Locals cook up a storm to raise money for basketball

“Although I loved being home with the family and homeschooling the kids, I knew I wanted to get back into cooking,” he said.

“When the RBA approached me with this idea, I knew I had to be a part of it,” he said.

With the help of Cottam's Family Butcher, which provided meat for the project, Simon got to work cooking up a storm and creating meals that would be sold to members of the community.

“We had been brainstorming and came up with the idea and we just had to do it,” RBA committee member Monique Whitehead said.

“It's a way to support the wonderful local businesses we have in town as well as give locals a taste of the meals Simon has made and the locals love and miss.”

Simon managed to cook a number of dishes, including chicken laksa and his mum's sticky date pudding.

While orders were counted and delivered last week, there may be another wave.

“We'd never say no to doing this again, but we'll have to wait and see,” Ms Whitehead said.

The team at Farmer and the Scientist have got in on the initiative too.

“Each bottle sold will go towards our fundraiser,” she said.

But to the club, it's all about the kids.

“We want to get the kids back on the court as soon as possible, and having this money will help us do that,” Ms Whitehead said.

“We have a great community here and we appreciate the support they've given us.”

When teams are able to get back on the court, the money raised will possibly allow the club to ask for reduced fees.

“At the end of the day, every dollar counts and we appreciate the support,” Ms Whitehead said.