Zac is Service Director at Choklits Surrey Hills and has been working in Early Childhood & Care for over 10 years. He holds a Bachelor of Health Science, Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.

Over to Zac…

I have always loved working in Early Childhood Education and Care, it has been apart of my life since I can remember. From co-running a Judo club to being a swimming instructor, my passion lies in supporting positive outcomes in children’s health, wellbeing and learning. I represented Victoria in Judo and was nominated to go to the junior olympics as well as coach the state Judo camp which opened my eyes to the world of possibilities, especially in Early Learning. I believe working in the Early Childhood Education and Care profession provides an opportunity to make a real difference in the way a child approaches learning for their lives. Being able to encourage, nurture and support the next generation is an honour.

I have a passion for leadership and love to see people achieve their goals and extend their learning and growth. I listen with intent to genuinely understand how someone is thinking. I love to collaborate to ensure a focus on future and have the capacity to engage others to realise their goals and potential. I have worked my way through being an educator, to a room leader, to an educational leader, Choklits Group Compliance and Education System Training Administrator and now Service Director at Choklits Surrey Hills. It has been a great journey and being a male in this profession allows me to have an alternative insight. When I first began my career, families were weary of having a male care for their child, however, as time has progressed, I have had many families comment on how much of an impact it makes, one family said by having a male it enriched the workplace and learning environment. That is something I think about each day.

When I am not at Choklits, I love spending time with my family, playing with my dogs, keeping fit, reading and enjoying the outdoors.

Children are truly amazing, they are mini adults and everything they say speaks volumes and shows us an insight into the architecture of their minds. A truly special memory of mine is when a child said to me “you make me feel safe”.

Boon holds a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery Hospitality and is our award winning Chef at Choklits Surrey Hills! We call her by her preferred name, Lai.

Under Lai’s leadership Choklits Surrey Hills won the Food Premises of the Year Award for 2023! There are 874 eligible business in the City of Whitehorse so we are all super proud to be selected number one! You can find more information here.

Over to Lai…

I have been working in the food industry for almost 30 years. I have worked in a few restaurants but prior to working at Choklits, I was a Chef Manager in the aged care industry for over 10 years. During that time I was nominated for the 2016 National Finalist for the Facility Catering Service award which I’m very proud of.

I understand the importance of nutrition from raising 2 children of my own. I am passionate about creating tasty and nutritionally balanced meals for the children. I believe every meal is an opportunity to teach them how important it is to eat healthy. All my food are cooked fresh on the day using the freshest ingredients I can source and in line with the Choklits philosophy.

When I’m not at Choklits I love travelling with my family, I also enjoy knitting and reading.

The funniest thing a child has ever said to me was “I want to cut my hair really short, so I look like my brother!”