“Those who have walked the path before often make the best guides for those just beginning their journey,” Community Development Officer Salah Alrabie said when asked about what made this year’s Cook like a Chef program so special.
This was especially true for Chef Alex, who joined the program as a participant in 2023. Alex explained that before joining the program, he was going through severe depression. He said, “Coming to the program was the hardest thing, to get out of the house. But I managed to do it, and this has helped me to get out of my depression.”
After completing his TAFE cookery course earlier this year, Alex returned as this year’s facilitator, sharing his passion for cooking and helping others along their own journey.
“I love to cook; I started cooking when I was 16. All my family know how to cook,” Alex said.
When Alex was invited to facilitate this year’s Cook Like a Chef, he initially felt overwhelmed. Teaching a group of men, many of whom were older than him and from different cultural backgrounds, felt like a big responsibility, particularly as he is still at the beginning of his career.
However, after speaking with Salah, who runs the program, Alex felt reassured that he would have support throughout the process. “It gave me the courage to go ahead and do it. It’s a very big responsibility to teach people as I’m still at the beginning of my career and knowing that I had that support around me helped me to say yes. And George (my counsellor) gave me a lot of support.” George also attended the sessions to provide support if needed.
Teaching the men’s group came with some challenges. Salah explained that in Libya, Alex’s country of origin, you cannot give instructions to someone older than you. “I told Alex, they respect you because of your position as a chef, so you just need to raise your voice so that gives you more authority,” Salah said.
Alex also learnt that sometimes unexpected things can be stressful, such as the wrong ingredients being delivered, cooking in a small kitchen for 12 or 15 people and having to manage your time. “I think as a chef, you need to be more flexible; things can happen.”
Alex and Salah both planned the recipes that would be included in this year’s program, with a particular focus on North African dishes.
“We discussed that the recipes had to be something that reflects his story,” Salah said. “We had a mix of local favourites, like fish and chips which was the first dish he learnt to make at TAFE, and some recipes that are North African to reflect Alex’s journey.” What they found was that many of the men could find similarities with the food from their own countries. “I felt more comfortable when the people said the food reminds them of their home. I think they miss these flavours and spices. They are not from North Africa, but the dishes reminded them of home,” Alex said.
Over the program’s three years, Alex has had the opportunity to learn from Chef Brendan Pang, who facilitated the first two program cycles. From the first year, Alex was inspired by Brendan, and it was the first time he had been around someone with such extensive cooking experience. “I remember thinking, wow, when I saw him cook for the first time.” Salah said Brendan would also ask how Alex was going with his studies, checking in and encouraging him to continue with his cooking journey.
This year, Brendan came back for the last session as a special guest. “All these things have built me from my experience working in a restaurant, my experience at TAFE, and this program built my confidence. I still don’t see myself like Brendan, not on the same level. But I feel more confident just standing next to him now. When I think about the program, it’s the reason I chose to study cooking,” said Alex.
His wish is that Cook Like a Chef continues to run so it can help more people, especially those who are new arrivals in Australia. He explained, “When I arrived here, I was very lonely and isolated, and it was a different culture, language and people. It felt a little bit dark. As newcomers, we don’t have money. We don’t have jobs. We don’t have accommodation. Sometimes we don’t have so many things. The only thing that we have is time; we have unlimited time. So instead of sitting and waiting for things to happen, take those opportunities. There’s a lot of love here. Everyone at ASeTTS is lovely with people; it’s great.”
His dream is to buy a house and even open a North African-inspired restaurant. For now, Alex is looking at employment opportunities that can help him reach this goal. He would also like to help people in the future and give back to the organisations that supported him. Alex said, “Not necessarily helping through cooking, but maybe interpreting and talking to someone who has newly arrived.”
Alex’s journey with ASeTTS has been nothing short of inspiring. He started as a participant in the men’s cooking program, went on to complete a course in cookery with TAFE, returned last year as a Champion, and this year was invited to facilitate the program.
His advice to others about joining programs like these is: “The first light that comes in that loneliness and darkness is when we decide to make the first move. It’s not like someone would come and light the way for us. We must get out of our comfort zone, try to engage in activities and programs, and improve our English. And then things are going to get better for sure.”
