A new cookbook celebrating Indigenous food knowledge and cultural storytelling will be launched in Redfern on Tuesday, 31 March.
The National Centre of Indigenous Excellence has announced the release of 'Aunty Beryl's Cookbook: Heartwarming recipes and stories of First Nations Food', bringing together decades of culinary knowledge from respected Gamilaroi Elder Aunty Beryl Van-Oploo OAM.
The cookbook draws on more than forty years of Aunty Beryl's work supporting community, mentoring young people and promoting Aboriginal food culture through hospitality training and cultural education programs.
The project brings together traditional and contemporary recipes alongside stories from Country and reflections on culture, identity and passing knowledge between generations.
Aunty Beryl is widely recognised for her long-standing role in community development and Aboriginal hospitality education.
Her career has included mentoring hundreds of young people through culturally grounded training programs and community initiatives connected to food and culture.
The cookbook records that work as both a collection of recipes and a reflection of the relationships and knowledge built through community kitchens and cultural teaching.
Aunty Beryl explained the deeper meaning behind the project.
"Food is more than something we put on a plate, it connects us to our families, our Country and our identity," she said.
"This cookbook is my way of sharing the stories and flavours that have shaped my life and the lives of so many young people I've worked with.
"I'm so proud to bring this to the community."
The cookbook launch event will take place on 31 March at the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence in Redfern.
The evening will bring together community members, cultural leaders and supporters to celebrate the release of the book and the impact of Aunty Beryl's work.
The event will open with a smoking ceremony led by Aunty Margaret Campbell.
A Welcome to Country will then be delivered by Uncle Shane Phillips before opening remarks from NCIE chief executive Grant Cameron.
A conversation between Aunty Beryl and MC Priscilla Reid-Loynes will follow, alongside remarks from Indigenous chef Sharon Winsor and a closing address from Andrew Van Oploo.
Live music from Mi-Kaisha and a book signing session will close the evening program.
National Centre of Indigenous Excellence (NCIE) chief executive Grant Cameron says the cookbook reflects Aunty Beryl's long-term contribution to community and culture.
"Aunty Beryl has shaped the lives of generations of young people through her leadership, her care and her deep commitment to culture," Mr Cameron said.
"This cookbook is a celebration of her impact and an opportunity for everyone to learn from her wisdom and her incredible recipes."
Pre-orders for the cookbook opened in January through publisher Murdoch Books.
Copies will also be available at the NCIE following the launch event in Redfern.
The launch is supported by a number of partners including the National Indigenous Australians Agency, Breville, Coles, Harris Farm Markets, Tribal Warrior and the NSW Aboriginal Land Council.
The event aims to celebrate Indigenous excellence while strengthening connections between community, culture and younger generations.
The gathering will highlight the role of Elders in preserving cultural knowledge and sharing it through storytelling, food and community connection.
