Budja Budja Cooking Program

The Budja Budja Aboriginal Co-operative was established in 1999 and delivers a range of cultural and health and well-being services to both the local Indigenous, as well as the non-Indigenous community. The Co-operative is located in the heart of the Gariwerd/Grampians National Park, Halls Gap, in Country shared by Djab Wurrung and Jardwadjali Traditional Owner Groups. It services the region encompassing Ararat, Stawell, Halls Gap, Dunkeld, Avoca and all areas in-between.

In 2014 the Budja Budja Cooking Program was initiated by a dietitian from Stawell Regional Health. The cooking program runs every first and third Tuesday of the month for the local Aboriginal community. It was initially based on the Good Quick Tukka cooking education program as an alternative to individual consultations. It is now promoted together with individual consultations to increase cooking confidence and healthy food knowledge.

We have ‘regulars’ with new participants coming to the program on a more casual basis. The group is advertised through a quarterly newsletter and General Practitioner referrals. The participants may suggest recipes and take home the food they have cooked. CLICK HERE for information on how you can join the group.

Some of the recipes we have made are kangaroo bolognaise, fried rice and kangaroo burritos, which participants have enjoyed.

In March-April 2016, dietetics students from Deakin University completed an evaluation of the Budja Budja Cooking Program.

The results of the evaluation shows that:

• the program is greatly enjoyed by all participants

• has improved healthy eating knowledge and

• has promoted social connectivity for participants.

Next year we plan to involve participants more in program planning. We have another group of students coming in July and they will assist with the development of a communication and marketing plan, a GP referral pathway, and assist with program delivery, lesson plans and resources.

With the improved marketing and communication plan we will be able to promote this program to other organisations.

Stawell Regional Health will continue to work with Budja Budja Aboriginal Cooperative in closing the gap in chronic disease within the local Aboriginal community.

Contact:  Dietician on 03 5358 8531