PAKENHAM OFFICER STAR NEWS
Home » Food glorious food and fun

Food glorious food and fun

By BRIDGET COOK

COMMUNITY groups and residents served up their best creations from the kitchen for the annual Community Kitchen Rulz event this month.
The Hampton Park Networking Group (HPNG), in partnership with the Hampton Park Community Garden, hosted the event on Saturday 12 April, which had all the right ingredients for a fun day out.
The event included market stalls, homemade baked goodies, food tasting, traditional Devonshire tea and cooking competitions.
The bake-off was one of the main features of the day where entries from members of the community were judged and prizes handed out at the end.
Maz Chong won the savour category, Hailey Watson took out the sweet competition and Fatina Omerovic was the winner of the cake section.
Elena Kaye Aquirre was named the winner of the Under 12 category.
Another highlight of the day was the live cook-off between the HPNG, Lynbrook Residents Association (LRA) and Spirit of Cranbourne group, judged by Narre Warren South MP Judith Graley and Casey councillor Damien Rosario.
The LRA was named champions on the day, with HPNG coming in second and Spirit of Cranbourne in third.
HPNG president Vanassa Gerdes said the event was a great success.
She said fresh produce grown in the community garden was sold on the day and was a great hit.

Digital Editions


  • Macclesfield conservationist awarded OAM

    Macclesfield conservationist awarded OAM

    Macclesfield conservationist Alan David Clayton has been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division for service to conservation, the…

More News

  • Cockatoo teen wins Young Citizen of the Year

    Cockatoo teen wins Young Citizen of the Year

    At just 18, Eliza Owen from Cockatoo has already saved lives, rebuilt hope, and inspired a community. Last night, the Cardinia Shire Council recognised her extraordinary efforts, naming her Young…

  • Lang Lang celebrates local citizens

    Lang Lang celebrates local citizens

    The town of Lang Lang has a strong community despite its small size, and that fact is always on display during its Australia Day celebrations. Lang Lang gathers at the…

  • Mother takes torch, named Senior Citizen of the Year

    Mother takes torch, named Senior Citizen of the Year

    A lifetime of quiet compassion has been brought into the spotlight, with longtime volunteer Maureen Timms named 2026 Senior Citizen of the Year at the Cardinia Shire Australia Day Awards.…

  • Kids charged over alleged thieving spree

    Kids charged over alleged thieving spree

    Three boys from Greater Dandenong are facing charges over an alleged stealing spree across the South East. The trio were arrested by police on Princes Highway, Noble Park on Wednesday…

  • A testimony of hope

    A testimony of hope

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 448546 Rose’s family escaped South Sudan’s civil war and settled in Ethiopia for safety in refugee camps. In 2000, when she was 6 years…

  • Rising star shines

    Rising star shines

    Some talents shine brightest when given room to grow and Soumil Aggarwal is proof. From a simple school project, he’s crafted a film that’s capturing attention across Victoria. Gazette journalist…

  • Backhands, burns and banks

    Backhands, burns and banks

    DAVE: Morning boys, an absolute scorcher on the weekend and one member of our team is sporting the war-wounds of sunburn to prove it. We praised Blair last week for…

  • Stolen car suspect arrested

    Stolen car suspect arrested

    On the 23rd of January, the below red Toyota 86 was stolen from Cranbourne East. On the 27th of January, a Cardinia local observed the vehicle in a shopping centre…

  • Ramadan Night Markets coming to Casey

    Ramadan Night Markets coming to Casey

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 467847 After a successful run in Dandenong, the Ramadan night market is now coming to Casey for two special nights in February 2026. The…

  • Series of car thefts at Fountain Gate Shopping Centre sparks concern

    Series of car thefts at Fountain Gate Shopping Centre sparks concern

    Fountain Gate Shopping Centre has been a hotspot for a string of car thefts over the last few months with many shoppers are now choosing not to park their cars…