Mandy McMillan
‘Creating something that you know people will love, that’s what it’s all about,’ says Mandy when describing what she loves about working at The Louise.
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Growing up in Victor Harbor on the South Australian coast, Kangaroo Island was Nat’s backyard and a regular holiday spot.
She began in hospitality as a barista for a local café, before developing an interest in German-inspired baking upon which she found herself soon working in German bakery and cake shop.
Gaining a formal chef qualification and a Diploma in Hospitality Management, Nat began a career of quick succession through fine dining restaurants across Adelaide, as her passion for food and wine grew organically. Her passion and potential quickly became recognised, as her journey continued all over the country. From the ski fields at Mt Kosciuszko to the islands in Far North Queensland, she took to the tourism dining industry as her love for a healthy combination of work and travel was realised.
Nat joined the team at Southern Ocean Lodge in 2019 as a Lodge Attendant and rose through the ranks to Restaurant Supervisor. Her role ended abruptly at Southern Ocean Lodge due to the fires, although sh welcomed a new opportunity within Baillie Lodges by moving into Guest Services and made the move to Australia’s Red Centre to work as a Guest Service Agent at Longitude 131. This role was multi-faceted, allowing her to jump into other departments to assist as needed. Following her outback adventure, she moved back to home base in Adelaide for a short time to be closer to family, until an opportunity arose at Huka Lodge in May 2021. As Food and Beverage Supervisor, she supported the team and was able to share her career journey of working across multiple Baillie Lodges properties.
March 2022 saw Nat head back to Southern Ocean Lodge to work as a pivotal member of the opening team. Nat operates in a caretaker capacity, which includes cooking for up to 70 trades people at a time, housekeeping and propagating the many plants in time for opening. With the re-opening date locked in, Nat will open the lodge as Guest Services Manager and looks forward to bringing a high level of service that makes the guest experience so memorable.
When not working, she’s exploring the different hikes on KI, working on her crafts, or relaxing in her staff accommodation listening to the waves crash against the cliffs. “I love the family aspect of the lodges and that each location is remote and unique. As you’re living in the same area you work in, it’s important to set up your living environment to make the most of your down time – whether it be arts and crafts, gaming, surfing or hiking one of the many trails”.
‘Creating something that you know people will love, that’s what it’s all about,’ says Mandy when describing what she loves about working at The Louise.
Read Mandy's StoryOne of Baillie Lodges’ highly regarded Assistant Lodge Managers, Bridie joined the Longitude 131 team in 2021 as the Restaurant Manager and in less than a year she progressed into her current position.
Read Bridie's StoryHailing from Varese in the north of Italy, Giacomo exudes a European sophistication that begins with his broad, warm smile and extends to his impeccable attire and sartorial style.
Read Giacomo's StoryAndy joined Baillie Lodges in 2015 on an industry placement before rising to the role of Restaurant Manager. Well regarded as the ultimate quiet achiever, Andy is a favourite among both his colleagues and guests.
Read Andy's StorySara is a much-loved member of the Baillie Lodges family, and in her time has lived on a wildly beautiful island, the vast reaches of the outback and Sydney’s sunny Northern Beaches.
Read Sara's StoryMatt joined Baillie Lodges as Front Office Manager in 2008, two weeks before Southern Ocean Lodge opened. He has since moved from Front Office Manager on Kangaroo Island to Reservation’s Manager at Baillie Lodges’ Sydney Headquarters.
Read Matt's StoryMark joined Baillie Lodges as Sous Chef at Longitude 131° in 2017 before quickly being promoted to Executive Chef in 2018. He’s recently traded the desert dunes for the Daintree Rainforest to helm the kitchen at Silky Oaks Lodge.
Read Mark's StorySouth Africa-born Lucky shines in her role as Assistant Manager at Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge on Vancouver Island and brings such warmth and zeal to her role that she creates an atmosphere of joy to all those around her.
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