Robert Young Narrabri was delighted to be recognised for its efforts in Whiddon’s inaugural ‘Cooking Club’ competition.

The initiative began last year, with residents from across New South Wales and Queensland sharing the recipes they love.

Around 60 recipes were gathered in a cookbook, all of which had a special memory or personal connection to the Whiddon residents.

All participating aged care homes would then prepare the same sweet and savoury dishes, each week, from the cooking facilities in their building.

The local club members, Doreen Baker, Myra Smith, Marion Gray, Beryl Heath, Marie Cunningham, June Reichel, Helen Fife, Elaine Johnson, Helen Breen and Jean Worley landed first prize in the competition.

They found out the news through an awards presentation online, and a trophy was presented to the Narrabri ladies soon thereafter.

Local resident and 2021 Narrabri Shire Senior of the Year Beryl Heath was excited to hear her club had won.

“I cannot tell you how happy we are to accept this beautiful trophy, we are so delighted and thrilled to be the winners of this program,” she said.

Fellow resident Myra Smith echoed this sentiment, recounting how fun the competition had been.

“We all had a wonderful time cooking each week and we are so thankful to Cathy and the team for supporting this program,” she said.

Robert Young leisure officer, Cathy Johnston, led the program and was so pleased to see it supported enthusiastically.

“It wasn’t just about the cooking,” she explained.

“The program really is more about bringing everyone together, which was so special to see.

“Our residents in the Cooking Club did a wonderful job – they didn’t want to miss a single week of cooking.”

Robert Young participated alongside Jessie Hunt Narrabri, as well as other Whiddon homes in Casino, Laurieton and Beaudesert Star.

This inter-care home connection was one of the foundational pillars of the Cooking Club competition.

“Residents prepared meals across multiple care homes, so the program not only helped connect residents within each specific location, but across a number of residencies in the Whiddon network,” said local director care services, Sara Cameron.

“And that’s what makes this program extra special.”

Karn Nelson, Whiddon’s executive general manager strategy and innovation, said the program also helped keep residents active, socially engaged and feeling purposeful as they whipped up recipes together as a group.

“Cooking has a range of emotional and wellbeing benefits for older people,” she said.

“More importantly, it is a great catalyst for social participation and inclusion in care home communities.

“The Cooking Club program is part of our relationship-based care and creative ageing approach, where we encourage expression and opportunities for residents to celebrate, participate and engage in meaningful interaction.

Ms Nelson says the initiative stems from studies that show the positive impacts of cooking together.

“It was developed based on research that found cooking as a group can foster a deep sense of community and belonging,” she said.

“The cooking process can also be a powerful positive reminder of family get-togethers and traditions.

“We’ve found that sharing nostalgic family recipes evokes positive memories for residents.

“And, since starting this program, we’ve seen participating residents and staff bond over a common love of cooking, sparking new friendships and creating a stronger sense of community.”

Ms Nelson passed her congratulations on to Robert Young, saying picking a winner wasn’t an easy decision.

“Great work to Whiddon Narrabri Robert Young for winning our first competition,” she said.

“It was a difficult decision for the judging panel, but the passion and creativity shown by the residents and employees of this wonderful care home stood out to us.”

The next phase of the Cooking Club will be rolled out across other Whiddon care homes in November 2021.

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