Overview
The inaugural Australian Native Food Festival was announced last month. This September, it is set to bring Carriageworks to life with a celebration of First Nations culture and Australia's native ingredients through food, art, storytelling and music. The incredible lineup of acclaimed chefs, which will showcase the breadth of Indigenous food and culture, has just been announced, and tickets are on sale now.
The esteemed lineup includes Attica's Ben Shewry, My Kitchen Rules' host Colin Fassnidge, Karima Hazim from Sunday Kitchen, Raylene Brown from Kungkas Can Cook and George Calombaris.
Kylie Kwong will take the stage with respected Gamilaroi Elder Aunty Beryl Van-Oploo OAM for a cooking demonstration that highlights the flavours of native ingredients through storytelling. They will cook Aunty Beryl's famous lemon myrtle chicken, while also showcasing Kwong's Australian-Cantonese food, to demonstrate how food and cooking can foster community and connection.
TV personality and Masterchef winner Elena Duggan will host a session demonstrating how to use native Australian ingredients in everyday cooking. Duggan will explore clever pantry swaps to embrace bushfoods for more creative lunchbox ideas and at-home meals.
The festival, which is presented by Indigiearth and led by Ngemba Weilwan woman Sharon Winsor, will focus on First Nations-owned and run businesses such as Black Duck Foods, Baagi Milaygiin, and Native Botanical Brewery. Winsor says, "This festival is about more than food — it's about honouring culture, strengthening connections, and opening a space for others to learn from and celebrate First Nations knowledge. It's a chance to showcase the remarkable people and produce that make native foods powerful and unique."
Images: Supplied.
The Australian Native Food Festival, running from September 27 to 28, is free for general admission. Tickets for chef demonstrations are on sale now.