Cook & connect: veteran family dinner online

Cook & Connect: online dinner for war widows, defence and veteran families

Looking for a simple way to connect with others who understand the life of defence and veteran families? Our free online family dinner on Wednesday 26 November 2025 brings together war widows, veteran spouses, parents, adult children and others affected by ADF service — no cooking skills required, just bring yourself and a meal you enjoy.

Defence life can be isolating, especially when transitions or loss change our routines and support networks. This online dinner is a space to meet others, share conversation and find a moment of ease and belonging — all from the comfort of your own home and facilitated by our Wellbeing Team.

Veteran family dinner & cooking online

War widows, defence and veteran families are invited to come together for our Cook & Connect: Veteran Family Dinner Online. Facilitated by Gabby and Hayley from the Social Work and Wellbeing Program, this casual cooking experience is designed to bring the veteran family community together to share a virtual meal. Whether you are cooking for one or a whole family, this activity is designed to bring forth the benefits of a communal dinner from the comfort of your home.

We will provide you with a Woolworths or Coles gift card to contribute to the purchase of ingredients. A list of ingredients and utensils required for the meal preparation will be emailed to you prior to the Veteran Family Dinner night.

The meal is designed to feed 4 people however if you are only cooking for 1 or 2 people the facilitators will guide you on the appropriate measurements. Please only register once per household.

Indemnity waiver

By registering and participating in the virtual Veteran Family Dinner hosted by Families of Veterans Guild, at any location in Australia or virtually, I, the registered participant, hereby acknowledge and agree to the following terms and conditions;

Assumption of Risk: I understand that participating in cooking activities involve certain inherent risks, including but not limited to; cuts, burns, slips, falls, allergic reactions, and other risks associated with cooking activities, knives, heat, and other dangerous tools. I personally assume these risks when participating in this activity.

Medical Condition: I certify that I am physically fit and able to participate in the cooking activity. I agree to inform the facilitator of any medical conditions, allergies, or dietary restrictions that may affect my ability to safely participate.

Release of Liability: I hereby release and discharge Australian War Widows NSW Ltd (trading as Families of Veterans Guild), its facilitators, employees, directors, members or managers from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions, or causes of action whatsoever arising out of or related to any loss, damage, or injury, including death, that may be sustained by me or any property belonging to me while participating in the cooking class.

There is some cost for this activity. You will be posted a packet mix and gift card to help contribute to the ingredients for the cooking session, by Families of Veterans Guild.

Previous attendees to wellbeing activities said “Thank you for organising the activity, it was a wonderful experience for our family to connect and have fun together.”