Djinda Ngardak Program

The Djinda Ngardak program was built on the capability and experience that PPP gained from conducting the successful youth showcase component of the Kambarang South West Aboriginal Gourmet Experience in 2013 as part of the Margaret River Gourmet Escape.

Supported by schools, teachers, Indigenous community groups, local chefs and businesses, Kambarang showcased the talents of students from diverse schools from the metropolitan area, Midwest, Pilbara and Kimberley regions.

The Djinda Ngardak Program began in 2017 with the inaugural Kartagup Djinda Ngardak (Perth comes alive under the stars) culinary camp and event held at Government House, followed by the 2018 Kinjarling Djinda Ngardak (Albany comes alive under the stars) camp and event held at the Albany Entertainment Centre.

Based on the success of these events, this year we are once again be delivering the Djinda Ngardak program on Menang country in Albany.

The 2019 Djinda Ngardak program offers Indigenous students from across WA the opportunity to attend a week-long culinary camp where they will receive training and mentorship from some of WA’s top chefs including Paul Iskov, Melissa Palinkas, Anna Gare, David Gilmour and Indigenous chef Reece Lardi, allowing students to develop their culinary skills using modern cooking techniques met with traditional and locally sourced ingredients.

Throughout the week students also participate in cultural activities with Menang Elders and Cultural Leaders, ranging from art classes to bush walks allowing the students to share stories, spend time on country, and identify and forage for local bush foods.

Although the Djinda Ngardak Program takes an overall holistic approach that covers culture, food, art, music, dance and storytelling, it is grounded in the development of basic skills of a basic need: food, its interaction with country and ability to bring people together to connect.

Participants will engage with local Elders, forage and prepare meals utilising indigenous and locally farmed food. This will mean for many the development of professional skills in the area of hospitality, with tastes in art and tourism to further their opportunities to participate in the workforce. While simultaneously deepening their knowledge, connection to country and culture, and confidence in the collaborative network support.

We believe by providing the safe, socially respectful and professional arena of the program allows opportunities to enhance cultural pride in public expression, sense of belonging and respect within the wider community. Confidence in inter-cultural connections and self-respect in individuals that strengthen community. This includes fostering longevity in upholding traditional values, healthy lifestyles and consequently improved health and wellbeing.

The camp culminates in students co-creating, preparing and serving a high-end gala dinner at the Albany Entertainment Centre for 100 guests. The event not only showcases the knowledge, skill and expertise of the chefs and students, but also includes an entertainment program featuring Indigenous art, music, dance and fashion.

This is a fabulous experience for students from the city and the country to network with others with similar interests from across the state and work with outstanding chefs and industry professionals in the culinary, agricultural and tourism industries.