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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 the owner of the valley estate

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.

aaron teece chef the valley estate
aaron teece chef the valley estate

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.

michelle wamelink wedding coordinator

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, The Valley Estate, Balboa Italian, & L’altro. 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.

aaron teece chef the valley estate
aaron teece chef the valley estate

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.

michelle wamelink wedding coordinator

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.

Filippo Corsi

Group HR & Bar Manager

Born and raised in Verona, in one of the biggest wine regions of Italy, Filippo moved to Melbourne at the age of 20, where he worked in some of Melbourne’s leading restaurants and cocktail bars, before relocating to the Gold Coast.

With an extensive knowledge of all things beverage, Filippo is also regularly featured in the Australian Good Food Guide’s ‘Cocktails of the Week’, Filippo brings a flair to The Valley Estate’s bar. He loves blending his childhood Italian flavours with Australian local and indigenous ingredients.

aaron teece chef the valley estate
aaron teece chef the valley estate

Filippo Corsi

Group HR & Bar Manager

Born and raised in Verona, in one of the biggest wine regions of Italy, Filippo moved to Melbourne at the age of 20, where he worked in some of Melbourne’s leading restaurants and cocktail bars, before relocating to the Gold Coast.

With an extensive knowledge of all things beverage, Filippo is also regularly featured in the Australian Good Food Guide’s ‘Cocktails of the Week’, Filippo brings a flair to The Valley Estate’s bar. He loves blending his childhood Italian flavours with Australian local and indigenous ingredients.

michelle wamelink wedding coordinator

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

Food & Beverage 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.

people at the valley estate amanda
cherie uzan the owner of the valley estate

Hatem Dupont

Food & Beverage 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.

michelle wamelink wedding coordinator

Lauren Franey

Head of Weddings & Events

Lauren, our committed Head of Weddings & Events, leverages her background in hospitality and events as well as her degree in Business & Event Management to ensure a flawless experience for your dream wedding or event at The Valley Estate.

With a keen eye for detail and adept leadership of a skilled team of coordinators, Lauren guarantees expert execution of your celebration. Lauren’s high level of dedication & organisation will ensure even the smallest of details are taken care of, so you can simply relax and savour the special moments of your wedding day at The Valley Estate

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 Managemet 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.

people at the valley estate amanda
cherie uzan the owner of the valley estate

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 Managemet 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.

michelle wamelink wedding coordinator

Jeanette Gibb

Guest Experience Administrator

With over 15 years of European event management experience, Jeanette, as the Guest Experience Administrator at The Valley Estate, seamlessly combines her passion for understanding customer desires with global event expertise. From city expos to exclusive affairs, she has curated events for royalty, politicians, the United Nations, and iconic brands like LEGO, Spotify, and IKEA.

Jeanette is dedicated to enhancing The Valley Estate journey for each guest, excelling in problem-solving and continuous improvement with a keen eye for innovation and a unique, memorable touch.

Jayden Ross

Sous Chef

Jayden began his journey with an apprenticeship at a prestigious wedding venue, refining his skills and palette. Rising to sous chef, Jayden is known for technical expertise and commitment to perfection. His culinary philosophy emphasises local ingredients, especially from the ocean, reflecting a genuine connection to community flavours.

Beyond the kitchen, he’s admired for his affable nature and attention to detail, seamlessly blending culinary artistry with a commitment to excellence as a team leader. Jayden epitomises the fusion of passion, skill, and a sincere desire to please every palate.

people at the valley estate amanda
cherie uzan the owner of the valley estate

Jayden Ross

Sous Chef

Jayden began his journey with an apprenticeship at a prestigious wedding venue, refining his skills and palette. Rising to sous chef, Jayden is known for technical expertise and commitment to perfection. His culinary philosophy emphasises local ingredients, especially from the ocean, reflecting a genuine connection to community flavours.

Beyond the kitchen, he’s admired for his affable nature and attention to detail, seamlessly blending culinary artistry with a commitment to excellence as a team leader. Jayden epitomises the fusion of passion, skill, and a sincere desire to please every palate.

michelle wamelink wedding coordinator

Tara Willersdorf

Wedding & Events Coordinator

Transitioning from the Sunshine Coast, Tara brings with her substantial expertise in both the event and business sectors. This is apparent in her successful development and establishment of two clothing businesses, complemented by her attainment of a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Event Management.

Tara has consistently demonstrated outstanding interpersonal skills and meticulous attention to detail throughout her professional journey. Driven by her passion for love, she takes great pride in her capacity to craft and contribute to couples’ dream days, bringing them to life.

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)