Chartwells Team Wins Big at the Star Awards

At the 2024 Star Awards, the spotlight was firmly on our incredible Chartwells team from Geelong Grammar School, who took home the prestigious National Site of the Year Award. Early next morning, Julia Chin, Site Manager, was back at the helm ensuring the success of an important school function.

“I was chatting with the Principal at the event, and shared the exciting news about our win,” Julia shares. “The Principal was overjoyed and even announced it during her opening speech! The school’s support has been amazing — they see our success as their success too.”

Shining Stars

After the Star Awards ceremony, Julia made sure the victory was shared with everyone back on campus. An appreciation afternoon tea brought the team together to celebrate their collective success. “It was so heartwarming to see the smiles on everyone’s faces as we celebrated,” Julia shares. “It’s a reminder of the incredible things we can achieve when we work as one.”

The win is a testament to the remarkable work of the Chartwells team at Geelong Grammar School, Australia’s largest, co-educational boarding school. 

Chartwells' team from Geelong Grammar School at the Star Awards.

Here, the Chartwells team serve over 3,000 meals daily for 800 boarders, day students and staff, with their expertise extending far beyond the dining hall. From sporting events and boarding house gatherings to catering elegant functions, the team manages every aspect of the school’s hospitality needs with a fine balance of tradition and innovation.

Finding their North Star

At the heart of their award-winning approach is the team’s unwavering passion for hospitality. Every detail, from brainstorming event themes to plating a meal, is treated with care. “We take pride in everything we do,” Julia explains. “Seeing the joy on the students’ and staff’s faces when they experience something special, that’s why we love what we do.”

Chartwells team from Geelong Grammar School winning Site of the Year at 2024 Star Awards.

Winning the award isn’t just a milestone, it’s a motivator. “This award recognises the hard work we’ve put in, but it’s also a challenge to keep raising the bar,” Julia says. “In 2025, we’re aiming to outdo ourselves. It’s not about competing with others, it’s about creating something so extraordinary that it deserves recognition. And that takes passion, love, and excitement for what we do every single day.”

Julia credits the broader Compass Group Australia team for their support, from Culinary to Safety, Recruitment and Finance. “We’re not alone in this — we have a big support network behind us and together, we can achieve great things.”

Read more about our People here.

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