Residents embrace local produce and induction cooking

Celebrating the joy of seasonal, local produce and the benefits of cooking on induction cooktops

More than 60 enthusiastic residents took part in The Seasonal Kitchen, a series of four free cooking workshops hosted by the Shire of Augusta Margaret River, celebrating the joy of seasonal, local produce and the benefits of cooking on induction cooktops. 

Held throughout March (Autumn) and June (Winter), the hands-on workshops aimed to build cooking confidence while raising awareness about the importance of utilising local seasonal produce, reducing food waste and making sustainable kitchen choices. 

Participants learnt how to prepare fresh, flavourful meals using ingredients sourced from the region, guided by experienced chefs including Nicole Ingram from Grow Cook Eat WA, and Jodie from Fair Harvest. 

Shire Sustainability Project Officer, Caitlin Jameson said the workshops were a fantastic way to bring the community together around a shared love of good food and sustainable living. 

“The feedback we’ve received has been overwhelmingly positive. People loved discovering how easy and delicious it can be to cook with local, seasonal ingredients, and many were surprised at how quickly they adapted to using induction cooktops”, said Caitlin. 

Cooking with induction was a focus of the program, with participants given the opportunity to try the technology firsthand. Unlike traditional electric or gas stovetops, induction cooktops heat cookware directly using magnetic fields, offering faster, more precise temperature control, and improved energy efficiency and overall air quality.  

One of the attendees said “…. thank you SO much for organising that amazing seasonal cooking class! It was so beautifully run, and I kept pinching myself that it was a free event…I really enjoyed cooking on the induction stovetop too! So much appreciation for what you do!” 

While another attendee said "…Really enjoyed the stats on the induction cooker. I know many who have wholeheartedly converted including our local celeb chef Tony Howell in his kitchen remodel which says something for cooking without gas. I was aware of the popularity but on the fence with power and wasn’t aware of the indoor emissions so was interesting to weave that info in. Thanks for the heartwarming opportunity and loving seeing more plant based food cookery changing people’s minds. Much appreciation to the team, shire and good souls who gathered.”

These workshops are a part of our Caring for Our Place initiative, which aims to encourage our community to work together and take coordinated action in reducing our environmental footprint. 

You can find out more here: www.amrshire.wa.gov.au/environment-and-sustainability/caring-for-our-place