Tackling kitchen skills, food preparation and nutritional knowledge, district manager Don White says Men’s Kitchen is the best opportunity for men over 60 to learn valuable skills and recharge their social batteries. 

“I’ve seen men who don’t know how to cut an onion,” says Don. 

“I even had to tell one man to take the brown stuff off the top first before cutting.” 

Many men over the age of 60 have hardly stepped foot into the kitchen outside of grabbing something from the fridge to eat. 

Traditionally a “women’s place”, new widowers, carers or those finding themselves alone for the first time may struggle with the fundamentals of cooking. 

This is where Don can help. 

Retiring 18 months ago, Don was inspired by work done by the Men’s Kitchen organisation in Sydney and, alongside association president Peter Watson, helped start up their own ACT branch at the beginning of 2024. 

An instant success, the organisation runs two kitchens in Canberra, Woden and Curtin, and are opening a third kitchen in Hawker on May 8 to cater to the northside. 

“Thanks to the incredible generosity of the Rotary Club of Hall and the Rotary Club of Ginninderra, another group of men will soon be donning their aprons,” says Don. 

The Christ Church in Hawker will open its doors for a new batch of men to learn how to cook and prepare (as well as eat!) a full meal. 

The three-hour sessions, hosted twice a month, are open to 20 men. 

“We start by chatting about the day’s menu and looking at the different tasks,” says Don.

“Usually, it’s a great chance for the men to have a good chat and catch up, too.”

Following this, the men break into groups, tackling each task while watching a live demonstration from an instructor. 

“It’s not just a chance to cook,” says Don.

“It’s a valuable opportunity to socialise.

“One fellow that I pick up from a home now has regular coffee catch ups with the men he meets at our sessions.”

Don says watching the program’s success has been a “gratifying experience”.

“It’s such a welcoming environment to be in, and they keep coming back!”

According to Don, one of the hardest things he has had to witness is the decline in men’s nutritional intake after the loss of a partner, often resulting in the decision to move into a home to be catered for. 

“This program gives them their autonomy back,” he says. 

“Many men even go home and show their families what they’ve learnt, or cook for their wives.

“Hearing things such as ‘wow, I can actually do things’ has been the most enjoyable thing.”

The meal, consisting of a salad or side meal, a main and a dessert is taught by a selection of instructors from all walks of life. 

“The dessert usually includes ice cream, because the men love it,” says Don.

First timers come free to test the waters and are given a green apron upon entering the kitchen. 

On their second time, the men are gifted a cookbook from a head chef in Sydney and their own apron. 

“The presentation is a huge hit with the men,” says Don. 

“We have had instructors, both professional chefs and home cooks from early 30s all the way to their 80s teach the men.”

Currently on the search for some more volunteers to offer up their expertise, Don says the role provides a huge level of fulfillment. 

“You get to see the men working together as they learn kitchen skills,” he says. 

“We are teaching old dogs new tricks. 

“It’s more than just a cooking class.”

Anyone interested in participating in the classes or volunteering as an instructor, at either Hawker or Curtin, should contact Don at info.cn@menskitchen.org.au or call 0456 408003.