Workshops and Events
Watch this space for the latest updates of our workshops and events!
Simply V Cooking Class (Jul 2025)
Our July Simply V Cooking Class brought together comforting flavours and simple techniques to create two delicious vegetarian dishes that warmed both hearts and tummies.
Red Bean Rice Cake
These soft, chewy pancakes filled with sweet red bean paste were a hit with participants. Made from glutinous rice flour, the cakes were pan-fried to golden perfection—crisp on the outside, gooey on the inside. A nostalgic treat in many Asian cuisines, they were perfect for dessert or afternoon tea. Simple, satisfying, and full of flavour!
Pumpkin with Peanut Sauce
The second dish featured tender chunks of boiled pumpkin smothered in a fragrant peanut sauce. The nutty richness paired beautifully with the natural sweetness of the pumpkin, creating a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect with a bowl of steamed rice.
As always, participants connected through shared stories and laughter, while preparing wholesome, plant-based meals together. We can’t wait to see you at the next one!
Mandarin and Cultural Adventure Group (Jun 2025)
Our June session of the Mandarin and Cultural Adventure Group was filled with energy and tradition as we explored the vibrant celebration of the Dragon Boat Festival!
We began by revisiting Chinese stroke writing, helping the children strengthen their understanding of how characters are built, one stroke at a time. With growing confidence, they also continued practising Hanyu Pinyin, slowly building a solid foundation in pronunciation.
The highlight of the session was diving into the story behind the Dragon Boat Festival. The children listened to the tale of Qu Yuan, the patriotic poet whose legacy is honoured with dragon boat races and sticky rice dumplings known as zongzi. We explored the different types of zongzi, sparking curiosity and a few hungry tummies!
The children got hands-on with a fun and creative craft activity: making their own miniature dragon boats, complete with tiny handmade dumplings. With colourful materials and big imaginations, their boats came to life, and so did the spirit of the festival.
Simply V Cooking Class (Jun 2025)
In our June Simply V Cooking Class, held in collaboration with VCAI, we welcomed participants to another nourishing afternoon of plant-based cooking and community sharing.
This month’s menu featured two delicious vegetarian dishes that brought together both hearty satisfaction and comforting flavour.
Vegetarian Sausage Rolls
A golden twist on a much-loved classic! These flaky, savoury rolls were filled with a wholesome blend of carrots, walnuts, oats, and feta cheese. Baked to perfection in puff pastry, they were quick to prepare and an instant crowd-pleaser, perfect for entertaining or simply enjoying as a snack.
Braised Eggplant
This flavour-packed dish highlighted eggplant’s incredible ability to soak up savoury sauces. Slow-cooked until meltingly tender with ginger, soy sauce, and a touch of chilli, the braised eggplant offered a beautiful balance of sweet, salty, and umami. Whether enjoyed as a main or a side, it added depth and warmth to any meal.
As always, participants enjoyed the hands-on experience, learning step-by-step how to prepare each dish and picking up tips along the way. It was a session filled with delicious aromas, vibrant colours, and lively conversation, reminding us how food connects and nourishes us on many levels.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the class! We look forward to sharing more tasty, plant-based recipes with you in our next session.
A Table for Tea: You’re Invited
Dear friends, tea lovers, and kindred spirits,
After much anticipation, we’re thrilled to invite you to our long-awaited traditional tea session – a moment to pause, sip, and reconnect.
A Table for Tea is more than just tea – it’s a gentle gathering of hearts and stories, steeped in culture, care, and stillness. Whether you’re a seasoned sipper or simply curious, come as you are and be part of this soulful experience.
Dates: Aug 09, Sept 13, Oct 11
Location: Riverway Library Townsville, Von Stieglitz Meeting Room
Time: 2pm to 3.30pm
Cost: $15 per person (includes full tea tasting experience & light refreshments)
RSVP: https://forms.gle/SxY5pjeyZWz9zJ539
Spaces are limited, so reserve your seat at the table soon 
With warmth,
The Nurtureland TSV team 
Simply V Cooking Class (May 2025) Tea Appreciation Session
In May, we partnered with VCAI for a special edition of our Simply V Cooking Class—an immersive Tea Appreciation session. Participants explored the world of tea through the senses, learning about different types of tea leaves, traditional teapots, and the artful steps of brewing. Everyone had the chance to experience hands-on tea making, discovering the patience and mindfulness it requires.
