Edible reconciliation in action Willum Warrain Aboriginal Association in Hastings is all about culture, connection and community. It provides a safe and welcoming space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on the Mornington Peninsula to gather. And it also serves as an important destination for reconciliation.
One of the best ways to bring people together is through cooking and sharing a meal. Willum Warrain’s Big Mob Cook Up is what executive officer Peter Aldenhoven describes as “edible reconciliation in action”. The Cook Up is held on the last Friday of every month and is open to Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. Everyone pitches in to create a bush tucker-themed meal and then sits down together to yarn and enjoy lunch. Visitors who attend Big Mob Cook Up might help with harvesting bush tucker from Willum Warrain’s gardens and bush, preparing and cooking the meal, decorating tables with native plants, serving the meal and cleaning up afterwards. It is a casual, welcoming event and people can take part in whatever capacity they can. Lunch might be chicken or tofu with warragul pesto, stir-fried kangaroo or tofu with saltbush and karkalla, or kangaroo lasagne or vegetarian lasagne with bush herbs. There’s no cost and you just turn up on the day at 11am. Lunch is usually served at 12.15pm. Big Mob Cook Up started four years ago. Fridays have always been Willum Warrain’s volunteer day open to the broader public to volunteer in the community garden or the Bush Nursery, or in the kitchen depending on their interests. The monthly Cook Up grew out of the volunteer days and as a way of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people connecting. “Earlier in the week Cultural programs are run for the Aboriginal community and kin but on Fridays everyone is welcome,” Peter said. “Agencies visit on Fridays to engage with our Aboriginal community as well. Non-Indigenous people like visiting the Gathering Place to connect with the local Aboriginal mob. We pride ourselves on welcoming everyone who comes through our gates.” The next Big Mob Cook Up will be held on Friday, October 28, from 11am-1pm at Willum Warrain, 10c Pound Rd, Hastings. NIKKI FISHER
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