Fabulous families cooking up a storm

The "Fabulous Families Cooking up a Storm" is provided by The Salvation Army’s Southern Tasmania Communities for Children and "The Building Australia's future workforce', which is funded By The Australian Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and indigenous Affairs.The 6 week series of cooking sessions were held at Gagebrook primary school, Brighton Civic Centre and the Carinya Education Park, New Norfolk. The aim was to improve confidence in cooking skills including food nutrition, importance of fluids, benefits of healthy, home cooked meals vs prepared meals, safe food handling, including children cooking during school holidays.  In addition, the aim was to provide a networking platform for participants.With training from the O Group, skills gained have culminated in the participants receiving a Statement of Attainment - Certificate II in Hospitality, with the completed competencies outlined on the certificate.'This is the space we like to work in', said Greg Faull, State Manager Training NGT Tasmania. 'We are all about outcomes and providing all Tasmanians with an opportunity to access training and employment.  Collaborating with a reputed organisation such as The Salvation Army helps us reach even further into the community to help provide that kind of support'.

The Salvation Army Tasmanian Divisional Secretary, Major Graham Roberts said that “The 'Cooking up a Storm' program is creating new opportunities for people to not only learn about healthy eating, but to also be made aware of future employment opportunities as they develop new skills. The Salvation Army hope that skills learnt on the course will be another stepping stone for participants to build self-confidence and greater capacity to live healthier and more sustainable lives.'
Not only did participating families learn new skills for healthier eating, they have also formed network and friendship groups that will support those who live in outlying suburbs and regional areas.Participants came from Oatlands, Kempton, Bagdad, New Norfolk, Ouse, Maydena, Westerway, Glenora, Bridgewater and Gagebrook. A locally produced cook book featuring homemade recipes tested by the participants themselves will also be launched at the event. This beautifully presented resource will be a reminder and motivation to those who took part.

Date: Tuesday 28^th August 2012

Venue: Brighton Civic Centre, Green Point Road Bridgewater

Time:11 - 1pm

Interview and photograph opportunity:Major Graham Roberts, The Salvation Army, Tasmania Divisional SecretaryCaptain Craig Wood, The Salvation Army, Tasmania Division, Communications & Fundraising SecretaryMr Andrew Billing, CEO O group

Mr Greg Faull, State Manager Training, NGT Tasmania