Logan’s richly diverse communities supported by Metro South Healths’ Health Equity Access Team (HEAT), have come together to create a new resource that blends cultural heritage with healthy living, with the launch of the Healthy New Communities (HNC) Cookbook.
The idea for the cookbook arose from the HEAT-led Community Champions Cultural Cooking program, developed in response to community concern about diet-related risk factors impacting the community. Through this program families meet weekly to cook together, share stories and learn about food safety and diet impacts to health. According to Kym Perkins Senior Community Nutritionist the inspiration came from the community itself.
“Every week, people would ask, ‘Can I take this recipe home?’ or ‘Can you write this down for my family?’” Kym said.
“We realised very quickly that these dishes, both traditional meals and healthier takes on Aussie classics deserved to be captured in a way that honoured culture and supported healthier cooking at home.”
Co-design was central to the development of the cookbook, with community members shaping everything from ingredient choices and cooking methods to the way their cultural foods were described.
“We didn’t want a cookbook written about community, we wanted one written with community,” she said.
“Their input made sure every recipe was culturally accurate, meaningful and genuinely useful for families.”
Feedback throughout the development process was overwhelmingly positive. Community members praised the respectful representation of their cultures and the opportunity to refine and validate their own recipes.
“People told us they felt proud seeing their dishes included,”
“They loved the photos, the simplicity of the instructions, and the fact that the book reflects who they are and what they cook at home.”
Many participants shared that the cookbook boosted their confidence in preparing healthier meals and inspired them to cook more often with their children and extended families.
“One parent told us, ‘This book feels like my home and my new home together,’” Kym said.
For culturally and linguistically diverse and newly arrived communities, the HNC Cookbook provides more than guidance on healthy eating, it enhances nutrition literacy and represents identity, continuity and belonging.
“Food is culture, comfort and connection,” she said.
“This cookbook helps families keep their traditions alive while learning how to navigate the Australian food environment. It’s a bridge between cultures.”