Events with
Lillie Giang
The Food
Affectionist
Maroondah Festival 2026
The Tastes of Maroondah Stage has become a popular feature of the festival, celebrating Maroondah's wonderful diversity through food, culture, and community.
We invite everyone who loves food to join us for a day of fun, food and community connections.
Mooncake Masterclass
Celebrate the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival with our Mooncake-making demonstration. Watch our expert chef Lillie Giang, the Food Affectionist, as she creates delightful pastries with sweet or savoury fillings.
Come along for a fun hands-on workshop. The fun part is the tasting.
Endeavour Hills Library is hosting this event and will open online bookings soon. Sign up to be notified.
Small Family Meals Project
The Food Affectionist will host a cooking demonstration at CHAMPION Community Hub from 1 pm- 2 pm, using rescued food in collaboration with Outer East Foodshare.
Join us at CHAMPION Community Hub for a delicious cook-up with random ingredients and one-pot wonders packed with vegetables and other goodness. Come along to learn how we can whip up a storm using ingredients from our pantry, fridge, and freezer. Everyone is welcome to join us in the hall for some delicious food. CHAMPION will be open during its usual hours of 12.30-3 pm.
Everyone is welcome to join us in the hall for some delicious food. See you there!
Small Family Meals Project
Join us at Champion Community Care for a delicious cook-up with random ingredients, one-pot wonders with loads of vegetables. Come along to learn how we can whip up a storm using ingredients from our pantry, fridge, and freezer.
Zero Waste Festival
Join the Food Affectionist as she hosts Frugal Foodies: The Zero Waste Mystery Box Cook Off at 4.30 pm.
Goulburn Fishing Festival
The Food Affectionist will be cooking up a storm with Trout at the Goulburn Fishing Festival. Mark the date in your diary, we shall update this page as soon as we have more information.
Cooking Class with Lillie
This will be a fun, hands-on cooking experience where we'll Learn, Cook and Share a delicious feast together. Along the way, I'll share practical tips to help you create flavour-packed meals that are affordable, reduce food waste and build confidence in the kitchen.
Cooking Class with Lillie
This will be a fun, hands-on cooking experience where we'll Learn, Cook and Share a delicious feast together. Along the way, I'll share practical tips to help you create flavour-packed meals that are affordable, reduce food waste and build confidence in the kitchen.
Induction Cooking At SEC Morwell Hub
Join The Food Affectionist for a fun and informative live cooking demonstration, where Lillie will prepare three delicious dishes using an induction cooktop, showcasing just how easy, efficient and enjoyable induction cooking can be.
SPRINGVALE SNOW FEST 2026
The Springvale Snow Festival is back in 2026, and The Food Affectionist is excited to be part of the celebrations — cooking up a storm with delicious live cooking presentations amongst 30,000 plus visitors.
Winter comfort food with the Food Affectionist
Winter comfort food with the Food Affectionist
Thursday 11 June 2026, 10:30 am - 12:00pm
Join Lillie Giang, founder of The Food Affectionist, for a warm and flavour‑packed Winter Comfort Food demonstration showcasing the ease of electric cooking.
Lillie will prepare her nourishing Japanese Curry Vegetables, highlighting rich flavours and vibrant produce while demonstrating how electric appliances support cleaner indoor air and efficient cooking. This engaging session will inspire you to create delicious, wholesome meals that bring people together.
Book essential due to limited places: Please register via: https://winter-comfort-food-all-electric.eventbrite.com.au/?aff=presenter
Melbourne Home Show cooking demonstrations
Join The Food Affectionist Lillie Giang at the Melbourne Home Show. Lillie will be at the SEC stand flipping pancakes, steaming Bao Buns, grilling Quesadillas and tossing soybean noodles.
From 10am to 2pm each day Friday to Sunday.
Biggest Prosperity Toss in the Southern hemisphere
Join us for a vibrant and uplifting celebration of abundance with The Food Affectionist!
