Casserole Club volunteer cook helps Lancefield former executive chef reconnect with community

But a chance encounter with a volunteer cook has led to an unlikely friendship and has thrown him into local celebrity.

Former chef Mark Maurice-Munroe with volunteer cook Monique Cadogan. (Picture: Kylie Else)

Mr Maurice-Munroe started in the industry 25 years ago and opened 12 restaurants.

But everything changed when he developed health complications from diabetes, which destroyed his vision and created a painful bone condition in his feet.

After leaving the big smoke and moving to Lancefield, the veteran chef started participating in the Casserole Club, a Macedon Ranges Council program that aims to tackle social isolation by sharing a meal.

Mr Maurice-Munroe, who volunteers at the community centre and hosts special cooking events, said he had no idea he’d be forming a lasting friendship when he first opened the door to volunteer cook Monique Cadogan.

“My life had completely changed from being an executive chef to relying on someone coming once a week to help me cook,” he said.

Ms Cadogan’s weekly visits now include her two young children and have become a highlight for Mr Maurice-Munroe.

“They just tear around the house and terrorise me,” he said.

“It’s really good for the kids to see their mum doing something for someone.”

Mr Maurice-Munroe recalled Ms Cadogan’s first reaction when hearing about his former career.

“She was very nervous, but she’s very creative and keeps the dishes really interesting,” he said.

“I give her my feedback on the different elements and aspects of it.”

Ms Cadogan, who also delivers Meals on Wheels, said the Casserole Club was important not only for herself, but in teaching her children about “a sense of community and thinking about the needs of others”.

“Mark has been a real highlight of the casserole experience, with most our visits involving a good story and laugh,” she said.

“He’s such an interesting man whose been open to sharing his life story and experiences, it’s also been wonderful to meet the people in his life.

“Delivering the meal is a pleasure particularly because Mark is so grateful and it’s time spent with a friend.”

Mr Maurice-Munroe’s talents as a chef have not gone to waste either, becoming the unofficial face of the Casserole Club.

Source: Herald Sun - Macedon Ranges Leader, Ed Gardiner, July 2^nd 2015