{ "title": "Whiddon Residents Reconnect with Rural Roots Through Casino Beef Week Cook-Off ", "modified_at": "2026-05-21 06:48:24", "published_at": "2026-05-22 00:23:00", "url": "https://whiddon.prezly.com/whiddon-residents-reconnect-with-rural-roots-through-casino-beef-week-cook-off", "short_url": "http://prez.ly/RlHd", "culture": "en_AU", "language": "EN", "subtitle": "Former farmers and cattle handlers at Whiddon Casino are bringing a lifetime of rural experience to Beef Week celebrations, and will make it one to remember with some curated sausages! ", "slug": "whiddon-residents-reconnect-with-rural-roots-through-casino-beef-week-cook-off", "body": "

Former dairy farmers, cattle handlers and lifelong locals at Whiddon Casino are bringing their passion for farming and food to this year’s Casino Beef Week celebrations, helping create their own custom sausages at Whiddon’s Chef Cook-Off event on Monday 25 May.

Residents Neville Bryant, a former dairy farmer, John Nicholls who previously showed cattle and worked with cattle and pigs, and Neil Shephard who grew up breeding cows and pigs, will all take part.

In partnership with local butcher Madsen Meats, residents will help select their preferred sausage flavours ahead of the event, with the sausages specially prepared for the cook-off using locally sourced beef from the Northern Rivers region.

The live judged cook-off event is designed to celebrate local community, food, and the important role shared dining experiences play in resident wellbeing and connection, while also challenging outdated perceptions of aged care dining by showcasing the creativity, care, and connection that food brings within aged care environments.

Whiddon Chief Customer Experience Officer, Michael Monteleone, said the event reflected the organisation’s relationship-based approach to care and the importance of keeping residents connected to the communities and experiences that matter to them.

“Food is about so much more than nutrition. It’s about connection, identity, comfort and creating moments of joy,” Mr Monteleone said.

“Casino Beef Week is such an important part of the local community and we’re proud to bring that celebration into the home so residents can continue to feel part of it.”

The Cook-Off forms part of a wider week of Beef Week celebrations at the home, including resident BBQs, themed morning teas, and staff events designed to keep residents connected to local traditions and community celebrations.

The Whiddon Chefs Cook-Off will provide strong visual opportunities for media, including live cooking, judging, resident participation, sausage tastings, and the announcement of the winning dish.

Event Details

About Casino Beef Week

About Whiddon

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\"Shannon
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\n Shannon Muscolino\n PR & Communications Account Director, Ardent Communications\n \n
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\"Sarah
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\n Sarah Finn\n PR Account Executive, Ardent Communications\n \n
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