Through plates of moussaka and shared recipes, trays of sweet desserts and stories of life, a series of cooking workshops in Sydney have been celebrating the knowledge of older women, while bringing joy and connection to them.
The , an initiative of the Older Women’s Network New South Wales, has been bringing together women from migrant communities to share their stories and favourite recipes in a series of workshops being held since 2024.
The Older Women’s Network NSW works to improve the lives of older women in multiple ways, with focus areas including homelessness, ageism, violence against women, and wellbeing and connectedness – which projects such as this tackles with delicious flair.
Participants in a Recipes for Connection workshop. Credit: Older Women's Network NSW
“Food like this is a big part of families and communities. It brings people together,” says one participant, Mary, of her family’s Cypriot moussaka recipe, which she shared at the first workshop series, held in Punchbowl last year.
Born in Cyprus, Mary had to flee because of civil unrest. “I have enjoyed the recipes by connection to be able to feel part of older women from all over the world and feeling the same way as me, proud of their cooking skills and their homelands.”
Mary, right, making moussaka with fellow participant Agnes. Credit: Older Women's Network NSW
“Even now when I cook and serve molokhia I am reminded of my parents and the family and when we would gather together to share it,” says Toufica, who left Lebanon at 16 to join her new husband in Australia. “I enjoyed every bit of being part of the Recipes for Connection workshop. I was happy to introduce my cultural food and meet friends of different cultures and try each other foods.”
The moussaka cooked at a recipes for Connection workshop. Credit: Older Women's Network NSW
“Through the process of storytelling and cooking together the women felt validated and many developed intercultural friendships. Some groups had plans to meet up afterwards or to form chat groups,” Hall adds. "A few tears were shed and there was a lot of pride and memories in the sharing of food and traditions.”
Toufica serves up molokhia at a Recipes for Connection session. Credit: Older Women's Network NSW
It’s something Racha Abou Alchamat, of , who was a guest chef at one of the workshops, agrees with wholeheartedly. “I believe projects like Recipes for Connection are so important, especially for older women who may feel socially isolated,” she says. “Cooking together is more than just making food — it’s about breaking down walls, stepping outside of comfort zones, and rediscovering a sense of community.
"Through these workshops, I wanted these women to feel encouraged to step beyond their safe space, try something new, and connect with others in a meaningful way. Food has this incredible ability to bring people together, spark conversations and create a sense of belonging. It’s not just about passing down recipes; it’s about sharing experiences, laughter and stories that remind us we’re not alone. It’s about reclaiming traditions, building friendships, and feeling seen and valued.”
Racha Abou Alchamat, centre front, with workshop participants and facilitators. Credit: Older Women's Network NSW
“Hearing their stories, seeing their enthusiasm, and witnessing how food can spark joy and conversation was incredibly rewarding. One of the most enjoyable parts of this workshop was simply being a part of this community. As I watched the Syrian ladies and the other ladies cooking – many of them older women – I felt like I was back home in Syria, gathered in my house with my grandmother, my mother, my aunties, and all the women in my family.
"It felt just like home. We shared so many stories, and the atmosphere was incredibly intimate. There was a deep sense of connection, warmth and belonging, which made the experience truly special, and it reminded me why I love doing what I do.”
The recipes and stories from the workshops are being collected into an e-book, which will be shared with the participants and also presented at a final celebration of the project in May.
"Every recipe carried a story, and every story was a bridge to the past and a future that connects us to one another," Hall concludes.
