass Group Australia’s (CGA) team members are recognised for their dedication to excellence and outstanding talent.
Written in the Stars
For Fie, cooking isn’t just a career — it’s something she’s loved her whole life. “I’ve been cooking since I was a kid,” she shares. “Now I’m lucky to do it in a way that makes a real difference.”
Working in the Senior Living sector adds a deeper meaning to her work. “For our residents, meals are something they genuinely look forward to. If I can brighten someone’s day with food they enjoy, then I know I’ve done my job.”

Included in her Star Award nominations was heartfelt feedback from the residents about the care, warmth and joy Fie brings to Mount View Lodge. One volunteer even expressed how much Fie’s kindness and cooking mean to her husband in the dementia ward.
Here’s what one resident had to say in their own words:
“Chef Fie’s dedication, incredible food, and genuine kindness has completely changed our dining experience. She makes meals we love, meets all our needs and always brings a smile. Her passion shines through in everything she does, and it truly makes a difference in our lives.”
Fie approaches her work with a simple philosophy: treat every resident like family. “If my own parents were here, I’d want them to enjoy every meal. That’s the care I bring to work every day.”
A Star of Healthcare
Fie’s path to CGA has built her skill, love of cooking and experience in kitchens across a variety of industries. After running her own café and cooking in mining camps, she joined the Senior Living sector as a Labour Hire Chef. From there, she moved into a production kitchen, preparing meals for over 200 residents across 10 lodges.
Now, as Chef Manager at Mount View Lodge in Cessnock, she balances everything from rostering and menu planning to her true passion, creating meals that matter. “In this role, I’ve been able to strengthen my skills in Admin, whilst stepping back into the kitchen and cooking for the residents, which always reminds me of the joy and purpose behind what I do.”
Fie’s story is a testament of the important role chefs play in Healthcare. It’s not just about cooking; it’s about making people feel cared for and connected, one meal at a time.
Read more about our People here.