Lynn Forsyth, Jill Wong and Christine Martin

Dorrigo MPS Cookbook, a community treasure

Jan 20, 2025

During the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, residents at Highview in Dorrigo Multi Purpose Service (MPS) channelled their love of cooking into a remarkable project—a community cookbook.  

What began as a simple idea to share recipes quickly grew into something extraordinary. Residents, families, staff, and friends contributed eagerly, and submissions poured in. 

Diversional Therapist Christine Martin said everyone was keen.  

“Recipes started coming thick and fast,” Ms Martin said. 

“Initially, I think most people thought it would just be paper stapled together with a cardboard cover on the front, but the cookbook became a professionally produced publication after countless hours of sorting and typing.”  

The response was overwhelming; the cookbook proved so popular that it has been reprinted twice. 

The project brought joy to many. Their passion and enthusiasm were immortalised in the book’s pages and are a testament to the power of community, creativity, and the enduring love of cooking.