28 August 2024

Grampians Health chef Graeme Sonntag came to work at Wimmera Base Hospital in 1994 to help the Food Services team with its conversion from a ‘Cook Fresh’ style to its successful ‘Cool Chill’ program.

Graeme’s plan was to work for six weeks through the conversion. He stayed 30 years and now he is hanging up his spatula and settling into retirement. 

An emotional Graeme said he loved every minute of his three decades.

“It’s been great. I’ve loved working here and love the people I’ve worked with and I’m going to miss them.

Food Services manager Stephen Hill said Graeme had made a huge contribution to the team and was well liked by his colleagues.

“Graeme has been a real team player. He would do anything he was asked and was always happy to slot into a role when needed,” Mr Hill said.

“He was flexible in his role and a quiet gentleman who enjoyed the occasional laugh with his colleagues. Importantly he has been a ‘go-to’ person for his team because of his great culinary knowledge.

“We’ve been fortunate to have a strong team of long-term chefs who’ve all worked so well together and Graeme is the first to leave the band.

“It won’t be the same without him and we’ll miss him greatly.”

Graeme Sonntag with his team.