OUR PEOPLE
Meet the team
Unforgettable events are born out of the people that make them happen, that’s why we’re so proud of the people that make up the Valley Estate team.
CHERIE UZAN
OWNER & CREATOR
Company director Cherie is our visionary.
The creative energy behind The Valley Estate, Cherie has owned and operated stunning venues on the Gold Coast for over 20 years.
Luke Cathcart
General Manager
Luke has led the team at The Valley Estate since its inception, having played a key role in its conceptualisation, development, and build. Originally from the UK, Luke was brought up within the hospitality industry and later progressed to work in some of London’s finest venues, including stints with Pierre Gagnaire and Mark Hix, before coming to Australia in 2011.
Luke’s impeccable attention to detail is second to none and drives the team at The Valley Estate to exceed expectations with every event. A true industry professional, he upholds The Valley Estate’s status as one of Australia’s leading luxury venues.
Luke Cathcart
General Manager
Luke has led the team at The Valley Estate since its inception, having played a key role in its conceptualisation, development, and build. Originally from the UK, Luke was brought up within the hospitality industry and later progressed to work in some of London’s finest venues, including stints with Pierre Gagnaire and Mark Hix, before coming to Australia in 2011.
Luke’s impeccable attention to detail is second to none and drives the team at The Valley Estate to exceed expectations with every event. A true industry professional, he upholds The Valley Estate’s status as one of Australia’s leading luxury venues.
Tiffany Erasmus
Executive Assistant
Tiffany has extensive experience in the Hospitality & Events industry on the Gold Coast, having collaborated with leading companies for over a decade. She has accumulated a significant depth of knowledge through her diverse roles including Functions & Events Coordination, Restaurant Management, and Administrative and Operational support.
Flourishing in fast-paced environments, Tiffany leverages her expertise and attention to detail in her key role as Executive Assistant to Cherie Uzan and The Valley Estate, as well as all other associated businesses. Tiffany has a proven track record of taking charge and leading teams to success, making her a valuable asset to our team.
Rafael Dias
Head Chef
Chef Rafa, a third-generation restaurateur from São Paulo, Brazil, began his family’s culinary legacy in 1978 when his grandmother transformed their restaurant into a local institution. In Australia, he started at Seascape Restaurant and Bar in Surfers Paradise, then made significant contributions to Seaduction at Peppers Soul.
During his 7 years with The Star group, he showcased his expertise at renowned establishments including Cucina Vivo, Kiyomi, Garden Kitchen & Bar, and the exclusive Sovereign Kitchen & Bar in the Darling Hotel. Chef Rafa also left a lasting impact as a key member of the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre, contributing to prestigious events including the Logies 2021.
Rafael Dias
Head Chef
Chef Rafa, a third-generation restaurateur from São Paulo, Brazil, began his family’s culinary legacy in 1978 when his grandmother transformed their restaurant into a local institution. In Australia, he started at Seascape Restaurant and Bar in Surfers Paradise, then made significant contributions to Seaduction at Peppers Soul.
During his 7 years with The Star group, he showcased his expertise at renowned establishments including Cucina Vivo, Kiyomi, Garden Kitchen & Bar, and the exclusive Sovereign Kitchen & Bar in the Darling Hotel. Chef Rafa also left a lasting impact as a key member of the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre, contributing to prestigious events including the Logies 2021.
AMANDA SPOONER
EVENT MANAGER
The Southern Gold Coast has been Amanda’s home, her working environment and playground for the last 22 years. She is passionate about where she lives and nurturing local business and community and the arts in this beautiful space, we call home!
Amanda has worked on large scale projects in public spaces as a Project Manager, Operations manager, Producer of events, including SWELL Sculpture Festival, Bleach Festival, Cooly Rock’s On, Kirra Kite Festival, Tugun Lights Up, Coolangatta Christmas Carols and Film Festival. With her passion for the events industry, Amanda will ensure your event is faultless in every way.
Greg Budgen
Estate Operations Manager
Greg brings nearly 20 years of experience as the owner of a landscape company, where he specialised in both commercial and residential indigenous gardens. His commitment to sustainable and innovative design is evident in his personal projects, including the construction of a solar passive rammed earth recycled timber house and the renovation of numerous others.
Greg’s passion for gardens and architecture is complemented by his love for surfing, inspiring him to incorporate natural elements into his work. This unique combination of skills and interests drives his approach to every project, ensuring they are both environmentally conscious and aesthetically pleasing.
Greg Budgen
Estate Operations Manager
Greg brings nearly 20 years of experience as the owner of a landscape company, where he specialised in both commercial and residential indigenous gardens. His commitment to sustainable and innovative design is evident in his personal projects, including the construction of a solar passive rammed earth recycled timber house and the renovation of numerous others.
Greg’s passion for gardens and architecture is complemented by his love for surfing, inspiring him to incorporate natural elements into his work. This unique combination of skills and interests drives his approach to every project, ensuring they are both environmentally conscious and aesthetically pleasing.
Lauren Bruton
Event Operations Manager
Lauren has been a member of The Valley Estate family since shortly after the venue’s opening, she is an integral part of the framework and knowledgeable in all departments, bringing with her years of experience in the hospitality industry, a diploma in event management, and a profound passion for weddings and events.
Her commitment is fuelled by a desire to create unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Drawing on her expertise in event styling and meticulous attention to detail, Lauren ensures that everything is perfectly arranged for your wedding or event at The Valley Estate. Her role as Event Operations Manager further solidifies her dedication to orchestrating seamless and extraordinary experiences at The Valley Estate.
Hatem Dupont
Venue Manager
Born and raised in Nice of Southern France, Hatem has worked an expansive international hospitality career, spanning from Europe to Australia over the past 20 years. Having split his 12 years in Australia between Sydney and the Gold Coast, Hatem has offered his services to some of Australia’s finest hatted restaurants in Aria Restaurant Sydney, Quay Restaurant, Orzo, The North Room, Balboa Italian and now the face of the Food & Beverage team at The Valley Estate.
Hatem will ensure that your wedding celebration flows smoothly from canapés in the afternoon to exquisite mains served in a timely manner; you are in good hands with our Food & Beverage team.
Hatem Dupont
Venue Manager
Born and raised in Nice of Southern France, Hatem has worked an expansive international hospitality career, spanning from Europe to Australia over the past 20 years. Having split his 12 years in Australia between Sydney and the Gold Coast, Hatem has offered his services to some of Australia’s finest hatted restaurants in Aria Restaurant Sydney, Quay Restaurant, Orzo, The North Room, Balboa Italian and now the face of the Food & Beverage team at The Valley Estate.
Hatem will ensure that your wedding celebration flows smoothly from canapés in the afternoon to exquisite mains served in a timely manner; you are in good hands with our Food & Beverage team.
Tiffany De Luca
Sales Manager
Tiffany has been travelling the world professionally working in the entertainment and events industries for the past 20 years, specialising in dance, music and acting. Having recently moved back to her home town of the Gold Coast Tiffany joined the Management team at our sister venue Balboa Italian.
Before long, Tiffany fell in love with the beautiful weddings and events being created at The Valley Estate, so she decided to make the move into the role of Sales Manager. Thriving in her new role, Tiffany loves assisting clients in making their dreams become a reality.
BY APPOINTMENT
Register your interest to receive our bespoke packages and to organise a tour by appointment only.
Contact Us
Telephone: 1800 90 80 90
Email: enquiries@thevalleyestate.com.au
Address: 393 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Waters QLD 4223
(Entry via 8 Piggabeen Rd)