The Story Behind The Name

Meet The Team

Kalindu Karunasena | Head Chef

Kalindu Karunasena formerly of Antara 128 and Oh Loretta Wine Bar, leads the kitchen with creativity, passion, and precision. Trained under the mentorship of renowned chef Allan Eccles, whose illustrious career includes stints at Melbourne’s celebrated kitchens such as Gimlet, Cutler & Co., and Marion, Kalindu has developed a distinctive culinary voice that blends bold global flavours with refined fine-dining techniques.

Drawing deeply from his Sri Lankan heritage, he brings vibrant spices and aromatic depth to every dish, creating bold, layered flavours that tell a story of tradition and modernity.

Over just six years, Kalindu has rapidly risen as a true industry star, known for his inventive dishes that celebrate fresh, local produce with global inspirations.

Ecil Williams | Sous Chef

Maya Vagg | Manager

Maya brings over a decade of hospitality experience to the team at Tommy Gunns. Her background includes managing the bustling gaming floor at Crown Melbourne, where she built strong skills in operations, customer service, and team leadership.

After moving from Melbourne to the Bellarine Peninsula with her family, Maya has fully embraced the coastal lifestyle — blending her love of good food, great wine, and genuine hospitality. Always up for a chat and a laugh, she’s passionate about creating memorable experiences and the kind of warm, welcoming atmosphere people love to come back to.

Ruaraidh Gunn (Rozza) | Owner

A former professional Real Tennis player who reached a world ranking of No. 2, Rozza Gunn has channelled his passion for excellence into the world of hospitality. His first venture, 8Days, quickly gained a reputation for its commitment to quality, showcasing dishes made from top-tier organic and free-range produce.

In 2022, Rozza, together with his wife Davina and their children Alice, Jack, and Chloe, made their way down the Bellarine Peninsula to Barwon Heads, where they opened Tommy Gunns.

With the same dedication to craftsmanship and community, Ruaraidh continues to bring people together through great food, warm service, and a welcoming local spirit.

Natalie Cortuna | Chef de Partie