Flavours of Unity: Building Connections Through Sharing Food & Culture
Food has an incredible way of bringing people together, and our recent six-week multicultural cooking project at Long Gully Neighbourhood House was a perfect example of this. Through the Cooking for Change program, we welcomed six participants from diverse cultural backgrounds to explore new recipes, learn creative ways to use healthy ingredients, and most importantly, build friendships over shared meals.
A Kitchen Filled with Culture, Learning & Laughter
Over the course of six weeks, the participants, supported by Chef Caroline and Youth Projects Officer Eh Thout, spent five mornings cooking up a storm. Together, they prepared thirty delicious recipes, all designed for healthy school-packed lunches and family celebrations. Recipes like Karen tofu salad, muffin and pastry variations, mini crustless quiches, and Karen-style chicken salad were just a few of the many dishes they crafted, using fresh produce grown at Golden Gums Farm. These meals celebrated the diverse ways we can create healthy, culturally sensitive lunches for growing youngsters.
Each week, their confidence in the kitchen grew as they learned from one another, swapped cooking techniques, and shared stories from their own cultures.
In the kitchen, language was never a barrier—food became the universal language that connected everyone. The space buzzed with laughter, chatter, and the comforting aroma of home-cooked meals, creating an environment of warmth, creativity, and collaboration.
From Lunchboxes to Community Feasts
One of the highlights of the project was packing personal sample lunchboxes—each participant took home their creations, eager to introduce their families to new flavours and healthy meals. In addition to their daily cooking sessions, the group also enjoyed four large communal lunches together, creating a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose. The program culminated with a special celebration meal, where families and the wider community came together to enjoy the fruits of the participants’ hard work.
Through this experience, the participants not only honed their culinary skills but also formed meaningful connections. They learned that food is more than just nourishment—it’s a powerful tool for cultural exchange, bonding, and community building. The kitchen became a space where barriers were broken down, and lasting friendships were made.
A Huge Thank You!
This wonderful initiative wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of Healthy Loddon Campaspe and Vichealth. Their funding helped us create a space where food, culture, and friendships could truly flourish.
As we reflect on the past six weeks, we’re reminded of the magic that happens when people come together to cook, learn, and share. While this project has ended, the skills, recipes, and connections made will continue to enrich our community for years to come.
