Di has a lifetime’s experience in the hospitality industry with a career in food retail, catering and as an educator.
Prior to training as a home economist, chef and food stylist, she ran a successful delicatessen and catering business.
For 35 years, she led the Tourism and Hospitality Department at Illawarra Institute of TAFE’s Nowra campus where she championed the Shoalhaven as a gourmet destination through the forming of "Brand Shoalhaven Inc". Over the past four decades, she has encouraged, mentored and inspired generations of apprentice chefs who are now successful key-players in the local food scene and beyond.
Currently, Di takes part in restaurant judging, participates on selection boards, and consults to local hospitality businesses on improving their operating procedures, staff training and customer service.