Our People
26 August, 2025
After 50 years, Stuart plans to call it a day
STUART Kerr is about to wind up his remarkable tenure at East Grampians Health Service having served the Ararat community for fifty years.
In an era where not many of us last in the same job for more than a few years, Stuart has given five decades to an organisation he clearly loves.
Stuart has held various roles during his time at the health service.
He started as a cleaner, then became an apprentice chef, and later held positions as Manager of Catering, Manager of Support Services, and finally, Director of Support Services.
Stuart first walked through the doors of the Ararat Hospital on the 15th of August, 1975 and commenced work as a casual cleaner before being offered an apprenticeship in the hospital kitchen in February 1976.
“During that time, I had a passion for food and wanted to extend my experience, so I did some (additional) work on weekends at the Bell Tower in Ballarat. I also worked at the Statesman Motel and the Colonial Lodge Motel on weekends just to get that experience and then (my wife and I) went into our own catering business,” he said.
Stuart’s passion for food and providing the best meals for the hospital’s patients eventually saw him promoted to the position of Catering Manager, during this time two apprentice chefs took out Best Apprentice of the Year three years running.
“In 2003 we merged with the hospital’s environmental services department and in 2008 the maintenance department came under the title of Support Services.”
He said the position also oversaw the cleaning regime at the health service, which was initially a challenge.
“When I first took over the cleaning side of it, we didn’t meet high standards the first year which hurt a little but because it reflected on me.
“The second year, we topped the Victorian cleaning standards in the state,” he said.
“We put all of our cleaners through Certificate 111 in Health & Support Services which was difficult at the time because they didn’t want to go back to the class room, but it was one of the best things we did.
Stuart also admits there were some difficult times with the organisation, including an industrial dispute in 2001.
Stuart said he had worked under a number of chief executives during his 50 years and said all have been supportive and progressive.
“Other health services don’t have what we have with the combined Catering, Environmental and maintenance depart all coming under Support Services and they often came looking to see how we do it. It’s a lot of hard work, a lot support from CEO’s, a lot of long hours and a lot of support from the team under me. It’s a whole team effort,” he said.
Stuart said there have been remarkable changes to the way the hospital has run over the decades.
“The biggest change that impacted on me was changing the kitchen from cook fresh to cook chill. That was a huge impact for our organisation.
“In 2001 we streamlined our catering system from central plating system, transporting hot meals to other areas throughout the hospital to introduction of satellite kitchens. Garden View Court, 70 Lowe Street, Patricia Hinchey Day Centre and Willaura Health Care. Meals were delivered bulk chilled food and meals regenerated on the plate.
“This system attracted enormous amount of interest from other health services which I was asked then to do consulting work around the region, implementing the cook chill system and reviewing food service and envrinomental services at other health services.”
Under Stuart’s leadership, the organisation took on and met many challenges.
One of the biggest was to feed an army of volunteer firefighters during the 2006 new year’s eve bushfires in the Grampians.
“I was on the dance floor at the RSL and our CEO John Davis tapped me on the shoulder and said we were needed.
“The CFA engaged us to do the food and we increased our production to two and a half thousand meals a day without any extra staff. We set up staging areas in Stawell, Moyston and Willaura and we were feeding all those areas,” he said.
In 2011, I got involved in project work improving and maintaining the infrastructure and buildings, including internal building upgrades refurbishments and redevelopments to enhance the accessibility and support better flow for patients, residents and staff. This also gave the
Support Services department an opportunity to increase our workforce to include carpenters trained internally and introduce apprentice carpenters.
East Grampians Health Service CEO Nick Bush said Stuart has been a remarkable leader.
“Stuart has made a significant contribution to the health service, most recently as Director of Support Services.
“(He’s) a fine example of developing your skills and career locally.
“Most recently, his role has focused on developing and improving the facilities of the health service, which has included writing submissions, evaluating tenders, and liaising with architects, building contractors, and local suppliers.
“The excellent facilities and the beautiful way they are kept are a testament to Stuart’s leadership and the pride he has in EGHS,” Mr Bush said.
When he walks out the door for the last time next Friday, Stuart plans to enjoy retirement with his wife Linda and their family.
“It’s about giving time back to the family. I’ve got five grandchildren so it’s probably time to spend some time with them. And lots of travel,” he said.
Next Thursday the 28th of August will be Stuart’s last day in the job.
“It’ll be a tough day.
“I’ve had the privilege of working at the health service and the honour of working with six CEO’s who’ve always supported me. We’ve had tough times, and we’ve had very good times.
“I love the organisation which has made this decision to retire very difficult. I’ve always had the support of my family, they’ve been incredible and allowed me to take this journey. I feel very honoured to have been part of such a vibrant health service with exceptional leaders and wonderful staff, which is very community focused. I’ve just loved it.”
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