Inspired by the traditional Prosperity Toss salad, this event symbolises peace, unity, growth, and harmony.
Experience the energy and colour of each toss as we transform a simple salad into a joyful celebration of togetherness. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this record-breaking community moment!
FREE – Bookings required. Secure your spot via events.yourlibrary.vic.gov.au
Greater Dandenong Sustainability Festival
Come along and visit us at the SEC marquee, where we’ll be cooking up a whole range of delicious, sustainable bites for festival-goers to taste, enjoy, and be inspired by. From fresh flavours to creative dishes, we’ll be sharing how great food and sustainability can go hand in hand.
Whether you're a passionate foodie or just curious to try something new, stop by, say hello, and sample some of our tasty morsels.
Your taste buds will thank you!
It’s a free, family-friendly celebration packed with hands on fun, inspiring ideas and community energy
This year’s theme, “Change Starts at Home,” invites you to explore impactful actions, such as reducing waste or electrifying your home, to help protect our planet, save money and build resilience in a changing climate.
Arcadia Fish Hatchery Open Day
The open day includes tours by our fish production experts of the hatchery’s 125 ponds which can produce up to 6 million Murray cod and golden perch each year.
Another highlight is the Arcadia Visitors Centre with its adventure playground, educational signage, picnic areas and fish-out pond stocked with Murray cod, golden perch and silver perch.
There are also free learn-to-fish clinics for kids, live music, a fishing simulator, outdoor games and fishy-themed arts and crafts.
The Food Affectionist, Lillie Giang, will be holding filleting and cooking demonstrations that will help visitors to make the most of the delicious fish. If that has made you hungry, lunch can be purchased including fish burgers, fish and chips, a sausage sizzle and a coffee van.
Ballan Autumn Festival
Come along to a fun day at the Ballan Autumn Festival. It is an annual celebration of local culture, creativity and community, and is one of the oldest regional country fairs in the Moorabool Shire.
Autumn Festival 2026 promises to be the best ever, with a central stage for entertainment, more artisanal market stalls, and a seated and shaded dining precinct, along with the Festival’s perennial crowd pleasers.
Make sure to visit the SEC pop-up food station where the Food Affectionist, Lillie Giang will be serving up some favourite bites such as vegetable puffs, Peking-style wraps, smokey cauliflower tacos and vegetable gyozas. Tastings are free.
Don’t miss the Grand Parade, and get up close and personal with an amazing selection of beautiful vintage cars.
Browse over 100 market stalls and put together a feast from a huge array of food trucks, gathered in the Festival’s new seated and shaded dining precinct.
Glen Waverley Lunar New Year and Lantern Festival
Join The Food Affectionist, Lillie Giang, at the Community Kitchen stage.
11am - Prosperity Toss Salad - Chef Lillie with Veronica Yong
12pm - Dumpling Competition - Wendy Khong and Nancy Wong
1 pm - Chicken Pongteh - Peranakan Melbourne
2pm - Spring Roll Making - Michelle Quan with Chef Lillie
3pm - Sweet & Sour Fish - Chef Lillie
4pm - Longevity Noodles - Sokim Lay with Chef Lillie
Knox Festival
Knox Fest is a free community event which invites the people of Knox to come together and celebrate community life. This much-loved event will return on Saturday 28 February 2026 from 10am to 10pm at Wally Tew Reserve, Ferntree Gully.
Ready Steady Cook competitions starting hourly from 11am, hosted by Lillie Giang (The Food Affectionist).
11:00 am – Knox Chinese Elderly Club
12:00 pm – Melbourne All Abilities Lions Club vs The Food Affectionist
1:00 pm – Mountain District Learning Centre vs Coonara House
2:00 pm – CFA vs SES
3:00 pm – The Basin Backyard vs Outer East Foodshare
4:00 pm – Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place This much-loved event will return on Saturday 28 February 2026 from 10am to 10pm at Wally Tew Reserve, Ferntree Gully.
