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Rodney commenced his apprenticeship on the
20th December, 1965 at the R.A.C.V. Club, Melbourne. After four years indenture,
he enlisted in the Australian Army with the Catering Corp posted to the 1st
Battalion Royal
Australian regiment.
Upon discharge he returned to Melbourne and was employed by Mr. Tony Rogalsky,
as head chef and worked for him at the then famous Hot Pot Shop for 4 years,
where a friendship was struck and still remains today, nearly 4 decades later.
Since leaving Tony, Rodney has travelled Australia extensively and had had the
good fortune of working with and also under some of the finest European chefs to
migrate to Australia. The untold knowledge and expertise he gained from these
chefs is immeasurable. This experience has served him well in his career
including winning Best Restaurant awards, as well as Fine Dining awards. Some of
his apprentices have won Gold and Silver medals at Salon Culinaires over the
years.
For 7 years, Rodney was teaching part-time at the School of Tourism and
Hospitality in Townsville, Queensland. He taught apprentices as well as adult
learners the “art of cooking” and numerous specialty classes.
On his return to Melbourne in 2006, Rodney reunited with his family and old
friends and attended the Commonwealth Games.
His current role within the Rivers Company is Executive Banquet Chef of three
boats which all differ in style and cuisine. He manages all the banqueting and
functions, as well as overseeing the pastry section, which prepares all the
desserts for all functions and restaurants. A bakery is also being set-up to
cater for all venues and will commence production shortly.
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Forget the numerous awards he has received
throughout his long career as a Chef and the distinguished venues he has
worked at – Rodney stands apart from the crowd is in his integrity in
upholding the Institution of being a Chef. He holds true to long gone
values that made chefs the notable profession it is today. |
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Rodney challenges pre-conceived notions
about the profession. He leads by example with a “hands-on” approach and
always maintains composure. Rodney inspires his team to do what others
would not have thought possible.
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Its Called Passion |
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