‘Be aware of where our food comes from’
I enjoy a beautifully cooked beef steak as much as anyone else. Or a slow cooked lamb shoulder, or a roasted confit of duck the way Bowral’s Etcetera restaurant does it. Indeed, the humble hen has made it back into my kitchen repertoire.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In my childhood it wasn’t so humble, it was a great treat. My grandfather kept chooks and every now and again, as a special family treat, one was sacrificed to provide Sunday lunch.
My cousins and I watched him place the hen upon a tree stump and chop off its head, after which the chook ran around headless for a while, blood spurting from its neck.
We children would then reverently pluck its feathers and present the naked bird to my aunt, who roasted it for lunch, reserving the heart and kidneys and gizzards for the soup that followed that week. We children always stood in line for the heart, it was so tasty.
These days, as we munch and crunch through herds of animals, might we not try to adopt the traditional African warrior prayer of thanks? – Thank you, Cow/Sheep/Pig/Hen, who have given your life to sustain mine.
I’m not suggesting a new wave form of Grace before a meal (although this one could be nice), but just think it perhaps?
We’ve moved far away from being producers in the Southern Highlands, to becoming consumers. Let’s at least all be aware of where our food comes from, support the great people here growing food sustainably, and always, be grateful to that animal which provided the meal upon your plate?
As for the carrots, spinach and tomatoes, I can hear them yell ouch! Okay, enough haha.
Alexandra Springett
Bowral
Epilepsy awareness
Throughout March, communities around the world are dedicated to raising awareness of epilepsy, culminating in Purple Day on March 26 (International Epilepsy Awareness Day). During this time, people wear purple and hold events to raise funds and awareness of the condition that will affect more than 800,000 Australians in their lifetime, and 50 million people worldwide.
Sadly, due to social stigma and misconceptions, many people with epilepsy do not disclose their condition and live in fear of being ‘found out’. This Purple Day, Epilepsy Action Australia would like to encourage communities to shine a light on epilepsy by lighting up purple a local landmark and raising funds for community education services to better the lives of those affected.
Interventions by Epilepsy Action Australia can help increase understanding in our communities, such as epilepsy awareness sessions, seizure first-aid training, and the Online Academy, which offers several courses about epilepsy for parents, carers, schools and healthcare professionals.
I would encourage your community to support Purple Day during March by simply making a donation or getting involved (www.epilepsy.org.au). Please help shine a light on epilepsy this Purple Day and put your region on the map.
On behalf of all Australians living with epilepsy, thank you in advance to your readers for supporting Epilepsy Action Australia. Your support helps to reduce isolation and ensure people living with the condition are able to live the best life possible.