Featuring a range of activities for the whole family including live music, amusement rides, cooking demonstrations, food trucks, arts and outdoor play, youth hub, kids activities, active hub, community and market stalls, ‘come and try’ activities and heaps more!
Festival Day program (10 am - 5 pm)
Live music and performances
Local stallholders and market
Cooking demonstrations
Food trucks
Amusements and rides
Circus workshops
Roller rink
Live art and glow show
Active Hub and outdoor play
Free activities for the whole family
Evening program
Stay for dinner, tunes and amusements as the sun sets over Wally Tew Reserve.
Live Music
Food trucks
Amusements and rides
Fireworks at 9:45pm
FREE entry. Please note there is no public parking at the event
Please note, there will be a fireworks display at approximately 9:45pm.
Knox Fest is an all ages, family friendly, alcohol/ drug/ smoke/ vape free event.
Please leave your pets at home, however guide dogs and companion dogs are welcome.
For more information https://www.knox.vic.gov.au/whats-happening/events-activities-and-festivals/festivals-and-civic-events/knox-festival
Forest Hill Chase Cooking Demos
Join Lillie Giang, the Food Affectionist, as she shows you how to create authentic Asian dishes to celebrate Lunar New Year, then get the little ones involved with interactive cooking workshops.
Location: Near ALDI
Saturday 21 February
11am: Prosperity Toss Salad - Cooking Demo
12pm: Quesadillas - Kids Cooking Class
1pm: Longevity Noodles - Cooking Demo
2pm: Dumplings - Kids Cooking Class
Sunday 22 February
11am: Buddha's Vegetable Stew - Cooking Demo
12pm: Trifle Dessert - Kids Cooking Class
1pm: Sweet & Sour Fish - Cooking Demo
2pm: Chicken Spring Rolls - Kids Cooking Class
Introduction to Active Volunteering and Event Planning Course
This course explores the skills and opportunities available to be an active volunteer and a confident event planner. You will gain insight into different volunteer roles that can be used to develop practical skills and experience. Event planning and management will also be explored.
The Food Affectionist, Lillie Giang, will be running this course, drawing on her vast experience as founder of Feed One Feed All (FOFA) a charity that rescues food and feeds those in need in the local communities. This charity relies on an army of volunteers in a number of roles to keep the kitchen running and the meals going out, as well as fundraising events.
Endeavour Hills Library Prosperity Toss
Join Lillie Giang, the Food Affectionist, to prepare a hearty and delicious salad traditionally enjoyed around Lunar New Year to celebrate the beginning of 2026.
The Prosperity Toss is more than just food—it brings energy, unity, peace and harmony to the community, while encouraging everyone to have fun and mingle together.
Live Cooking demos at Casey Central
Join Lillie Giang, The Food Affectionist, as she shows you how to create easy and budget-friendly recipes for healthy and tasty lunchbox snack ideas that your kids will love!
Saturday 17 January 2026
11am: Vegetable Wraps
12pm: Spinach & Cheese Scrolls
Sunday 18 January
11am: Vegetable Puffs
12pm: Zucchini & Carrot Cheese Fritters
Location: Near Woolworths. Find all the times and details here: https://bit.ly/3Yj7txJ
Maroondah Festival
Join the Food Affectionist, Lillie Giang, in a foodie journey around the world in association with a number of cultural groups showcasing their traditional dishes.
Forest Hill Chase - The Cooking Corner - Sunday 2nd November 2025
🍳✨ Join Us Tomorrow at The Cooking Corner! ✨🍳
Get ready for another flavour-packed day of fun and food at Forest Hill Chase! The Food Affectionist is back at The Cooking Corner with four delicious live sessions for the whole family — from sizzling demos to hands-on kids’ cooking classes. All free!
👩🍳 Tomorrow’s Line-Up:
🕚 11:00 am – Chicken Curry Laksa
A fragrant, creamy laksa that’s sure to warm your tastebuds!
