Tony Lyons joined Meals on Wheels Ku-ring-gai and Hornsby in 2002 having previously worked with the Spotless Group as a Site Manager, which included the 2000 Olympics. Prior to this Tony was Head Chef at Northie’s, an extremely busy hotel overlooking the beach at Cronulla. This venue provided meals for up to 1000 people on a sunny Sunday or public holiday, all cooked to order.

With the help of his father, Tony cared for  his mother diagnosed with dementia. This gave him some insight into the nutritional needs of people living with dementia. Tony says, “This experience gave me a great deal of empathy; however I was unaware of this at the time”.

Watch this video we produced a couple of years ago, to hear Tony speak about Dementia and good nutrition.

“Early in my career with Meals on Wheels (2006) I was invited to a dinner hosted by the St Leonards Rotary Club. Kathy Sharp, insitu Manager of the time was my escort (clearly a conspirator). I was called up to the podium and a presented with a shield ‘PRIDE of WORKMANSHIP’ which hangs in my office as a constant reminder as to why I do what I do”. Tony said.

Tony enjoys that his role as chef at Meals on Wheels is varied and, in many ways, linked to the daily success of the service. Maintaining ‘a high standard’ is and always will be paramount. His role allows him to liaise with volunteers and clients, andseeing their smiles once enjoying a fresh, nutritious meal prepared by the team is a reward in itself.

Congratulations Tony on 20 years of ensuring that Meals on Wheels clients always receive a healthy and nutritious meal, and we look forward to you serving your community for many years to come.