Kangaroo Kitchen is celebrating two wonderful years of cooking, learning, friendship and connection.
When the program first began, the vision was to create something that was about much more than preparing meals. Kangaroo Kitchen was designed to be a place where participants could build practical life skills, grow in confidence, connect with others and enjoy the pride that comes from creating something from scratch.
Two years on, the program has become all of that and more.
“Kangaroo Kitchen is a very special program for KDS because it shows what meaningful support can look like in everyday life. It is about building skills, confidence, friendships and independence in a way that feels enjoyable and natural for participants. We are incredibly proud of what the program has become over the past two years.”
Each week, participants come together ready to roll up their sleeves and get involved in every part of the cooking process. From choosing recipes and shopping for ingredients, to reading labels, comparing prices, preparing food and plating up meals, every session is a genuine opportunity to learn by doing.
Across the past two years, the kitchen has been filled with colour, flavour and creativity. Participants have explored dishes inspired by different cultures and cuisines, from curries and spices to fresh Mediterranean-style meals, hearty favourites and delicious desserts.
At the heart of Kangaroo Kitchen is capacity building. Participants develop real, transferable skills that can support independence in everyday life. These skills include meal planning, budgeting, food preparation, kitchen safety, teamwork, communication and confidence in the kitchen.
“One of the best parts of Kangaroo Kitchen is watching participants grow in confidence. Someone might start by helping with one small task, then over time they are chopping, stirring, plating, choosing ingredients and proudly sharing what they have made. It is a privilege to be part of that journey.”
Just as importantly, the program creates a strong sense of belonging.
Over the past two years, participants have encouraged each other, shared responsibilities, solved problems together and celebrated what they have made as a group. Friendships have grown over chopping boards, supermarket trips, shared meals and plenty of laughter.
For many participants, Kangaroo Kitchen is not just a weekly activity. It is a familiar, welcoming space where they can feel included, capable and connected.
Stephen says the group gives him “something to look forward to, every Thursday.”
Another participant shared that what they love most about Thursday cooking class is “when I make the dessert and when I sit down and eat the food.”
For Brenton, Kangaroo Kitchen is about friendship, fun, practical skills and sharing a meal together.
“These are the things I love about cooking class: making friends, peeling and chopping and cutting up the ingredients, going to the supermarket and choosing the day’s ingredients, having lots of fun and laughing, sitting down for lunch with our group and eating the food we cooked together.”
Joseph describes the KDS cooking group as “great, fun and enjoyable.”
Families have also seen the impact of the program.
Lily Ongarato said the Tuesday and Thursday cooking programs have inspired Joseph to rediscover his passion for cooking, adding that Michelle and Sue provide “outstanding support to participants of all ages.”
One family member said seeing their young person return from Kangaroo Kitchen “beaming with joy and a passion to cook” was something worth celebrating.
From knife skills to kitchen confidence, from building independence to building friendships, Kangaroo Kitchen continues to show the value of meaningful, hands-on programs.
We are incredibly proud of every participant who has taken part, given something new a go and grown throughout the past two years.
Happy 2nd birthday, Kangaroo Kitchen. We cannot wait to see what the next year brings.
