Sydney’s Carriageworks will come alive with the sights, sounds, and flavours of Country this September, as the first Australian Native Food Festival announces its 2025 chef lineup. Across two days, 27 and 28 September, the festival will celebrate the rich diversity of First Nations culture and Australia’s native ingredients through an inspiring mix of food, music, art, and storytelling.
Presented by Indigiearth and led by Ngemba Weilwan woman Sharon Winsor, the 2025 program will unite an exciting mix of leading innovative Indigenous and non-indigenous chefs, and native foods advocates. The lineup will feature Ben Shewry, Kylie Kwong, Colin Fassnidge, Karima Hazim, George Calombaris, Elenda Duggan and more, each bringing their own expertise and creative flair to dishes that honour and reimagine traditional bushfoods.
The Australian Native Food Festival will showcase the breadth of Indigenous food culture while creating an immersive space for learning and exchange. The festival will feature an inspiring lineup of First Nations owned and run businesses from across Australia including: Baagi Milaygiin; Black Duck Foods; Yaala Sparkling; Native Botanical Brewery; Kungas Can Cook and many more. Guests can also experience insightful and immersive cooking demonstrations from some of Australia’s most esteemed chefs.
Celebrated chef Kylie Kwong will join forces with Proud Gamilaroi Elder Aunty Beryl Van-Oploo OAM, founder of Yaama Barrgay, for a powerful cooking demonstration that blends storytelling with the flavours of native ingredients. Together, they will showcase Aunty Beryl’s signature lemon myrtle chicken alongside Kwong’s traditional Australian-Cantonese fare, highlighting how food can honour culture, community and connection.
Attica’s Ben Shewry will also take to the stage, sharing how native Australian ingredients can seamlessly intertwine with the food traditions of many cultures. Shewry has led Attica for 19 years, shaping it into one of Australia’s most respected dining destinations. His cooking demonstration will reflect his lifelong commitment to exploring what it truly means to cook in Australia.
Karima Hazim from Sunday Kitchen and Raylene Brown from Kungkas Can Cook will come together for a special cooking demonstration exploring the power of food as storytelling. Showcasing the fusion of Arabic and Indigenous cultures, the session will highlight the importance of preserving cultural stories through recipes and traditions, while drawing out the many similarities that connect the two cuisines. Through flavour, history and shared experience, Karima and Raylene will demonstrate how food can bridge cultures and keep stories alive for generations to come.
TV personality and chef Elena Duggan will take the stage with an inspiring cooking demonstration on how to weave native Australian ingredients into everyday meals. From clever pantry swaps to creative lunchbox ideas, Elena will show just how easy it can be to embrace bushfoods at home. Since winning MasterChef in 2016, she has built a reputation as a respected chef and passionate educator and advocate for sustainability and social impact.
“Working alongside such talented chefs who share a deep respect for native ingredients is incredibly meaningful,” says Sharon Winsor. “This festival is about more than food – it’s about honouring culture, strengthening connections, and opening a space for others to learn from and celebrate First Nations knowledge. It’s a chance to showcase the remarkable people and produce that make native foods so powerful and unique.”
“I feel so proud to be involved in the Australian Native Food Festival and to join a community of chefs and leaders who are passionate about native ingredients,” says Raylene Brown. “Food is one of the strongest ways we keep our stories alive, and this festival is an opportunity to share those stories with a wider audience. It’s about celebrating our traditions while ensuring they continue to thrive for generations to come.”
The Australian Native Food Festival is free for general admission and will run between the 27th and 28th of September. It is proudly supported by Carriageworks, a leading cultural hub renowned for championing First Nations arts and innovation.
Chef demonstrations are ticketed and on sale now. For full program details and to purchase tickets please visit: https://my.carriageworks.com.au/events?view=list&k=ANFF
