On October 7, 2025, the health promotion team at West Wimmera Health Service hosted its fourth annual Grow Local, Eat Local cooking competition. This lively event showcased the culinary skills of three home cooks from the Wimmera region: Warracknabeal, Horsham, and Natimuk. Each participant prepared a plant-based dish, vying for the approval of renowned television chef Tim Bone, who served as the judge.
The competition culminated in a well-deserved victory for Samridhi from Horsham, who impressed the crowd with her family’s traditional chickpea curry, a recipe passed down through generations. As the winner, she received a $500 voucher to be spent at local businesses, further supporting the community.
The event was described as a fun-filled family day, with attendees of all ages coming together to support local talent and celebrate regional produce. “There was a real buzz in the air,” said Jake Wiffen, the competition organiser and Health Promotion Officer. “Locals turned out to cheer on their cooks while enjoying delicious food and promoting local ingredients.”
Celebrating Local Flavours
Tim Bone showcased his culinary expertise with a live cooking demonstration, offering attendees insights into creating budget-friendly, plant-based meals using seasonal ingredients. The audience engaged actively during the demonstration, asking questions and taking photos with the chef, who also shared his popular homemade baked beans.
The runner-up dishes, crafted by contestants from Warracknabeal and Natimuk, received commendations for their flavour and presentation. All three competitors generously shared their recipes, allowing families to recreate the dishes at home. “That’s the goal—simple food that celebrates what we grow here,” Bone remarked, highlighting the event’s focus on local produce.
Community Spirit and Future Plans
West Wimmera Health Service expressed gratitude to the volunteers and local growers who contributed ingredients and assisted in serving hundreds of tastings during the event. Recipes from the competition, including Samridhi’s winning chickpea curry and Tim Bone’s baked beans, will be made available on the WWHS website and social media channels.
With the success of this year’s competition, plans are already underway for the fifth Grow Local, Eat Local event next year. Organisers are extending an invitation to new cooks eager to participate and showcase their talent. The spirit of community, culinary creativity, and local produce continues to thrive in the Wimmera, promising an exciting future for this beloved event.
