A celebration of First Nations culture and native Australian ingredients is set to take place this September following the launch of the inaugural Australian Native Food Festival.
Presented by Aboriginal-owned and operated native food and hospitality business Indigiearth and hosted at Sydney's Carriageworks, the two-day event invites attendees to connect with Aboriginal culture through food, music, art and storytelling.
Led by Ngemba Weilwan woman and Indigiearth founder, Sharon Winsor, the first-of-its-kind festival will showcase some of the country's leading Indigenous chefs, businesses and creatives, offering an immersive journey into the world of bushfoods and First Nations culture.
Indigiearth is an Aboriginal-owned and operated Native food and hospitality business, producing premium Native foods, beverages, ingredients, and botanicals crafted from ethically sourced and sustainably harvested Australian ingredients.
"This festival is more than a showcase, it's a celebration of Country, culture and connection through food," Ms Winsor said.
"My connection to Native foods saved my life. It provided me with a deep cultural anchor, and allowed me to overcome adversities with resilience and purpose."
Across the two-day event, visitors have the opportunity to attend live cooking demonstrations hosted by celebrated chefs including Ben Shewry, Kylie Kwong and native grains expert, Kerrie Saunders.
Also on offer will be an Indigiearth pop-up cafe, market stalls from indigenous owned and operated native ingredient producers, and take part in bushfood masterclasses.
"We're sharing the stories of the people who grow, harvest, cook and protect these ancient ingredients with the broader community," Ms Winsor said.
"It's about honouring our past while creating a stronger future for native foods and First Nations voices."
The festival will host inspiring discussions exploring the future of native foods and Indigenous food sovereignty, featuring trailblazers including Raylene Brown (Kungkas Can Cook), Ronni Kahn (OzHarvest), Pat Torres (Mayi Harvests), Jenny Khan (The Unexpected Guest), and Aunty Beryl, founder of Yaama Barrgay.
More than 18 Indigenous-owned brands will be showcased throughout the event, including IndigiGrow, Jala Jala Treats, Jiwah by Clarence Slockee, Kakadu Kitchen, with cultural performances, live music, and storytelling to also be held, creating an atmosphere of connection and celebration.
The Australian Native Food Festival will be held at Sydney's Carriageworks on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 September. Entry is free.
Full program details and registration is available via the Carriageworks website.