Meet Andy – Café Blue Chef in our BlueCare Retirement Village Azure Blue Redcliffe

The Chef With Heart Behind 1,000+ ANZAC Biscuits

Andy, now the chef at Café Blue in our BlueCare Retirement Village, Azure Blue Redcliffe, is someone who wears his heart on his sleeve—and in the weeks leading up to ANZAC Day, he’s put that heart into over 1,000 hand-baked biscuits for residents across South East Queensland. But beyond the delicious treats is a deeper story of service, resilience, and a life filled with purpose.

A Career Cooked Up With Passion

Andy’s culinary journey hasn’t followed a traditional path. He never trained as a chef in the formal sense—his skills were forged through hands-on experience across some of Australia’s biggest food brands. From managing high-volume city venues to launching major airport locations, Andy has worked with Guzman y Gomez, Sumo Salad, Mad Mex, Betty's Burgers and many more.

His role often extended beyond food—he was the kind of leader who set high standards, insisted on quality, and genuinely cared about his teams. Whether it was mentoring young staff or ensuring the guacamole is seasoned to perfection, Andrew led with commitment and a deep sense of pride in the product he served.

Now at Café Blue, he is channelling that experience into something more personal—bringing warmth, comfort, and community connection through food to our retirement village residents, visitors and their families.

Walking With Purpose – A Commitment to Veterans

Andy's drive to give back goes beyond the kitchen. In March, he took part in the “March On Challenge”—a fundraising initiative supporting veterans and mental health programs. Inspired by a long family history of military service, Andrew walked over 300 kilometres and raised more than $2,500.

His motivation stemmed from a confronting statistic: 42% of deaths among ex-serving males under 30 are due to suicide, making it the leading cause of death for this group. “That number shook me,” Andy shared. “If we can raise awareness and funding to shift that—even a little—it’s worth every step.”

For Andy, it’s personal. Many in his family have served, including his father and uncles, and he has a deep respect for the sacrifices veterans make. His participation was not only a tribute to them but also a heartfelt reminder of the importance of community and mental wellbeing.

A Life of Many Chapters

Andy often says he’s “lived a few lives”—and it’s not just a figure of speech. He also spent several years as a foster carer, providing stability, love, and guidance to children in need. While he no longer fosters today, the impact those years had on him—and the children he cared for—remains profound.

One child he cared for from infancy to early childhood still stays in touch with Andy to this day. “The connection never really ends,” he reflects. “Even if the role changes, the relationship doesn’t disappear.”

Through fostering, Andy saw firsthand the challenges many families face and the powerful role carers can play in helping children feel safe and supported. It is another way he has shown up for others—quietly, compassionately, and with a big heart.

From Redcliffe to South East Queensland

Now based at Azure Blue Redcliffe retirement village, Andy's passion for people and community continues to shine. His ANZAC biscuit project—started as a simple idea—has turned into a mission to deliver a small piece of care to hundreds of residents across the region.

“These biscuits aren’t just treats—they’re a way of saying, ‘We remember. We care.’ It’s about connection.”

And for Andy, that’s what it’s always been about. Whether walking for veterans, baking with purpose, or simply showing up for someone in need—his story is a beautiful reminder that retirement living isn’t just about slowing down. It’s about coming together.