The Salvation Army's Nourish Cafe youth hospitality training centre is hosting weekly cooking demonstrations for families with young people aged from 15 to 25.

The five-week event at the Salvo's Westlake Complex in Bay Road is the lead-up to a Young Master Chef cook-off as a highlight of the Westlakes Youth Expo at Bolton Point Community Hall, on April 14.

"This is an exciting inaugural event for what we hope will become an annual contest, but it depends on funding," co-ordinator James Cameron said.

Sponsored by Castle Personnell and Human Services Housing NSW, the culminating Expo is run by a partnership of Salvation Army Oasis Youth Network and the Samaritans.

"Participation is free of charge, the ingredients are provided and, of course, there's plenty of taste testing and everybody gets a recipe card, a chef's hat and a chef's apron," Mr Cameron said.

Everybody who registers to enter the Young Master Chef also goes in the running to win one of several mountain bike prizes drawn on the demonstration weeks.

"We've got one draw next week [March 31] and one on April 7, plus, of course, those bikes that will be won during the Expo on April 14."

The major prize is appropriate for a top young chef. It is a $400 voucher at the Kitchen and Cutlery Centre donated by The Salvation Army Westlakes Community Church.

To register, simply turn up on the demonstration days at 3.45pm, Mr Cameron said.