🕛 12:00 pm – Stuff Your Own Baked Potato (Kids Class)
Little chefs create their own baked potato masterpiece with fun fillings! 🥔🧀
🕐 1:00 pm – Mongolian Beef
Watch how to make this tender, saucy stir-fry — a quick family favourite! 🥩
🕑 2:00 pm – DIY Chicken Pasta Salad (Kids Class)
A colourful, hands-on class where kids mix, toss and taste their own pasta creation! 🍝
Bring the family, join the fun, and let’s get cooking together!
Twenty places available for kids’ classes - get there early, first in, best dressed.
#TheFoodAffectionist #CookingCorner #ForestHillChase #KidsCooking #FamilyFun #FoodLovers #WeekendCooking
FREE Family Fun at The Cooking Corner! Forest Hill Chase (near ALDI)
Join Lillie Giang – The Food Affectionist for a day of flavour, fun, and hands-on cooking adventures!
Live Cooking Demonstrations
11am–12pm: Beef Noodle Stir Fry
1pm–2pm: Nasi Goreng
(Up to 30 people per session)
Kids’ Cooking Workshops
12pm–1pm: Kids’ Onigiri
2pm–3pm: Kids’ Rice Paper Rolling
(Up to 20 children per session – first in, best dressed!)
Discover delicious recipes made with fresh, local ingredients from your favourite retailers — and enjoy a day packed with food, family, and fun at Forest Hill Chase!
Cooking Demos in New Food and Dining Mall
Cooking Demonstrations & Kids’ Cooking Workshops to celebrate the opening of
Forest Hill Chase’s new look Fresh Food & Dining Mall on Level 1.
Join Lillie Giang – The Food Affectionist
Experience live cooking demonstrations and hands-on kids’ workshops led by Lillie Giang. Discover delicious recipes made with fresh, local ingredients from our retailers.
Cooking Demonstrations
🕚 11am – 12pm
🕐 1pm – 2pm
Catering for up to 30 people per session
Kids’ Cooking Workshops
🕛 12pm – 1pm
🕑 2pm – 3pm
Limited spots available – first in, best dressed! Catering for up to 20 children per session.
Other Activites at the centre
Spin to Win Giveaway — Near Colonial Fresh, 10am-2pm
Spend and spin for your chance to win! Simply spend $50 or more at any participating supermarket, fresh food or food court stores and take a spin to win instant prizes. Single or multiple receipts accepted. Plus, every spin puts you in the daily draw to win a $200 Coles Gift Card!
Kids’ Face Painting — Food Court, 11am-3pm
Retailer Food Sampling — In the Food Court, 11am-3pm Saturday and Sunday only
New Stores: KFC, Soul Origin, Dumpling Chef, Bunn Mee & Pho, The Butcher Club, and more new stores, as well as a refreshed Colonial Fresh and Subway!
For more information .foresthillchase.com.au/whats-on/lets-celebrate-fresh-arrivals
Snack out festival
Watch, learn, and taste! Join hands-on cooking classes from Lillie Giang, the Food Affectionist, and learn how to make delicious Asian snacks and healthy sweet treats at home.
Snack Stage - Near Ferguson Plarre, Sunday only
10am: Salad
11am: Dumplings & Wontons
12pm: Rice Paper Rolls
1pm: No Rum Balls
Please note, classes are limited to 18 participants for each session, first in best dressed.
Other Events during the weekend:
🍪 Cookie Monster Meet & Greet
Near Boost Juice, 10am - 1pm Saturday only
Meet Sesame Street's sweet treat-loving resident, the Cookie Monster! Snap a photo and say 'Hi!' to our favourite blue muppet.
🍎 Mini Munchers Zone
Near ALDI
A playful paradise for little snackers! On Saturday, kids can get creative and decorate their own cookies. Then on Sunday, the little ones can make their own fruit kebabs with Colonial Fresh.
