Wellsprings for Women- Cultural Cuisines

Tantalizing aromas beckoned everyone to Sebastian Hall on Friday 23 April, where the Wellsprings for Women ‘Cultural Cuisines’ team catered for the Star of the Sea College staff lunch during a Professional Learning day.

Cultural Cuisines, one of many programs implemented by Wellsprings for Women, is a social enterprise that hires women with a desire for a career in catering. Cooking classes are just one of the multitude of programs on offer to participants at Wellsprings for Women, and it is here women from different cultures connect, each taking turns to lead and teach a group of approximately ten others in the preparation and delivery of culturally appropriate meals. 

Robyn Erwin, Programs Manager, says ‘Grouping participants for the cooking class activities allows for a communal atmosphere, where women prepare foods primarily from where they are from, where they can have fun, develop friendships and  share some of their own culture.’ 

The bonus for the hungry?  The food the women create is delicious! Within the first week of promoting their meals via word of mouth, Cultural Cuisines had four bookings to cater at various events held by supportive organisations. With such demand, they have since installed a Commercial Grade kitchen at their Dandenong facility and provide Food Handler’s Supervisor training for those women involved in the preparation of the mouthwatering banquets.

With successful catering comes a growth in the self-confidence of the women, and so any ideas of expansion, such as the already requested catering for the Level Crossing Removal Project (LXRA), increases crossover opportunities in expanding the initiative and employment for the women.

As part of Kildare Ministries and in the Presentation Sisters’ way, Star of the Sea College highly recommend Cultural Cuisines and support Wellsprings for Women in their offer of a friendly environment for women and children to meet and be supported throughout challenging times. 

As for Cultural Cuisine’s cooking abilities? The proof is definitely in the pudding!