We’re thrilled to celebrate our award-winning teams at the 2025 National Restaurant & Catering Hostplus Awards for Excellence. After shining at the state level, three Compass Group Australia sites have now been recognised nationally, taking home Gold, Silver and Bronze.
Chartwells – Australian National University (ANU)
Education Caterer (Gold)
With 30 passionate team members working around the clock, the Chartwells team at ANU serve up breakfast, lunch and dinner to 800 students every single day. This is a massive 600,000 meals a year across two dining rooms, plus school functions and retail.
“Taking home this award has been a real morale booster for the team,” said Rohit Maini, Key Accounts Manager.
“From our store person and kitchen hand, who keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes, to our Chefs and Front-of-House legends who serve up great food with a smile, every single person played a part. We’re all feeling really proud.”
The team’s dedication doesn’t stop at the dining room doors either. Recently, they’ve been donating leftover meals to ANU’s Student Association program, helping provide daily food to students doing it tough. It’s become a lifeline for many, and an example of our purpose in action.
“We are thrilled to be recognised for this achievement and to have won this award in the first year of our new five-year partnership with ANU,” shares Adam Smogurzewski, State Operations Manager.
“It shows that after several years of serving this wonderful community, the passion and care for providing exceptional food, service and innovation by our team on the ground is very much alive. We thank them for coming to work every day to deliver on this promise and working together to support this wonderful partnership.”
Restaurant Associates – National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)
Venue Caterer (Silver)
As Australia’s oldest and most visited public art gallery, the NGV is a truly iconic space, and our Restaurant Associates team brings it to life through unforgettable dining experiences. From intimate dinners and elegant weddings to large-scale corporate events, they cater for up to 2,000 guests with warm and seamless service.
“For the team here at the NGV, this means the world,” says Robert Dunkley, Key Accounts Manager.
“It’s such a great feeling to be recognised for the incredible work we do bringing our clients’ event visions to life. We’re especially proud of the little things, the attention to detail, the beautiful food, and the way everyone goes the extra mile to make sure every event is something special.”
“Our operations run like clockwork because of the culture we’ve built. It’s not just a great place to work, it’s a place people genuinely look forward to being. And that energy flows through to our clients and their guests. Huge thanks to the whole team — this recognition belongs to you!”
Chartwells – St John’s College UQ
Education Caterer (Bronze)
For the Chartwells team at St John’s College UQ, it’s all about the food, and of course, the heart behind it. With a tight-knit team of 18, they serve up nearly 7,000 meals a week to 320 students, rain, hail, shine or even cyclones. From hot meals and fresh salads to special morning teas for days like R U OK? Day and Valentine’s, they’re always finding ways to make mealtimes a little more special.
“This award is a reflection of the team’s passion and teamwork,” says Pierre Aulagnier, Site Manager.
“What makes the team proudest is knowing they’ve created a space where students genuinely look forward to their meals and feel cared for. Lately, we’ve seen students embracing the healthier options we offer and that’s a win in itself.”
Alannah Fox, Operations Manager, couldn’t be prouder of the team taking home the win. “Pierre and the whole team at St John’s embody the Chartwells ethos of culinary and service excellence” says Alannah.
“Meal service in a residential setting is intrinsic to the internal ‘clock’ of the site, as the staff and students plan their days around meal service. Breaking bread together is their way of connecting, decompressing and sharing. The team at St John’s elevates the simple act of sharing a meal, creating warm and welcoming experiences that adapt to the changing needs of their students.”
Our Incredible Finalists
We also want to congratulate our finalists at the National Awards, who each won in their respective states: Restaurant Associates team at Old Parliament House (ACT) and all our Chartwells teams at St John’s College (NSW), Mannix College (VIC) and Scotch College (WA). Thank you for all you do to serve a better future.
Find out more about our award-winning people here.
