Men in the Northern Beaches are learning new skills and forming steady friendships at the Seaforth Oval Pavilion, where the Men’s Kitchen program offers older men a place to cook, connect and stay active in their community.
Growth Of A Community Idea
Peter Watson started Men’s Kitchen after seeing how older men can struggle when they lose a partner or face major life changes. He explained in previous statements that his father had no cooking experience after becoming widowed, and this pushed him to build a place where men could gain confidence in the kitchen and in themselves.
What began with a small group in Forestville has expanded into a network that now reaches Seaforth, Warriewood, Turramurra, Lindfield, Castle Hill, Canberra and the Gold Coast. His work has led to a nomination for the 2026 Senior Australian of the Year for New South Wales, a recognition he described as a great honour for everyone involved.
Seaforth Sessions At The Pavilion
The Seaforth group meets at the Seaforth Oval Pavilion, which serves as one of the busiest points of the Northern Beaches program. Based on the 2025 Northern Beaches calendar, sessions take place on the third Tuesday, first Thursday and fourth Friday each month, aside from the December break.
Participants are registered for their chosen day and are asked to notify their coordinator if they are unable to attend. The location offers a simple and steady rhythm for men who want routine, learning and a place to build new friendships.
How The Program Helps
Peter Watson has said that men often join because they want to learn how to cook, yet they continue attending because the sessions give them social connection. Instructors guide each pair as they prepare a meal, teaching practical skills and safe techniques. When the cooking is done, everyone sits together to share the meal and talk.
The organisation also offers support for those dealing with tough personal situations, including the option to speak with a psychologist when needed. This mix of learning and social care has helped the program expand each year.
Call For Local Support
As Men’s Kitchen grows, Peter Watson has encouraged community members and local groups to become involved. He has noted the need for volunteers with skills in administration, finance, technology and people management.
The organisation also welcomes sponsorship from businesses that want to support a practical program for older men. The aim is to reach more suburbs that have asked for a Men’s Kitchen group and to maintain the steady operations that volunteers have built across the region.
Published 21-November-2025
