September 5, 2025

At Raes on Wategos, we know that behind every great team are families that inspire it.

This Father’s Day, we’re celebrating the fathers who make our family-run business feel like family to everyone who steps through our doors. From the kitchen to the coffee cart, our dads bring care, commitment, and humour not only to their work, but to their children.

Here, we share their reflections, memories, and the lessons from their fathers they hope to pass on.

Ramon Fernandez – F&B Manager

“Always be grateful.”

For Ramon, gratitude is at the heart of life and parenthood. His daughter has taught him to embrace spontaneity and enjoy life’s unexpected adventures. One of his proudest dad moments is the pre-bedtime routine: baths, stories, and songs shared in quiet, magical moments.

Life lesson to pass on: “Embrace the adventure, say yes to life, and treasure every moment with loved ones.”

Jason Saxby – Executive Chef

“Never do anything by halves. If you’re going to do it, do it properly.”

Jason credits his father with teaching him the importance of commitment – a principle he carries into both the kitchen and fatherhood. Balancing the demands of being a head chef with being a present dad has been his biggest challenge, yet the joy of seeing his children enjoy a meal he’s prepared makes it all worthwhile.

Favourite way to spend Father’s Day: “A beach day followed by a relaxing lunch.”
Something his children have taught him: “Humility – no matter how hard you try, kids will be honest about what they like!”

Callum Gray – Sous Chef

“Nothing comes without hard work.”

Fatherhood, for Callum, is all about joy in the small things – like the sound of his son’s laughter. Becoming a dad has also given him a deeper appreciation for his partner and the selfless work of mothers. A favourite memory at Raes was spending a few nights at the Guesthouse opening, where he and his family felt embraced like part of the Raes family.

Favourite way to spend Father’s Day: “A night camping, an early morning beach walk, and a pub lunch.”
Life lesson to pass on: “Travel as much as possible when you’re young. Life can wait, but you’re only a kid once.”

Matt Johnson – Photographer

“Patience and the value of time.”

For Matt, fatherhood has been a reminder to slow down, take a step back, and not sweat the small stuff. His proudest moments aren’t tied to one event, but to the many small, everyday instances of watching his boys grow into young men.

Life lesson to pass on: “Fresh air, sunshine, and time in nature are life-giving. Stay open, focus on the good, and find joy in the simple things.”

Michael – Infamous Coffee Kombi Legend

“Don’t worry, be happy.”

For Michael, fatherhood has been the greatest source of unconditional love. Watching his daughters grow into strong, independent young women has been his proudest achievement – especially when Zara, at just 18, took her younger sister Alaska on a ten-day trip to New York, an experience they’ll cherish together forever.

Life lesson to pass on: “Be happy, live fully, travel often, and work hard at something that fuels your soul – life’s too short not to enjoy.”

Jordy Catalano – Managing Director

Jordy credits his young daughters with giving him an appreciation for the joy that comes from life’s everyday moments. Some of the simplest activities, and spontaneous conversations are those that create the fondest memories.

A memory at Raes that connects back to his family: Celebrating his mum’s birthday at Raes, just after he and his wife Jess discovered she was pregnant with their daughter Sunny. “We had only known for an hour, and keeping that excitement between us over dinner made the night unforgettable.”

Proudest dad moment: “I’m incredibly proud of the beautiful relationship and bond our daughters share as sisters.”

This Father’s Day, we salute the incredible dads of Raes – for their hard work, their dedication, and their love. 

We also celebrate the fathers and father figures, near, far and hopeful , and honour the memories of those no longer with us, who have shaped our families, our stories, and our community.

From our Raes family to yours, we hope your day is filled with laughter, joy, and cherished moments with those who mean the most.