Letter from the editor

Well it is the big one this weekend. Whilst some might think I'm referring to the St Kilda vs Fremantle blockbuster gracing the hydroponic blades at Marvel Stadium on Friday night, I am in fact, not. I am also not referencing the election, albeit the catalyst for the excitement I am feeling.

It is of course, on Saturday, Democracy sausage day.

 A day in which the much loved Sausage sizzle becomes more than just a tube of processed meat inside of a sleeve of bread (sorry for the visceral mental image). A democracy sausage; What a great marketing term. How great it is, that we can bribe the majority of our adult population to cast a vote in the Country's greatest democratic process, for the low price of $3.

I did some research; the history of the democracy sausage seemingly dates back to around 2010. A Queensland website popped up mapping out where you could get a sausage in the local area. In 2016, the Australian National Dictionary Centre selected "democracy sausage" as the word of the year, cementing the place of the sausage sizzle in the serious act of voting and in Australians' pride in their democracy and democratic traditions.' However this wasn't the start of the humble bake sale as a fundraiser on election day- I found some images dating back to the 1970s where the practice was being rolled out.

In reality, the BBQ and bake sale idea is a really important opportunity for schools to partake in. An opportunity to make a few dollars to fund the things that can make a difference in the lives of a student: a contribution towards a new air conditioning unit; a new piece of gym equipment or musical instrument. Maybe funding a new program for students or new materials for the art room. Where ever you buy your democracy sausage from this weekend, rest assured the school or community group will use that money for something that is genuinely needed.

If you're voting on Saturday, pop down to the BBQ and bake sale outside the Sports Centre. I'll be there to keep you fed. 

The only thing I'll be finding your preference on: Tomato sauce or Mustard.

Jack Lynch

Chef Editor