General News
9 June, 2026
Mastering basics in the kitchen
LEARNING to cook simple, healthy meals does not have to be hard ... that’s the mantra of a new program launching next month in Loddon
LEARNING to cook simple, healthy meals does not have to be hard ... that’s the mantra of a new program launching next month in Loddon
Inglewood and Districts Health Service will present Cooking From Scratch with Di, a four-session community cooking program designed to help people build confidence in the kitchen, learn basic cooking skills, have some fun and connect with others.
The program in Wedderburn is aimed at people who may be feeling the pressure of rising food and living costs, including families, people living alone, older residents, and anyone wanting to improve or learn new cooking skills.
Led by local cook Dianne Gordon Cook, participants will learn how to prepare easy, affordable meals from scratch using everyday ingredients. The sessions are $5 each include a cooking kit and will focus on practical skills such as shopping, chopping, mixing, meal planning and making healthy choices on a budget.
Participants will help choose recipes, share their favourite comfort foods, discuss challenges they face when cooking, and provide ideas for future sessions.
Each session will include hands-on cooking, shared meals, recipes and a sample to take home, and plenty of opportunities to learn from one another in a friendly and welcoming environment.
IDHS community engagement and health promotion officer Cindy Gould said the program was about more than cooking.
“Cooking From Scratch with Di is about building confidence, learning new skills, and bringing people together,” she said.
“And we want participants to leave feeling confident to prepare simple meals at home and share what they have learned with family and friends.”
Read More: Inglewood