The Team

Anthony Whitehouse- General Manager

With over 20 years experience in the hospitality industry, I have been lucky enough to work with some of the best chefs and stunning venues in the world including The Monaco Grand Prix, The Royal Academy of Arts and Wormsley, the Getty family estate. I believe strongly in giving personal service to clients, working together to achieve the results that the client wants. And this fundamental principle is extended to the client’s end customers. I have a natural, and engaging way with people and can see the big picture but with a close eye for the details that make for the best experiences.

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Jeremy Cheyne- Executive Chef – Taronga Centre

I have worked in a number of leading restaurants and hotels around the world including ‘The Collection’ and ‘Daphnes’ in London. Executive Chef and author of the cookbook at ‘Ellerman House’ in South Africa. I have organisational and logistic skills, successfully managing a collection of function venues within the zoo to offer the highest quality food on a large scale. Using fresh and locally sourced products, I work with our clients to provide bespoke menus for events because no one event is ever the same.

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Maxine Nable- Event Operations Manager

Hi My name is Maxine, I’m the events Operations Manager for Restaurant Associates at Taronga Zoo. I believe in delivering the best quality of service to our clients to create outstanding events, from breakfasts for 10 to celebrity gala dinners on our concert lawns for 450. We have over 1,000 events at the zoo every year and we ensure that our clients keep coming back and often become our friends. I’m lucky enough to work with a great team of people in the best location in Sydney.

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Alex Kaub – Corporate Events Executive

I have worked in the hospitality and events industry around the world for the last 10 years and thoroughly enjoy my work here at the Taronga Centre with our corporate clients. I believe our clients come here to experience a memorable event with their guests in this truly unique location. I look forward to meeting you and helping you to plan your event, and maybe even introducing you to one or two monkeys! After all it is important to have a good relationship with the real inhabitants of this venue.

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Liron Mynhardt – Wedding and Private Events Executive

I might be young and I might be foreign, My name might sound a bit like Lauren, I too, am engaged and ready to begin my next stage

I believe in true love’s first kiss, And that a wedding is an occasion not to be missed! I am very organised and very neat, It would be such a pleasure for us to meet!

I will show you through our stunning venue, And guide you through our delicious menu, I am here to guide you along the way, You do not plan a wedding every day!

I just have one last thing to say, And that is your wedding at Taronga will be the most perfect day!

Kristy Franks- Conference Event Coordinator

I was born and education on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland and  moved to Sydney to finish my studies at the International College of Management Sydney.  Through this, I have gained a wealth of knowledge and experience in both the events and hospitality industry.

With my energetic attitude and passion for events, along with my excellent organizational and skills, I can assist you in planning an event experience that is one not to forget!

 

Tatum Pearce

Hi! My name is Tatum Pearce. I have a great passion for working in the wonderful world of events and have been involved in the industry for the past 4 years. My passionate, enthusiastic and ‘can do’ attitude along with my organisational skills and attention to detail will ensure I can assist you in organising and delivering your ideal event!

I am fortunate to work at The Taronga Centre in a team of other professionals whom all share the same passion and enthusiasm for the industry as me! We will ensure we are flexible, creative, available and efficient from our initial meeting until the completion of your spectacular event no matter how large or small it may be!

 

Rachel Gallagher

Hi I’m Rachel, I’ve worked in the international conference and event management industry for a number of years in Ireland and in the UK, for clients including Accenture, HP and Deutsche Bank. I get great satisfaction from seeing the initial enquiries develop into the best possible event.

The Taronga Centre offers not only the best views of Sydney also the best venue in terms of food and quality of service.

 

Sean Connolly

Restaurant Associates is extremely fortunate to have access to the best chefs in the world. Restaurant Associates Australia’s partnership with renowned celebrity chef Sean Connolly allows for continued flair and culinary experience for our clients. With a modern European influence, Sean’s menu reflects his commitment to fresh, local produce. His versatile talent allows clients to have a range of different culinary options, whether it will be an inspired menu or Sean attend and demonstrate at a function, our partnership allows pure innovation and uniqueness. Contact our events team today for further ideas on having Sean involved in your dining experience.

Danny Zweig – Retail Operations Manager

Hi! My name is Danny Zweig, Retail Operations Manager at Taronga Zoo. My catering experience ranges from the exciting pace of fast food to the exacting refinement of fine dining. Having spent all my career in catering I have enjoyed the many facets of this important industry. In my current role I am responsible for coordinating all the catering outlets in the Zoo that provide great food and service to tens of thousands of people from all over the globe each week. With our ever changing offerings this is an exciting challenge and a joy to undertake at one of Australia’s best tourist attractions.

 

Adam – Retail Operations Manger

My name Adam Chelminski and I’m from Warszawa but you probably know it as Warsaw. I work with Danny looking after the public zoo visitors and also the corporate family days. I’m the first person at work in the morning ensuring the delivery of fresh breads, home-made pastries and ice creams are ready for our first visitors. The great thing about working at the zoo is no two days are ever the same. If you see me in the grounds – come and say hi.