Peats Ridge and Districts CWA Community News Report

The annual CWA Awareness Week is from 7th to 13th September 2025, and this year’s theme is seasonal eating, food sustainability, food waste, food security, food miles and paddock to plate. These terms highlight the importance of understanding our food’s origins, how we use it, and how we can make more sustainable and informed choices in both consumption and sourcing. Australia is an affluent country, but there is an alarming number of Australians who do not have enough food to eat, alongside food wastage increasing more than ever before. A 2021 food waste study revealed an average 312kg of food per person per year in Australia is wasted, with 30% coming from households. During Awareness Week, the CWA will be advocating to increase the public’s understanding of the benefits of seasonal eating, and highlighting the health, economic and environmental benefits to consumers and local producers. In the lead-up to this year’s campaign, the Peats Ridge and Districts Branch hosted a Thermomix demonstration event. The TM7 was thoroughly put through its paces with a range of recipes, showcasing its versatility and efficiency. What stood out most was how significantly it reduced the need for processed foods. It also contributed to minimal food waste and reduced packaging, as it allowed for precise ingredient use without the need to buy in bulk unnecessarily. The Peats Ridge & Districts branch have been discovering the joys of preserving seasonal produce through freezing and pickling while also making jams and relishes with an abundance of fruits and vegetables. If you would like to contact us and learn more about CWA you can find us on our NEW Facebook Page ‘CWA Peats Ridge & Districts Branch’ or send an email to [email protected]