Mr Steve Dixon • Food and Catering Manager
AROUND THE SCHOOL
Catering for all tastes :
Nutrition from
Newcastle
Mr Steve Dixon • Food and Catering Manager
Steve Dixon started at the School in April 2016 as the Food and Beverage Manager , bringing his extensive experience working for many years in the food industry .
Steve first became interested in a career in the food industry when he was 15 , leaving school to attend a Catering College in his native Newcastle ( yes , he has the accent !). After what he considered a slow year , Steve embarked on a distinguished career in Her Majesty ’ s Armed Forces ( British Army ), studying for a further six weeks on enrolment after carrying out his Military Service as a Soldier . Steve was promoted through the Chef ranks and proudly left the Service after 24 years as a Warrant Officer Class 2 ( Sergeant Major ).
During his time in the Army , Steve progressed from Cook to Junior Chef to Kitchen Supervisor , Senior Chef , Master Chef and finally , Regimental Catering Warrant Officer .
After leaving the Army , Steve worked for a private family owned company – Mellor ’ s Catering Services – which allowed him to continue working in the catering operations environment . Over time , Steve was appointed as an Area Operations Manager for Yorkshire for a group of 11 schools and 3 HM Crown Prosecution Courts .
During his career , Steve was given the honour of becoming British Army ( Cyprus ) Chef of the Year 2006 / 07 . He was an integral part of the management structure and Catering Operations Team to work on Her Majesty ’ s Royal Garden Party held at Buckingham Palace , three years in a row , and he was also the Catering Operations Manager for a worldwide contingent of Special Forces which ran the senior security in an unknown location for the 2012 Olympic Games held in London .
Due to his time in the Military , Steve travelled extensively , living and working in Northern Ireland , Germany , Cyprus , United Kingdom , Oman , Gibraltar , United States of America and Fiji .
Steve and his wife left the United Kingdom in April 2016 after being selected for his current role here at the School , and relocated to Perth where they already had a circle of friends . Having narrowed their selection down to Sydney or Perth , the friendly Perth people won them over !
Coming from Newcastle , it ’ s not hard to see what it was that made working at Guildford Grammar School so appealing . “ Guildford reminds me of Old England , with beautiful buildings in gorgeous surroundings . After reading the history of the School , learning about the Harper family , and knowing about
the School ’ s ethos and core values , I just had to get a job here !”
A planner by nature , Steve has a strong vision , starting with improving the food standards for boarders and improving the nutritional value of the food available for students , which should ultimately result in improved concentration levels and fitness .
Some positive changes have already been introduced , with 95 % of the School ’ s produce homemade from fresh local products . The Senior School students are enjoying our new look ‘ street themed ’ food recently added to the menu . Steve has also introduced a School Food Committee , where he will work alongside the students to bring them new innovative ideas and offers .
When he ’ s not cooking up a storm , Steve is a big fan of soccer and rugby . With the warm weather coming up he is hoping to get out on the field again to practice and play .
“ I have really enjoyed my first few months at the School . The people are open , honest and inviting and the School ’ s vision excites me . We have an excellent catering team here at the School and we are all really excited about what ’ s ahead .”
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