The Australian Community Kitchens model was developed by Peninsula Health (Victoria, Australia) in 2004 as an innovative approach to improving the health and wellbeing of their local communities. Over the past 10 years the program has expanded nationally, and there are now approximately 100 Community Kitchens Australia wide. The concept has also started to expand internationally, with Community Kitchens starting up in Auckland and Singapore.

• 2003 – A Dietitian from Peninsula Health was awarded a Victorian Travelling Fellowship by the Department of Human Services to undertake a study tour to Canada to research the Community Kitchens concept.
• 2004 – 6 Australian Community Kitchens began in Frankston, Victoria as part of a pilot project.
• 2006 – The first Community Kitchens website was launched and the Community Kitchens Model was rolled out Australia wide.
• 2007 – Over 50 Community Kitchens were registered across Australia.
• 2014-15 – Community Kitchens message evolved from ‘Food, Fun, Friends’ to ‘Grow, Cook, Share’ to highlight the important link between gardens and kitchens.
• 2015 – Over 100 Community Kitchens across Australia (and continue to grow!).
• 2016 – Updated Community Kitchens website launched.