Cooking with purpose: Northcott customers supporting their community

When customers from Northcott’s Work & Study program step into the kitchen at Julia Reserve Community Centre, they’re doing more than learning to cook; they’re making a real difference for people in their community. Through a partnership with Dignity Dishes, customers have been preparing meals that go directly to individuals and families at risk of homelessness.

What began as a simple volunteering opportunity has quickly grown into something much bigger. As Northcott Support Worker, Isabella explained:

“We started this partnership because part of our Work & Study program is that we look for opportunities for work experience and volunteer work. Originally, we just looked around to see what was out there. When we came across this local opportunity with Dignity Dishes, it became a little bit bigger than just a volunteer opportunity.”

Each week, customers gather to chop, stir and cook, while building valuable skills and contributing to a project with a clear social purpose.

Skills for life and work

The program isn’t just about giving back – it’s also about gaining practical and transferable skills. Participants learn everything from knife safety and food hygiene to teamwork and time management.

“They’re learning how to position their fingers properly, how to cut things into smaller pieces and how to recognise when food has gone off,” Isabella explained. “But they’re also learning teamwork, organisational skills and time management. It’s really preparing them for the workforce.”

Over time, customers have become increasingly confident and independent in the kitchen. “When we first started, we had to really explain each step,” Isabella said. “Now, all I have to say is, ‘Alright guys, let’s start,’ and they wash their hands, get everything out and just begin. That’s really awesome.”

A Hub for connection

The partnership is hosted at Julia Reserve Youth and Community Centre, a welcoming space designed for young people. The modern commercial kitchen provides the perfect setting for participants to learn new skills and form social connections.

“Julia Reserve is set up as a youth hub,” Ben from Camden Council explained. “Young people living with a disability can come in, build social connections, learn really great skills they can take into their life and potentially the workforce. But they’re also getting the opportunity to be super generous in their own community.”

Finding confidence and purpose

For the customers themselves, the experience has been transformative. Participant Dylan shared:

“It feels great to give back to the community. I’ve learned some new dicing techniques and it’s given me a bit more confidence with talking. I’ve even noticed that I’ve been able to cook more at home.”

Gabbie added: “It’s helped me expand my culinary skills and work as a team to figure out different meal ideas. It makes me feel good because I like helping people in need. Prepping and cooking their meals, that’s fun.”

Montana spoke about developing problem-solving and communication skills. “I enjoy the organisation and watching the whole meal come together,” she said. “It makes me feel grateful for the opportunity to help others.”

Making a real difference

The impact of the program is felt far beyond the kitchen. Dignity, the non-profit organisation behind Dignity Dishes, provides thousands of meals each year to people at risk of homelessness.

“The meals have a huge impact for many people in the community,” said Dignity spokesperson, Kim. “So many people are doing it tough right now – food relief means fewer people go without meals. Without our volunteers, we simply wouldn’t be able to provide the number of meals that we do. We’re really grateful to Northcott and their customers for donating their time.”

For Northcott customers, the program is about much more than cooking; it’s about pride, purpose and connection. As Isabella summed up:

“This initiative has been really important for them because it shows that there are other people out there who need support. They can use their skills to provide good for others. They really feel proud of that and excited to say, ‘We’re helping.’”

Work & Study