Students cook up a storm for van visit

Jamie Oliver’s mobile food kitchen has departed after a seven-week stint at Edith Cowan University but it may not be the last time the van is seen in Bunbury.

The kitchen has returned to Perth but will be in Western Australia for three years, with a series of seven-week courses scheduled at various venues.

Jamie’s Ministry of Food deputy chief executive officer Elise Bennetts said the program had been well received in Bunbury and she hoped there would be an opportunity to return.

“Based on our relationship with ECU, we certainly hope to be back in Bunbury with the mobile kitchen at some stage during our three-year partnership,” Ms Bennetts said.

“The students and local community have been really enthusiastic about the program.

“However, at this stage we are still planning the mobile kitchen’s schedule and will announce all locations in due course.”

Participants were able to take part in a seven-week program during the kitchen’s time in Bunbury.

Recipes and curriculum organised by Jamie Oliver formed the basis of the weekly classes, which aimed to teach simple and healthy recipes and techniques.

Mobile kitchen manager Marie Fitzpatrick described the Bunbury community’s response to the program as “unbelievable” and said she would return “in a heartbeat”.

“Most people were so excited that a program like this was available in Bunbury,” Mrs Fitzpatrick said.

“It exceeded our expectations and we found people really appreciated the program.

“From my perspective, I’m totally happy.”