Kaitlin Leonard
General Manager
Since growing up on the family farm next door, Kaitlin has always had a strong connection to the land - and a passion for building something lasting.
Now, with over a decade of experience across strategy, operations, and business development, she’s bringing that drive home to the Riverina as General Manager of the Whitton Malt House.
A founding family member of both Southern Cotton and the Malt House, Kaitlin blends sharp commercial thinking with genuine care for people and place. She’s the calm behind the scenes (usually with a to-do list in one hand and coffee in the other), leading a team that’s passionate about storytelling, regional pride, and warm, memorable hospitality.
David Bowers
Head Chef
David has been chasing flavour since he was 13, flipping fish and chips after school before landing a kitchenhand job at a local restaurant by 16 - juggling two jobs and high school like it was nothing.
Originally from New Zealand, he kicked off his formal culinary career with an apprenticeship at Wairakei Resort in Taupo, then went on to cook at Café Bastille in Wellington and Bistro Lago under renowned chef Shane Yardley—both named among New Zealand’s top 100 restaurants. He later joined the team at The Freeport, continuing to sharpen his skills and push the boundaries of modern cuisine. Along the way, he earned a spot as a Hilton F&B Masters finalist, placed in the top 8 of the Ora King Salmon Awards, and top 4 in the Coastal Spring Lamb Challenge.
Now as Head Chef at the Whitton Malt House, David brings that same energy and obsession with good food to every service. When he’s not leading the kitchen, you’ll find him at the gym or eating his way through every restaurant he can—always hungry for inspiration, always pushing for better.
Abby Roennfeldt
Venue Manager
Since falling into line, polishing cutlery at age 13, there isn’t much Abby has not done when it comes to running a venue.
26 years in to her self-taught career, she’s an award winning cocktail bartender, with both state and national titles. Most notably, representing Australia in the Patron Perfectionist world final in Mexico, she has a passion for Australian craft spirits, native ingredients and good ol’ fashioned hospitality.
Since relocating from Adelaide in 2024, she’s brought more than just her plethora of colourful shirts, leading the Front of House team in delivering acts of service to our guests, from far and wide!
Tara Cassidy
Admin & Events Manager
Since joining the Whitton Malt House team in 2021, Tara has become the quiet powerhouse behind the scenes - coordinating major events, streamlining operations, and keeping our busy venue running smoothly.
With a background in business operations and customer experience, she’s the one bringing structure to the chaos, balancing admin, events, and day-to-day logistics with a calm head and an eye for detail. Whether she’s guiding a large-scale function from enquiry to execution or fine-tuning internal systems, Tara does it all with professionalism, precision, and a people-first mindset.
A champion for regional tourism and someone who truly cares about getting things right, Tara plays a big part in making sure every guest leaves feeling like they’ve been genuinely looked after.
