From Gold Coast chefs to Phillip Island volunteers

When Tony and Cindi Goodlet decided to take the scenic route from the Gold Coast to Phillip Island, they had no idea they'd soon become two of Phillip Island Community and Learning Centre's (PICAL) loved volunteer chefs.

After 25 years on the Gold Coast, the couple made their way south via Echuca and Hastings to be closer to their two sons in Melbourne.

What they found on Phillip Island wasn't just a quieter life - it was a chance to give back.

Tony started his culinary journey at 13 years of age. He was mowing lawns at a motel in Liverpool, NSW, by 16 he was apprenticing in its seafood restaurant.

The restaurant grew from 60-seats to a 300-seat venue and function centre.

"At first, it was just a job. But that changed when I started to learn from some of the best," says Tony.

One of those pivotal moments came when he joined Eliza's in Sydney's Double Bay.

From there, his career took off, leading him to hone his fine dining skills and later managing five restaurants and hundreds of staff.

Throughout it all, Cindi his wife was by his side - from early mornings in resort kitchens to running their own pasta shop at Pacific Fair, where they worked seven days a week and took just three days off a year.

"Tony's the creative chef and I'm his sidekick," Cindi smiles. "We've always worked together - he never had to worry when I was in the kitchen."

When they arrived on Phillip Island a year ago, they dropped into PICAL looking for work - but instead found a new purpose.

"We thought we were retiring," says Tony, "but instead, we found this great community where we could share our knowledge and passion."

At PICAL, Tony and Cindi now volunteer as resident chefs, teaching cooking classes that focus on confidence, creativity and flavour - without the fuss.

"We show people there are no rules, no mistakes," Tony explains. "It's about learning, experimenting and having fun. The food we make here is better than restaurant food because it's made with heart."

From perfecting homemade gnocchi to creating crowd-pleasing curries, the Goodlets inspire participants to think differently about food.

"We just love seeing people's faces when they realise how light proper gnocchi should be, or how simple it is to make an incredible tomato sauce," Cindi says.

The couple also regularly step in to cook for PICAL's Emergency Food Relief Pantry when needed - another way they continue to give back to the community that welcomed them so warmly.

Tony and Cindi are two of more than 100 volunteers who help power PICAL's programs and services each week.

Collectively these local legends give 400 volunteer hours every week across PICAL's two sites in Cowes - 16 Warley Ave and 119 Settlement Rd - home to PICAL's Pantry Garden, Coel's Shed, workshop and common room.
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