Fund-raising officer Amity Dunstan said the preschool was calling for people to contribute to the cookbook.

“We are seeking recipes that are ingrained in the families of Natimuk and the west Wimmera,” she said.

“The traditional recipes from our oldest generation and ancestors should be both cherished and used in our homes.

“They might take more time to prepare, but they often have no processed ingredients and everything can be locally sourced.”

Mrs Dunstan said the cookbook would feature a collection of recipes from Wimmera pioneers, together with modern, everyday recipes made by the families of the preschool children.

“Generational change in food preparation is evident,” she said. 

“Specialist markets now help us to experience foreign meals at home.

“We can purchase a wide range of aids to make cooking faster and we can access the internet to learn new methods.

“This cookbook is a celebration of both old and new.”

Mrs Dunstan said anyone wanting to contribute recipes could drop them into the Natimuk Preschool on Monday, Tuesday or Thursday between 9am and 3pm to post them to PO Box 19, Natimuk.

“Contributors will be recognised with their recipe,” Mrs Dunstan said.

She said people could call her on 5388 2239 for more information.