CAILLIN PALMERO
As part of Griffith University’s NAIDOC Week celebrations in July, members of the Yallburru Community cooked traditional food and held workshops for students.
Director of Yallburru, Annie Woodcock said food plays an important role in sharing the culture and language of traditional Australia within the community.
Yallburru holds regular connection days in schools across Queensland to teach students about Australia’s traditional culture, language, and food.
“Food has a way of connecting people, where everyone is equal and has a common love,” Ms Woodcock said.
“We go to a lot of schools and do connection days with everybody, because this culture is for everybody! We are all Australians.”
Ms. Woodcock’s crocodile stir-fry is also a huge hit and she recommends it to anyone who is interested in tasting the local native produce.
“Just about every kid says, ‘Oh we want more, Annie!’ after trying it,” she said.
Earlier in the year, the Yallburru community helped commemorate National Sorry Day at Bellevue Park State School on the Gold Coast, where students participated in a variety of activities including making Johnny Cakes, Indigenous painting, craft, dance and music.
Head of Curriculum, Kristen Kiriona said all the students loved being involved in these activities.
“My personal belief is that all students want to be connected to our culture,” Ms. Kiriona said.
Both women said international tourists are always welcome to come to one of their many workshops to taste test and learn more about the native produce that has been growing in Australia for over 65,000 years.
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