Canteen’s Healthy Transformation recognised

Canteen manager Salli Geere and her assistant Louise Wadley strive to offer healthy food for Guyra Central School students

04th Feb 2025

Guyra Central’s canteen was named runners-up at the prestigious 2024 Jamie Oliver Food Hero Awards, out of more than 1,200 nominations for their category.
The awards recognise people, and initiatives that are creating a better, healthier, happier world for children through food.
The canteen has undergone a transformation over the past five years, thanks to the work of canteen manager Salli Geere and her assistant Louise Wadley.
They undertook an overhaul of the menu in order to meet the Healthy Canteen Guidelines set by the Department of Education, which requires a menu made up of at least 75% healthy options.
But for Salli, sticking to the guidelines wasn’t enough—she pushed herself to provide even more variety and healthier choices than required. They have moved away from the pre-packaged and tray-baked foods and now prepare everything fresh.
One of the highlights of the canteen’s transformation is the new focus on fresh, prepared-to-order meals. With items such as homemade pizzas, sushi, wraps, and salads, the menu now offers more than just typical canteen fare.
Salli and Louise are also committed to reducing waste, with leftovers repurposed into new meals. There is only a minimal amount of waste which is in turn fed to
animals at the school farm.
They’re also striving to ensure that their meals cater to various dietary needs.
With fewer volunteers, due in part to the effects of drought, and the lingering impact of COVID-19, running the canteen is not without its challenges.
Despite theses setbacks Salli and Louise have continued to push forward with the support of the school community.
On any given day, they may prepare meals for up to 100 students. And while Fridays are still “lunch order day,” the canteen is an essential part of the school’s daily routine.
The menu has something for everyone, from tandoori chicken wraps and fruit muffins to winter comfort foods like curry and lasagna.
For Salli and Louise, the recognition from the Food Hero Awards is gratifying, but the real reward comes from knowing that their work has made a positive impact on the students.
“Some of the kids rely on the canteen for their primary meal of the day, and it’s important to us that it’s healthy and nutritious,” Salli said.
“The kids have so many more options now, and it’s been great to see them embrace these changes.
“In a small country town like Guyra, recognition goes a long way and encourages us to keep trying to promote better eating habits.”

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