Cessnock City Council proudly hosted the official opening of the new kitchen facility at the Cessnock Youth Centre and Outreach Service today.
The kitchen upgrade was identified as an action in the 2021-25 Youth Engagement Strategy. The project was made possible thanks to a $120,226 grant under the NSW Government's Stronger Country Communities Fund.
The kitchen was designed as a space where young people can learn from facilitators and put their knowledge into action using modern appliances and a range of cooking equipment.
The new facility includes preparation stations, an industrial oven and cook top, a commercial size fridge and freezer and plenty of teaching space where young people can learn all about healthy eating and safe food preparation.
The kitchen is also a hirable space. Currently, Coalfields Healthy Heartbeats is utilising the space to run a four-week cooking class with a qualified dietician.Cessnock City Council Mayor Jay Suvaal said this kitchen will become integral to fostering healthy lifestyle habits for both local young people and the broader community.
"The kitchen was designed to be a space where young people can learn new skills, gain workforce knowledge, engage in structured cooking activities and immerse themselves in healthy eating," Mayor Suvaal said.
"The facility will be used during youth programming including drop-in after school activities, school holiday programs, and as part of special events like Youth Week. I know it will serve our community well into the future."
This project is proudly funded by the NSW Government's Stronger Country Communities Fund.
