Scones, Stories and Secret Recipes The CWA Cookbook and Country Cooking

Join leading WA food writer Max Veenhuyzen and a panel of experts for a morning tea (and, of course, scones) as they discuss the CWA’s impact on West Australian palettes. 

Explore the enduring influence of both the Country Women’s Association (CWA) and its iconic cookbook The CWA Cookery Book and Household Hints on WA’s food landscape and generations of cooks, both young and old.

Panellists include CWA WA Chief Executive Officer Trish Langton, CWA State President Felicity Edwards, 2025 WA Good Food Guide Chef of the Year Blaze Young and the owner of North Street Store and Big Loaf, Lachlan Bissett. 

Presented as part of the State Library’s latest exhibition, A Recipe for Life, exploring WA’s food heritage.

If you’re still hungry to learn more after the event, wander across the road to the National Archives for their exhibition Disrupt, Persist, Invent and stay for the talk Tea, Bickies and Stories of Social Change where they discuss everything from noisy protests to the quieter persistence of organisations like the CWA.

Panelists

Trish Langdon

CWA of WA Chief Executive Officer

Growing up in Harvey taught Trish Langdon all about the importance of farming and community. Her dad was an agricultural scientist and her mum’s family established historic WA food brand, Watsonia. Mum, incidentally, was also part of the CWA, so no doubt Mama Langdon is thrilled that her daughter is helping shape the organisation’s future. 

Felicity Edwards

CWA of WA State President

Born in Beverley into a generational wheat and sheep farming family, Felicity Edwards’ early years were shaped by rural life, community values and, naturally, the CWA. While firmly established in Perth, a yearning for new purpose led her back to the CWA and the Perth Belles: the first “Belles” branch established to raise awareness of the CWA among younger, urban women.

Blaze Young

Executive chef of Edward & Ida’s, Foxtrot Unicorn and Nieuw Ruin

When you’re born into a family of great cooks, it’s inevitable that you’ll follow suit. Just ask Blaze Young, the award-winning chef who turned her back on the legal industry to pursue a career in the kitchen. While she oversees the menus at multiple establishments, a love of nostalgic, classic flavours is a common thread connecting all her food.

Lachlan Bisset

Co-founder of Big Loaf Bakery

After winning hearts with their Cottesloe neighbourhood bakery North Street Store, Lachlan Bisset and business partner Craig Stewart decided to not just think big, but to think Big Loaf. The result? A beloved bakery where contemporary breadcraft meets nostalgia via chunky vanilla slices, glorious pies, hefty Long Johns and other pitch-perfect yesteryear favourites.

Max Veenhuyzen

Moderator

Max is a culinary journalist, photographer and consultant who reflects on food, drink and travel for various publications. His work appears in Gourmet Traveler, WA Today and Good Food Guide.