One of the most innovative programs delivered during 2025–26 was Cooking for Change with a Twist, a co-designed initiative developed with Bendigo Senior Secondary College’s NETschool. The program combined cooking, creativity and community contribution to create multiple pathways for participation, recognising that young people engage and learn in different ways.
Many NETschool learners experience barriers to engagement in traditional education settings and benefit from flexible, relationship-based approaches. In response, Bendigo Foodshare worked closely with school staff to develop a staged program that allowed students to participate at a level that felt comfortable and meaningful to them. The focus was not only on developing practical skills, but also on building confidence, creating positive experiences and providing opportunities to contribute to something bigger than themselves.
The program began with classroom-based discussions about food security, healthy eating, food sustainability and the role Bendigo Foodshare plays in supporting the community. Students then participated in hands-on cooking sessions, preparing meals for Bendigo Foodshare’s food relief program. Across two sessions, students worked alongside staff and volunteers to cook more than 160 meals, developing skills in food preparation, teamwork, food safety and meal production while making a meaningful contribution to people experiencing food insecurity.
Participant feedback highlighted the value of both the social and practical aspects of the program. Students spoke about enjoying the opportunity to work with others, learn new recipes and contribute to their community.
“I enjoyed cooking with two people I had never met nor talked to before.”
“I liked learning a new healthy recipe.”
“Working together to make something that tastes really good.”
“I feel grateful to be part of this program helping the less fortunate.”
For some students, the cooking program became a stepping stone to deeper involvement. Working in partnership with the City of Greater Bendigo’s Youth Services team and local artist, Angela Dunstone, a group of students chose to extend their participation through a creative mural project at Dhelkunya Balak ‘Nourishing Community’ Food Hub. Students collaborated to design and paint a large-scale artwork exploring themes of food, community and belonging, creating a lasting contribution to a community space that will be enjoyed by visitors for years to come.
Importantly, not every student participated in every stage of the project. Instead, the program embraced a flexible “opt-in” approach that allowed young people to engage according to their interests, confidence and readiness. For some, simply attending and participating in a cooking session was a significant achievement. For others, it provided an opportunity to take on new challenges, contribute ideas and leave a lasting mark on their community.
The success of Cooking for Change with a Twist demonstrated the value of offering multiple pathways for participation. By combining practical cooking skills, community service, creativity and student choice, the program supported young people to build confidence, strengthen social connections and experience the positive impact they can have on their community. It also highlighted how flexible, participant-centred delivery can create opportunities for engagement that extend well beyond the kitchen.
