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Men’s Kitchen is coming to Canada Bay
The Men’s Kitchen was started a decade ago to teach older men basic kitchen skills in a social setting. The Men’s Kitchen, a registered charity, is now launching in Concord in Canada Bay and is seeking both key volunteers and members to bring it to life.
How does Men’s Kitchen work?
At each cooking session, up to 10 men work together to prepare a two course-meal under the guidance of three experienced volunteer instructors. Everyone chooses the recipe they would like to prepare together with another member and once cooking is completed, everyone sits down together to talk about and enjoy the meal.
Why is it so important?
Good nutrition and strong social connections are critical to promote longevity and good health. Says founder and president, Peter Watson, “It has been proven that people live longer when they feel more connected. We are what we eat, so learning to cook and making new mates along the way is a win-win.”
In the Canada Bay, there are over 15,000 men aged 60 or more, many of whom have never ventured into the kitchen. Says Peter, “With retirement some men lose their sense of purpose and miss their interaction with work colleagues. In some cases, they lose their partners, or circumstances mean they need to start doing the cooking in their household. We fill that gap by positively increasing their life skills, along with helping them make some new mates.”
Says Men’s Kitchen Head Chef and lifelong cooking professional Chris Chandler, “Our men learn that with a little bit of patience and skill they produce pastry as good as any chef. The pride they feel at producing something they never thought they could achieve keeps me doing this. I‘ve taught men who have never cooked a cake in their lives to produce a stunning dessert on day one with an instructor by their side.”
Says Peter, “We started the first Men's Kitchen in the Northern Beaches of Sydney in 2016. Since then we have launched on the North Shore of Sydney, Canberra, and the Gold Coast. The goal is to keeping growing, one area at a time to offer this opportunity to some of the two million older blokes around the country.”
Can you help?
Men’s Kitchen is looking for both members to join the sessions and help from three key local volunteers: a leader to become the local district manager, a bookkeeper as our district treasurer plus a district administrator. If you would like to get involved please complete this form so we can understand you a little better. Complete this form to let us know
Like to participate?
The Men’s Kitchen is looking for members for the local Canada Bay Men’s Kitchen, plus help from a leader to become the local district manager, a bookkeeper as our district treasurer plus a district admin. If you would like to assist to get the Men’s Kitchen started in Canada Bay, or would like more information about joining the Men’s Kitchen contact Peter Watson on info@menskitchen.org.au or 0411 476 532
Graham Grainger awarded a Northern Beaches District Fellowship
Some Men’s Kitchen members are true gems. They not only come and participate in our cooking program, but they do much, much more to help fellow members, make cooking sessions work, help build the Men’s Kitchen locally and nationally and generally pitch in whenever there is a need.
Graham Grainger is just such a member!
Graham joined us in 2017 and soon after took on the role as a coordinator for his group. Subsequently he also took on the Northern Beaches Coordinator Liaison role, representing all the coordinators at the District Committee, a role he held for many years. He travelled to Canberra when we conducted the launch in 2024 and has been a regular supporter of our shopping centre membership drives. Graham has always been the first to put his hand up when something needed to be done, including helping to run our Christmas celebrations.
Several years ago, Graham had a major operation that, in short wasn’t a great success, and since that time he has been a regular visitor to the Northern Beaches Hospital for follow up procedures. Late last year we thought we were about to lose him, but being Graham, he toughed it out and while his mobility has suffered badly, he’s still with us and most importantly, still smiling.
At our last Northern Beaches committee meeting we resolved to recognise Graham’s significant and continued support that has been truly above and beyond that of most of us. So yesterday a cadre of members visited Graham at his hospital bed and presented him a District Fellowship award to formally recognise his outstanding contributions to the Organisation.
A District Fellowship award is presented to those Men’s Kitchen members whom the district committee agree have over many years gone above and beyond to ensure the ongoing successful operation of our district of the Men’s Kitchen. Each recipient is granted ongoing honorary association membership, an enduring invitation to our cooking sessions and other events we organise and their Fellowship status will be recognised on our MKA website.
Congratulations and a huge thank you Graham, you are a fantastic example to all of us.
Peter Watson nominated – NSW Senior Australian of the Year 2026
Peter Watson has been nominated as one of four finalists for the 2026 NSW Senior Australian of the Year for his work in establishing the Men’s Kitchen.
Under Peter’s stewardship over the past ten years, the Men’s Kitchen has grown and flourished thanks to the extraordinary contributions of so many people — especially our Head Chef Chris Chandler, our Finance Manager Mick Norsa, and the steady mentorship of our Chair David Brettell. Their commitment, along with that of countless others, has enriched the organisation and helped build a strong and supportive community.
A special acknowledgment goes to our many, many Cooking Instructors — the backbone of the Men’s Kitchen. Without them, we simply couldn’t function. They’re the ones our members rely on each week, not just for culinary guidance but for the friendship, support, and encouragement that makes every session something to look forward to.
We’ve also been fortunate to receive outstanding backing from a number of local Councils, with special thanks to the Northern Beaches Council, whose early and ongoing support was instrumental in helping us get established.
At the heart of it all are the older blokes who have joined to learn to cook, make great mates, and keep the Men’s Kitchen humming week after week. Many have been part of our story for years, helping to create the friendly, connected environment that defines us.
After nearly a decade of operations, we’re developing, improving, and expanding continuously and we warmly welcome any offers of support to help us grow the Men’s Kitchen across the nation.
It’s been an incredible journey — one built on community, camaraderie, and care — and this nomination is truly a reflection of everyone who’s been part of it.
Peter Watson receiving his nomination certificate from NSW Governor Margaret Beazley AC KC
Introducing the Men's Kitchen Association's newest director
On Friday 28th February 2025, the Men's Kitchen directors unanimously approved the appointment of Judy Tomas to be the Men’s Kitchen Association’s sixth director. Judy has been our company secretary for the past 18 months and has brought to that role tremendous enthusiasm and support, which we hope she will also bring to her role as a director.
Judy has more than 10 years’ experience as an executive in the not-for-profit sector and is a qualified lawyer with more than 30 years’ experience. In her current role with Mission Australia, she oversees the governance, contracting and compliance function and is part of the senior executive management team for their housing division.
Judy is committed to working in and for a values-based organisation and feels strongly about male mental health. Her leadership experience will help guide us as we evolve. Welcome to the role Judy.
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