Published: 3rd August 2023
A popular cuisine program, which allows people to share their culture through food, is set to thrive in a new community-led form.
Logan City Council hosted the Stories from the Kitchen program from July 2021 until June this year.
During that time, 260 people attended 10 dinners across the City of Logan and served 140 different dishes.
Council delivered the program through a Queensland Government Celebrating Multicultural Queensland grant and in collaboration with local community centres, schools and service providers.
The aim was to highlight the City of Logan as Queensland’s most multiculturally diverse area with 234 different nationalities and spark connections and friendships to reduce social isolation.
Lifestyle Chair Councillor Tony Hall said Beenleigh Neighbourhood Centre would now host future dinners as the Stories from the Kitchen program becomes led by the community rather than Council.
The next Stories from the Kitchen dinner is from 5pm to 7.30pm on Saturday, August 19 at the centre in James St.
Those attending are asked to bring a dish from their culture and stories to share. Wearing traditional outfits is encouraged.
“Stories from the Kitchen is a program which represents the welcoming spirit of the City of Logan and I look forward to seeing it continue to grow and develop in its new home at the Beenleigh Neighbourhood Centre," Cr Hall said.
Division 12 Councillor Karen Murphy said the Stories from the Kitchen program had brought together people from diverse backgrounds to share their stories and experiences over delicious homemade food.
“It has been well embraced by the community and I am sure that enthusiasm will continue at Beenleigh,” Cr Murphy said.
Beenleigh Neighbourhood Centre Manager Cheryll Bown said the centre would continue to help put a spotlight on the extraordinary cultures and people that make up our community.
“Our hope is that in doing this we will be able to learn more about what makes our cultures unique and what brings them together,” Ms Bown said.
For more information on the Beenleigh program call 3188 1431, email [email protected] or search for Stories from the Kitchen on Facebook.