Welcoming Ryan Ward to Longitude 131°

Most recently, Ryan spent four years working as Executive Chef at high-end resorts in Fiji, including the world renowned award-winning Ahura Resorts’ Malolo Island Resort and then Likuliku Lagoon Resort. There, Ryan led a team of more than 30 Fijian chefs, providing invaluable experiences, training and mentorship.

Previously, Ryan spent five years at the Queensland Art Gallery developing the inhouse restaurant Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) after the gallery decided to offer internal catering with the focus being the integration of food and art.

‘During my tenure, the GOMA Restaurant received two hat statuses for three consecutive years and a Gourmet Traveller Star. As a result of these successes, the Queensland Art Gallery was the chosen venue for many high-profile events including the launch of Good Food Month, numerous event for top-tier Champagne houses including Perrier Jouët, Louis Roederer, Krug and Salon Delamotte and in 2014 GOMA was the chosen venue for the G20 Leaders’ Summit dining events,’ Ryan said.

Ryan says he attributes his success to leading from the front, and on his ability to mentor, train and inspire chefs in a positive and healthy working environment.

Also joining the Longitude 131° team as Restaurant Manager is Ryan’s fiancé, Bridie Bush. With many years experience under her belt-buckle, together Bridie and Ryan make a dynamic duo, ready to cook up new chapter in the outback.