The session concluded with a meaningful sharing titled “The Way of Tea and Life: Seeing the World in a Leaf, Understanding Life in a Sip.” Through this, we reflected on the deeper philosophy of tea—embracing impermanence, cultivating simplicity, and finding wisdom in every sip. It was a quiet yet powerful reminder that in a single cup, we can find both stillness and insight.
Mandarin and Cultural Adventure Group (Apr 2025)
April’s Mandarin and Cultural Adventure Group brought a joyful blend of language and festive fun in celebration of Easter! The children learned to write Chinese numerals, gaining confidence in their character strokes, and were introduced to the hanyu pinyin sound “b” through engaging pronunciation activities. They listened attentively to the origin story of Easter and eagerly answered questions to show what they’d learned. Excitement filled the room during the Easter game, where everyone collected plenty of chocolate eggs! To end the session on a creative note, the children made their very own Easter bunnies during craft time, combining cultural exploration with seasonal celebration.
Simply V Cooking Class (Apr 2025)
Hosted together with VCAI, our April Simply V Cooking Class introduced two delicious plant-based delights that were both comforting and creative. Participants learned to make Samoa Dupe Cookies, a healthier, homemade version of the beloved Girl Scout classic—chewy, coconut-packed, chocolate-dipped, and completely vegan and gluten-free. They also prepared Vegetarian Dumplings, filled with a vibrant mix of mushrooms, water chestnuts, carrots, and spinach, and perfect whether steamed, boiled, or pan-fried.
Following the cooking session, participants enjoyed a short sharing on the teachings of Confucius, rounding off the class with thoughtful reflection and meaningful conversation.
Mandarin and Cultural Adventure Group (Mar 2025)
March’s Mandarin and Cultural Adventure Group was a meaningful blend of language learning and cultural reflection. The children began by exploring the basic strokes of Chinese characters, then practised writing their names and simple characters with growing confidence. They also continued their hanyu pinyin journey, building a stronger foundation in pronunciation. This session introduced Tomb Sweeping Day, a special time for honouring ancestors, paying respects to the deceased, and welcoming the arrival of spring. To deepen their understanding, the children created thoughtful Tomb Sweeping Day crafts, connecting with the traditions in a hands-on and heartfelt way.
Simply V Cooking Class (Mar 2025)
Conducted jointly with VCAI, our March cooking class introduced participants to two flavourful and aromatic dishes. Herbal Soy Chip and Mushroom Medley combined earthy mushrooms, black fungus, and red dates with crispy yet tender soy chips, all infused with the warmth of ginger and goji berries for a perfectly balanced herbal dish. Meanwhile, Indonesian Yellow Curry showcased the rich and vibrant flavours of Indonesian cuisine, with its golden hue and creamy, spice-infused coconut base complementing vegetables and plant-based meat.
After the cooking session, participants engaged in a short sharing on Confucius’ teachings on The Way of the Mind, exploring its significance as both a practice and a way of life. It was a session of culinary exploration and philosophical reflection, leaving everyone inspired in both mind and palate.
Mandarin and Cultural Adventure Group (Feb 2025)
February’s Mandarin and Cultural Adventure Group was a festive celebration of the Lunar New Year! We started with a writing session before diving into hanyu pinyin, where the children learned about initial consonants. The highlight of the day was a lively performance by our volunteers, bringing the legendary story of Nian to life and teaching the kids why firecrackers, red decorations, and loud noises are part of the celebrations. The children then got creative, crafting beautiful paper lanterns using red packets. To finish, they practised writing spring greetings with calligraphy brushes, embracing the festive spirit and traditional artistry.