Australian Native Food Festival

Overview

A new annual event is joining Sydney's regular celebrations of flavour and culinary talent, this time shining a well-deserved spotlight on Australian native ingredients and First Nations flavours — thanks to the inaugural First Nations Food Festival in Carriageworks this September.

Taking place on the weekend of Saturday, September 27 and Sunday, September 28, the festival is a showcase of Australia's leading indigenous chefs, businesses and creatives. The lineup, curated by organiser Indigiearth, will highlight bushfood and First Nations culture through food, education and performances.

Talents from throughout the world of hospitality and beyond are set to take part, too. There'll be cooking demonstrations from Ben Shewry (Attica), Kylie Kwong and native grains expert, Kerrie Saunders and speaking sessions from Raylene Brown (Kungkas Can Cook), Ronni Kahn (OzHarvest), Pat Torres (Mayi Harvests), Jenny Khan (The Unexpected Guest), and Aunty Beryl, founder of Yaama Barrgay.

Visitors will be able to enjoy any of the above sessions, or visit the Indigiearth pop-up cafe, browse market stalls from eighteen participating Indigenous-owned and operated native ingredient producers, and take part in bushfood masterclasses.

Speaking ahead of the festival, Indigiearth CEO, Founder and Executive Chef Sharon Winsor said "This festival is more than a showcase, it's a celebration of Country, culture and connection through food…We're sharing the stories of the people who grow, harvest, cook and protect these ancient ingredients with the broader community. It's about honouring our past while creating a stronger future for native foods and First Nations voices."

The inaugural Australian Native Food Festival will take place on September 27–28, general admission is free, registration required. To register or for more information, visit the website.

Images: supplied