Emmanuel Harihiru, also known as Manni, attributes his career as a sous chef to the satisfaction of seeing residents enjoy his culinary creations and providing positive feedback.

After completing a rigorous 4-year apprenticeship, Manni demonstrated his enthusiasm for crafting delightful meals and excelling in the high-pressure kitchen environment at a restaurant in West Leederville, Perth. At the age of 31, he joined Sodexo as a breakfast chef in the Energy & Resources segment and has since worked at six different sites. Now working at Peninsula Palms near Dampier in Australia’s northwest, he is fully immersed in the art of culinary excellence.

Reflecting on the start of his journey at Sodexo, Manni recounted, 

Two weeks later, Manni started working at Rio Tinto’s Punurunha Village. 

In addition to his passion for cooking and preparing his signature dish of duck with pan-seared duck breast, served with roast pumpkin puree, grilled Chinese cabbage, and pickled onion vinaigrette, Manni is also a dedicated soccer enthusiast. He often plays recreational matches with friends and enjoys games at the park. His skill in scoring goals during his leisure time is a reflection of his achievements in the workplace.

Embracing The Unknown

Embracing the unknown marked Manni's first day at Sodexo. "I was nervous, just like anyone would be," he confided. "Boarding the plane and navigating buses had me worried. However, relying on what I learned during my induction was a game-changer. Paying attention to bus signs and asking questions whenever necessary made my journey smooth and stress-free."

Arriving at the village among unfamiliar faces, Manni was uncertain about forming connections. Presently, he appreciates the relationships he has cultivated, not only with colleagues but also with the residents. Finding common ground has facilitated his integration into the FIFO community.

When asked about his favourite aspect of FIFO, he confidently stated, "I appreciate being away from the city and the sense of community. The community is exceptional. It's refreshing to depart from city life for two weeks and embrace the surroundings."

"My role brings me great pleasure as it enables me to unwind and de-stress without work-related concerns during my downtime.”

“The deep sense of fulfilment I derive from my strong passion for food and bringing joy to others resonates with me. Through shared interests, I have formed meaningful friendships with both staff and residents on a personal level."

Challenge Accepted

"In my first week, I grappled with a mountain of paperwork, from Standard Operating Procedures to checklists. In retrospect, I found it all to be worthwhile. After four days, it's easy to overlook, so having a copy on hand is crucial. Effective communication with the staff significantly streamlines operations,” Manni said.

"I have set a personal challenge to improve and excel in my work continually. My aim is to enhance the quality of the dishes I prepare and offer valuable suggestions to improve our workplace.”

“It is gratifying to witness the positive impact of feedback from our residents and observe the inclusive and open culture. We celebrate positive and constructive feedback, which contributes to the growth and success of our team.” Every day, Manni and his exceptional catering team confidently prepare an impressive number of over 400 delicious and nutritious meals on-site.

Improving Safety Leads to Better Results

"Safety is absolutely crucial," Manni emphasised. "Through continuous assessment and observation of daily activities, we can effectively minimise incidents and strive towards a zero-harm mindset. Consistent efforts and adaptability are essential for achieving better results."

Manni strongly emphasised the significance of incorporating safety into our lifestyles and setting an example for others.

Embracing Change and Pursuing Aspirations

Through Manni's unwavering passion, dedication to excellence, and receptiveness to new experiences, he inspires others to pursue their aspirations and generate positive impacts in their chosen paths.

"The FIFO lifestyle has significantly influenced my future by facilitating savings for a house and offering travel opportunities,” he said.

“I am grateful for the experiences I have encountered and the enduring connections I have formed. It has allowed for open and honest communication with my peers. As a result, some of us now enjoy leisure activities together during our R&R.”

"Be open to change - it will be a rewarding and enlightening experience. Although tomorrow's path is unknown, abundant opportunities await, providing valuable lessons on health and safety," he shared.