🎨 Face Painting
Near Boost Juice, Sunday only
Bring your kids' imagination to life with face painting. Whether it's a fierce tiger, a beautiful butterfly, or their favourite superhero, our talented artists can make it happen.🎁 Spin to Win
Near Colonial Fresh
Shop at The Pines and unlock instant rewards! Simply spend $50 or more during the Snack Out Festival, then win prizes from our spinning wheel. Prizes include Snack Bags, Snack Vouchers and gift cards*.
*Terms and conditions apply.
🗺️ Snack Safari Trail
Near Colonial Fresh
Embark on a tasty treasure hunt across the centre. Discover hidden snack stations, collect stamps, and unlock surprise treats!
Mooncake Masterclass
Celebrate traditional Mid Autumn festival with our Mooncake making demonstration. Watch our expert chef Lillie Giang, the Food Affectionist, as she creates delightful pastries with sweet or savoury fillings.
Fully Booked
This event is fully booked. You're welcome to join the waiting list to be notified if space becomes available.
Zinda Multicultural Festival - Friday 26th September 2025
The Food Affectionist x Victorian Fisheries Authority at Zinda Pop-Up
The Food Affectionist is proud to collaborate with the Victorian Fisheries Authority and join the Bendigo Chinese Association in celebrating the Harvest Moon Festival at the vibrant Zinda Pop-Up.
Zinda Festival is Bendigo’s signature multicultural event, bringing together music, dance, food, and culture to celebrate the rich diversity of regional Victoria. It’s a place where stories are shared, traditions are honoured, and communities connect.
Come and taste, learn, and celebrate with us as we showcase the flavours of the season and the joy of coming together..
Free Entry: - Fun arts and crafts, Children’s activities + Free ice cream, cooking demos and kids’ cooking classes, celebration of culture and community
Where: Dai Gum San Chinese Precint, Bendigo
Time: 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Arcadia Open Day - Sunday 6th April 2025
Get ready for another Arcadia Native Fish Hatchery open day! You’ll get an exclusive, behind-the-scenes glimpse into how we grow millions of Murray cod and golden perch each year, and how an ongoing expansion of the site will triple production capacity to a whopping six million fish per year.
The day will also include plenty of things to do for kids including free learn-to-fish clinics, fishy-themed arts and crafts, outdoor games and an adventure playground. Anglers can bring their own gear and wet a line in the Visitor Centre’s fish-out pond for a Murray cod, golden perch or silver perch.
Located on the banks of the Goulburn River, 20 minutes south of Shepparton, our Arcadia facility was opened in 2021 and has since produced millions of native fish as part of Victoria’s record-breaking fish stocking program.
Date: Sunday 6 April, 2025
Time: 9am - 4pm
Location: 200 Ross Road, Arcadia South
Activity registration:
Hatchery tours: register here
Kids fishing clinics: register here
There’ll be fun and exciting activities for the whole family, including:
Guided tours of the hatchery facility by native fish production staff, providing insight into how cod and golden perch are grown.
Free fishing clinics for kids with Fishcare at the Visitor Centre’s fish-out pond. Rods and tackle provided.
Kids educational activities, outdoor activities and fishy-themed arts and crafts.
Filleting and cooking demonstrations, including tastings.
Fisheries staff on-hand, including Fisheries Officers, to answer all your fishy questions, and scientists dissecting and discussing all things Murray cod.
Aquaculture hub with tastings of Murray cod
Robbie Alexander will be there to chat about local fishing spots and tips
Live music
Fishing simulator
Food trucks and coffee van onsite to purchase refreshments.
Knox Community Cultural Celebration - Saturday 5th April 2025
Free Knox community event to celebrate culture!
Join us for a day of cultural exchange for Cultural Diversity Week! Enjoy activities for all ages and backgrounds:
Multicultural Workshops
First Nations Cultural Education
Cultural Crafts & Arts
Storytime
Cooking Classes
Recreational activities and more!
Light refreshments provided,
Family-friendly event with activities for everyone. Come learn, share, and connect) across generations and cultures.