NSW Governor Margaret Beazley had never been a big fan of Christmas pudding but a Newcastle not-for-profit will be on her family's table this December.
On Monday October 28, Adamstown Pudding Kitchen hosted Governor Beazley and her husband Dennis Wilson at the Uniting Church and adjoining kitchen, where they officially launched their Christmas season.
"This is a new discovery for us at the government house, and what a wonderful discovery it is," the Governor said.
"I think a lot of love has gone into this and a lot of talent. Absolutely delicious," she said.
The kitchen's origins date back to 1971 from a family recipe used by a church member for a fundraiser after her brother returned safely from the Vietnam War.
More than 50 years on, the not-for-profit has a small team of staff and volunteers that produce more than 8000 puddings a year as well as handmade chocolates, jams and gift hampers.
Volunteers help package, prepare and sell the products using around 6000 lengths of ribbon and measuring 4000 kilograms of dried fruit a year.
While all products were now available all year round online or in-store, kitchen manager Janet Newtown said pudding sales really ramped up in November and December.
"The generosity drives the volunteers to help here. I think having volunteers, it's about a sense of community," Ms Newton said.
"It is a very happy, noisy time."
Profits from their dessert sales go towards humanitarian initiatives such as disaster relief in the Pacific, women's leadership programs in Indigenous communities, local youth music programs, and safe drinking water projects in East Timor and Africa.
Puddings range from traditional to apricot and ginger, date, double choc cherry and a gluten-free and vegan option.
How did the state Governor end up at a local Hunter charity?
Ms Newton's brother, David Charlton, is the newly-appointed High Commissioner to Tuvalu, and when visiting Government House, he suggested a taste-test of the festive desserts.
"Our chef was won over by these beautiful, beautiful puddings," Governor Beazley said.
"It went around the government house, all the staff were doing a taste test, it was not only a product we wanted to support but such a heartfelt story," she said.
Governor Beazley said they wanted to be able to support NSW communities beyond functions at her official residence.
"To be able to take these Christmas puddings further afield, to us is a great joy," she said.
Ms Newtown said there were plans to serve the kitchen's puddings at some state Christmas functions, and sell jams and chocolates for the Governor's residence.
Community and acceptance
Newcastle local, Jenny Webb has been volunteering at Adamstown Pudding Kitchen for around 20 years.
She lost her husband 15 years ago and she appreciated being surrounded by like-minded friends.
"You are doing something worthwhile, and the profits go to valuable things," she said.
"Oh, I feel accepted by people."
Team leader, Jenine de Plater echoed the sense of community in the church's kitchen
"The camaraderie is great, we all have a fun time, and the smells when it is cooking are amazing," she said.
"The quality of the food is just so good."
Touring Newcastle
On her visit, Governor Beazley visited the remodeled Newcastle's Guide Dogs facility, the University of Newcastle, and the Port of Newcastle.
On Monday morning, the Governor toured the Purai Global Indigenous History Centre which looks at new interdisciplinary research for the study of global Indigenous histories.
Two Newcastle school students were presented with Youth Community Service Awards at Government House in Sydney on Friday October 25.
Cadence Campbell from Lambton High School and Sadie Smart from Newcastle Grammar School were two of the 26 students given awards for exceptional service or engagement with their local community.
Services included local initiatives such as education, health and welfare for disadvantaged or underprivileged communities, to international initiatives in a host of community development activities such as education, health, sanitation and infrastructure projects.
