Behind the Scenes: Crafting Community Connection through Infused Olive Oils

Infused Olive Oil Gifts

Behind the Scenes: Crafting Community Connection through Infused Olive Oils

As the curtains closed on our International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) End-of-Year Celebration, the real magic was unfolding behind the scenes – a magical collaboration weaving together the talents and dedication of our 4lifeskills community from Gosnells, Spearwood, and Rockingham prior to the IDPwD event. The result? A culinary masterpiece in the form of bespoke infused olive oils that showcased not only their hard work but also the bountiful produce from our thriving community gardens!

A few weeks before, this delightful initiative was born out of a desire to showcase the bountiful produce of our Spearwood community garden in a timeless and flavourful manner. Thus, the idea of creating infused olive oils emerged, involving our gardening experts Ash, and Radic, and a team of talented individuals including Paul, Josh, Harry, and others, who took the time and dedication to cultivate and maintain the community garden in Spearwood, growing delicious produce for everyone.

The vibrant Spearwood community garden, known for its refreshing mint and a variety of herbs, has long been a source of pride for our community. It’s not only a haven for local residents who come to harvest fresh goodies but has also played a significant role in our 4LifeSkills Spearwood community’s cooking programs, providing fresh produce for delicious meals.

The decision-making process for this unique project involved careful consideration of the produce’s flavour profiles. While the garden boasted an array of tempting options, the team decided to focus on three key flavors—mint, rosemary, and lemon. The distribution plan was simple yet effective, with Gosnells taking charge of mint, Spearwood embracing rosemary, and Rockingham infusing their oils with the zesty essence of lemons.

Now, let’s step into the heart of the action at Kenwick Community Centre, where the mint-infusion process unfolded! Spearwood’s mint, freshly delivered, found itself in the capable hands of Ethan, Gina, Jason, Katherine, Kelly, and Kieran. The meticulous process began with measuring and weighing, ensuring the perfect balance of mint and olive oil in each bottle. Jars were filled, labeled, and adorned with handwritten tags—transforming simple ingredients into elegant gifts.

These bottled treasures, crafted with care and brimming with community spirit, found their way into the hands of our community members and partners during the IDPwD celebration – a tangible and delectable testament to our 4lifeskills community bond. From soil to bottle, every step of this flavorful escapade embodied the essence of our 4lifeskills community coming together.

Here’s to the unique tales that add spice to our community and the shared flavors that make our 4LifeSkills community truly exceptional. Let’s savour the moments together!