The Cook, the Chef and Us is a Hepburn Local Drug Action Team (LDAT) supported program and funded by the Australian Drug Foundation (ADF).

Coordinated by Central Highlands Rural Health, the program is delivered to Daylesford College students. The program aims to prevent the risk of early school leaving by engaging students in alternative education opportunities.

The hospitality industry is used as an exciting learning vehicle for students to engage in new experiences and obtain industry certified qualifications. Local hospitality professionals provide a welcoming setting that encompasses community connectedness, positive role modelling and mentoring to increase student employment and personal skills, confidence and resilience.

The Cook, the Chef and Us program strengthens protective factors including education, wellbeing and resilience to improve youth mental health and wellbeing outcomes. This has resulted in students remaining engaged in education and learning, enhanced employment pathways and opportunities resulting in the reduction of risk factors that increase alcohol and other drug use.