Cook4Good And Urban Walk
We start the day with the Cook4Good program (2.5 hours), which is a hands-on volunteering experience where kids come together to prepare nutritious meals for individuals experiencing homelessness and food insecurity. Guided by professional chefs, participants not only develop their culinary skills but also gain a deeper understanding of social issues, fostering empathy and community engagement.
Students will then head to Darlinghurst for an interactive Urban Walk through Kings Cross (approximately 1.5 hours), led by a former *Rough Edges patron who has experienced homelessness firsthand. As they explore the streets from an insider’s perspective, the guide will share personal and sometimes confronting stories that bring the realities of homelessness to life. The walk is designed to be engaging and age-appropriate, with open discussions throughout that give students a deeper, more authentic understanding of the complex issues surrounding homelessness.
Topics covered may include:
- Drug and alcohol addiction
- Mental illness
- Bullying
- Prostitution
- HIV/AIDS
- Sleeping rough
The Urban Walk is conducted in small groups of up to 15 students per guide, creating a more comfortable environment that encourages open conversation and questions throughout the experience.
Cost Breakdown: Cook4Good plus Urban Walk - $1,195 (up to 15 students)
For the next 15 students, book an extra Urban Walk at $520. Cook4Good component charged at $45pp thereafter.
*Rough Edges café is one of our charity partners who receives our meals and care packs.
About the Program
We start the day with the Cook4Good program (2.5 hours), which is a hands-on volunteering experience where kids come together to prepare nutritious meals for individuals experiencing homelessness and food insecurity. Guided by professional chefs, participants not only develop their culinary skills but also gain a deeper understanding of social issues, fostering empathy and community engagement.
Students will then head to Darlinghurst for an interactive Urban Walk through Kings Cross (approximately 1.5 hours), led by a former *Rough Edges patron who has experienced homelessness firsthand. As they explore the streets from an insider’s perspective, the guide will share personal and sometimes confronting stories that bring the realities of homelessness to life. The walk is designed to be engaging and age-appropriate, with open discussions throughout that give students a deeper, more authentic understanding of the complex issues surrounding homelessness.
Topics covered may include:
- Drug and alcohol addiction
- Mental illness
- Bullying
- Prostitution
- HIV/AIDS
- Sleeping rough
The Urban Walk is conducted in small groups of up to 15 students per guide, creating a more comfortable environment that encourages open conversation and questions throughout the experience.
Cost Breakdown: Cook4Good plus Urban Walk - $1,195 (up to 15 students)
For the next 15 students, book an extra Urban Walk at $520. Cook4Good component charged at $45pp thereafter.
*Rough Edges café is one of our charity partners who receives our meals and care packs.
Documents
Questions & Answers
Objectives
PDHPE (Stages 3–5):
PD3-1 / PD4-2 / PD5-2: Communicates effectively and builds respectful relationships
PD3-6 / PD4-6 / PD5-6: Makes positive contributions to their world and wellbeing
PD5-11: Critically analyses health and social issues affecting communities
Civics and Citizenship:
C4.2 / C5.3: Identifies values and beliefs of diverse groups and their role in society
C4.5 / C5.5: Reflects on personal identity and their role in civic life
General Capabilities:
Ethical Understanding: Empathy, respect, social responsibility
Personal and Social Capability: Collaboration, self-awareness, decision-making
Itinerary
Arrival and introduction
0.25 hour
Arrive at Kids Giving Back hub (L1, 220 – 232 Oxford St Paddington). Introduction to the day’s program, wash hands, don aprons.
Let's get cooking
1 hour
This is the time for the kids to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty! We prepare, cut and cook (or skewer for the fruit) all the ingredients that are then cooked to perfection.
BYO recess
0.25 hour
During the children’s recess period, we take the opportunity to have informal conversations about homelessness and rough sleeping - emphasising that it can happen to anyone. We also empower them with the understanding that they’re not powerless; even small actions can make a big difference and brighten someone’s day.
More cooking
0.25 hour
We wrap up with a cooking session, after which all the meals are carefully packed into containers. The children then decorate the lids with uplifting messages and drawings - a heartfelt and meaningful part of our program that adds a personal touch to every meal.
Break for lunch
0.75 hour
Paddington Reservoir is across the road from Paddo RSL, which is a great spot for your students to have their lunch before the Urban Walk.
Walk to St John’s Anglican Church
0.5 hour
St John's Anglican Church is at 120 Darlinghurst Road, Darlinghurst.
Gather at Church courtyard
0.25 hour
Here you will meet your Urban Walk guide who will be taking you on the tour.
Commence Urban Walk around Darlinghurst/ Kings Cross
1.5 hours
You wonderful guide will take you for a walk around the area, sharing their lived experiences with you.