Cooking Up a Storm with Local Resident Bob Hayne

On the last Friday of every month the Sea Winds Community Hall has been the place to be! Prior to the recent Covid-19 lockdown, the Port Stephens community would see up to 70 residents enjoying a culinary experience whilst being treated to live entertainment and a night of trivia.

It was no wonder the night was a resident favourite with meals such as roast pork, sausage and mash, Italian themed night and home cooked desserts served as tasty treats.

Catering to 70 guests and 10 at home delivery meals is no easy feat but with the luck of having a resident with over 40 years’ experience as a Chef and in the catering industry, delivering delicious food to hungry residents is not only a breeze but a pleasure to Bob Hayne.

Bob wears many hats as the Head Chef of the Friday night dinner events, he is also the Chairman of the social committee and a member of the resident committee.

“It started 42 years ago when my wife and I owned a seafood restaurant called ‘Hungry I’, where I would catch and cook the produce. We then sold the restaurant and I moved into the catering industry at the local Golf Club before being poached to become the Chef at the Country Club Hotel. I have a lot of experience catering for large functions, I have catered for 2,000 people at the Lions Club with the Governor General as a guest,” said Bob.

Hosted by the social committee, the Friday night dinner events run like a professional restaurant. It is amazing to learn that behind the scenes it is only the six social committee members running the night.

As if Bob didn’t have enough on his plate, he is also the Trivia Master during the Friday night event. When asked what the crowd favourite dish is, Bob said it is a hard one to say but the ‘impossible pie’ is very popular! The ‘impossible pie’ has everything and once baked, it comes out in delicious layers.

“You don’t want to live with him, you’ll get fat,” laughed Mrs Hayne.

With Christmas not far away and like many communities, the Sea Winds residents are hoping to be out of lockdown in time for Christmas lunch.

“Christmas is a great time where we set up pergola’s outside the Community Hall and enjoy the festivities. We have fresh prawns, leg ham off the bone, turkey, 12 different types of salads, plum pudding, pavlova, trifle, fruit salad – you name it!” said Bob.

It is no doubt the residents are looking forward to joining each other for dinner, sharing in the laughs and creating memories, when it is safe to do so.

“Enjoying a meal together provides a real sense of community here at Sea Winds and is something we are proud to be doing,” said Bob.