Stories from the Biscuit Tin

A humble biscuit tin and a cherished family recipe have become powerful symbols of respect, memory and recognition at BaptistCare Abbey Gardens aged care home in Warragul Victoria, with a new resource shining a light on the often-unseen contributions of older women in our local communities.

Older Women’s Recipes for Respect, Warragul  is part of The Biscuit Tin project. An initiative of Celebrate Ageing, the project seeks to challenge ageism and gender bias by amplifying the voices of older women who are too often overlooked.

In partnership with Elder Rights Australia, Abbey Gardens co-hosted a Biscuit Tin workshop with several residents, where they had the opportunity to share their life experiences, explore the contributions of older women and highlight the importance of listening, patience, and recognising each older woman as an individual. 

They spoke about the many and varied roles they have played throughout their lives — as carers, volunteers, workers, mothers and community leaders — often carrying out vital work behind the scenes.

Their stories form the heart of Older Women’s Recipes for Respect, Warragul, which captures the women’s favourite recipes and celebrates their decades of care, resilience and community contributions.

Listening to and respecting older women’s voices

For many of the women, the family biscuit tin represents far more than baking. It is a symbol of nurturing, connection and the lifelong work of supporting families and communities.

Beth, a mother and great-grandmother, was pleased to share her much-loved recipe for Milk Chocolate Roughs, passed down through generations.

“My family show me respect by staying in contact… and by bringing me gifts when they visit me,” she said.  “The staff here show me respect by being patient with me.”

Edna, who shared her ANZAC biscuit recipe, reflected on a lifetime of baking and simple pleasures, describing herself as “kind, accepting and happiest in the sunshine,” and proud of “waking up in the morning.”

For Bev, who has contributed as a cook, fundraiser and community leader, respect is grounded in connection. 

“My family show me respect by spending time with me, listening to me and asking my opinion,” she said.

Others spoke of independence and dignity as central to their experience of respect. 

“Respect from staff is when they let me make my own decisions,” said Lorrie, who shared her recipe for Melting Moments.

While Roma described respect as something reflective and considered. “Respect comes from… looking back and thinking about what somebody did and the way they did it,” she said.

Honouring women’s stories and contributions

Across the stories, common themes emerged — the importance of being listened to, treated as an individual, and maintaining meaningful relationships with family and carers.

Kim Allison, BaptistCare Abbey Gardens’ Leisure and Lifestyle Coordinator, said the project has been a powerful opportunity to honour the women’s stories and contributions.

“We were delighted to take part in The Biscuit Tin project and honour the older women of the Warragul area and remind them just how valued they are,” she said.

“Older women in our community make extraordinary contributions to their families, neighbourhoods and volunteer organisations. 

“At Abbey Gardens, we know that living well looks different for every older person, and this project has reinforced that respect also looks different for every older woman. Understanding this begins with hearing their stories.”

Recognising the value of lived experience

By pairing recipes with reflections, Older Women’s Recipes for Respect, Warragul invites readers to rethink ageing and recognise the value of lived experience. It also encourages families, communities and care providers to consider how respect is shown in everyday interactions.

Ultimately, the project is both a celebration and a reminder that respect is not just a concept, but something expressed through listening, valuing and connection.

Because sometimes, the simplest things — a shared recipe, a cuppa and a conversation, or a well-loved biscuit tin — can carry the deepest meaning.