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Thursday, October 15, 2026

Older taste testers put celebrity chef in the hot seat

Residents at Opal HealthCare Epping Meadows recently became honorary culinary experts thanks to a special visit from world-renowned chef Darren Purchese.

Last updated on 22 December 2023

Celebrity chef Darren Purchese with a resident at Opal HealthCare Epping Meadows. [Source: Supplied]

Residents at Opal HealthCare Epping Meadows recently became honorary culinary experts thanks to a special visit from world-renowned chef Darren Purchese.

While Darren is most commonly seen judging other people’s food on Foxtel’s The Great Australian Bake Off, this meeting provided a joyous role reversal that saw 10 Australian aged care residents provide Darren with their opinion on his Ginger Fluff Sponge.

The verdict? A molto bene (very good) experience that left everyone smiling.

While food brings families together, many seniors in aged care lack regular visits from family or friends. This Christmas, our partnership with Foxtel is dedicated to bringing joy to these residents through meaningful gifts and experiences.

If you want to make a difference and brighten the holiday season for an Australian aged care resident, consider heading to www.connectthe40.com to fulfil a senior’s wish. 

Aged care providers, if you’re looking to uplift residents who may need some joy, please connect with Jakob Neeland on LinkedIn. 

Let’s make this festive season special for every older person!

 #FoxtelPartnership #ConnectThe40 #AgedCareJoy

OCT 9 – 15, 2026

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