URGENT UPDATE: The inaugural Kids in the Kitchen Competition kicks off at this year’s Wagin Woolorama, showcasing the culinary talents of young chefs across Western Australia. The event, supported by renowned WA Food Ambassador Don Hancey, aims to empower youth with essential cooking skills using local produce.
The excitement begins with cooking demonstrations featuring Hancey, scheduled for Friday, March 6, at 2 PM and Saturday, March 7, at 10:30 AM, leading up to the highly anticipated competition on Saturday at 1:45 PM. All events will take place in the entertainment area behind the Wine Baa.
Hancey emphasizes the initiative’s goal: “It aims to link kids to job pathways in the hospitality and tourism industry,” he stated. The event is poised to not only promote healthy eating habits but also celebrate the rich cultural heritage of WA through culinary arts.
Simone Klose, director of Down South Creative, describes the competition as a “culinary revolution,” offering contestants aged 10 to 16 a platform to showcase their skills in a high-stakes cook-off. “They will win great prizes, but the real value lies in the experiences gained and connections forged,” Klose added.
Participants will have just 30 minutes to prepare and present their dishes, judged based on taste and the use of local ingredients. “About nine kids will compete, and we will select contestants from various schools and agricultural colleges throughout the Wheatbelt,” Hancey confirmed.
The Kids in the Kitchen initiative is set to expand beyond Wagin, with plans to feature at events like the Kununurra Agricultural Show in July 2024 and the Esperance Agricultural Show in October 2024.
For more information on this groundbreaking culinary initiative, contact Simone Klose at [email protected] or Don Hancey at [email protected].
Stay tuned as this exciting competition unfolds, fostering community spirit and healthy living among the youth of Western Australia!
