On Saturday 5th December, 2020, MWA was proud to launch the innovative and exciting initiative “Cooking with Purpose”, between The Culinary School and Linking Hearts, MWA at The Culinary School in Punchbowl, Sydney.
Beginning with an official Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, this event brought together members and stakeholders from all parts of the community, multifaith and multicultural, during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence to highlight the significance and impact of empowering women of diversity, supporting the development of and strengthening partnerships with individuals and stakeholders who value diversity and true community collaboration.
Attendees included members of parliament, community leaders, Linking Hearts ambassadors, representatives from non-profit organisations, universities, business, and community organisations.
A main focus of this event was to highlight the importance of understanding and realigning with one’s purpose, and the power that this gives to individuals. This was a message echoed by MWA and The Culinary School throughout the afternoon, and one that resonated with all the guests that were present on the day.
The afternoon was made up of various presentations from a variety of community members. This included messages of support from local members of parliament. This included Julia Finn MP, Member for Granville representing Leader of the Opposition, Jodi McKay MP; Jihad Dib MP, Member for Lakemba; Lynda Voltz MP, Member for Auburn; and Sophie Cotsis MP, Member for Canterbury.
Messages of support and inspiration were also presented by a diverse lineup of speakers. This included, Helen Westwood, former Member of the NSW Legislative Council and long time supporter of MWA, Amanda Tattersall, founder of the Sydney Alliance, GetUp and the ChangeMakers podcast, Lydia Shelley, mother and lawyer, and Randeep Singh Grewal, Sikh & Punjabi Community Representative and Linking Hearts Ambassador.
The event culminated with the launch of the Joint Statement between Muslim Women Australia and The Culinary School:
