RFBI’s Julie Southern wins You Are Aced! Innovation Award

• RFBI News

Sonia Lim 10 Aug 2026

RFBI is proud to congratulate Julie Southern, Catering Supervisor at RFBI Lake Haven Masonic Village, on receiving the Individual Innovation Award at the Ageing Australia YOU ARE ACED Awards. The award recognises individuals who are driving meaningful innovation across the aged care sector and improving the lives of older Australians.

Julie joined RFBI in 2019 as a cook before stepping into the role of Catering Supervisor in 2023. Since then, she has played a key role in transforming the dining experience for residents at Lake Haven through innovative practices that put resident choice, dignity and wellbeing at the centre of meal services.

A standout achievement has been Julie’s leadership in implementing a pioneering foodservice pilot study in partnership with Queensland University. The project introduced a new technology-enabled meal service that increased residents’ choice while ensuring meals were delivered hot wherever they chose to dine. Julie led the catering team’s transition, coordinating training and supporting collaboration across catering, care and leisure and lifestyle teams to successfully embed the new approach.

The project’s success saw RFBI Lake Haven Masonic Village recognised internationally, winning the Food & Nutrition Award at the 14th Asia Pacific Eldercare Innovation Awards 2026 for transforming how older people experience choice, autonomy and dignity in dining.

Julie is also passionate about creating memorable dining experiences. She leads monthly themed fine dining events inspired by cuisines from around the world and introduced popular breakfast buffet events that bring residents and their families together to enjoy a restaurant-quality dining experience.

Known for her positive attitude and commitment to continuous improvement, Julie actively welcomes resident feedback, mentors her team to deliver consistently high-quality meals and embodies RFBI’s values of Happiness, Integrity, Inclusiveness, Respect and Service.

Congratulations, Julie, on this well-deserved achievement. Your leadership, innovation and dedication continue to enrich the lives of RFBI residents every day.

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