Australia

Walkabout Chef - beyond the basics

The Fred Hollows Foundation is a great supporter of the Walkabout Chef's 'Back to Basics' nutrition cookery program undertaken in communities across the Top End in Australia.

Walkabout Chef Steve Sunk, in conjunction with Charles Darwin University, is working to implement and educate community members in preparing and cooking nutritious meals with minimal salt, less fat utilizing contemporary foods through community store/s and integrating local and seasonal bush tucker when available.

Kangaroo is a staple product within Steve's program as it is low in fat and high in iron. Working with all cuts of the animal, Steve also teaches boning techniques and often refers to kangaroo as his "lean cuisine".

Photo courtesy of The Fred Hollows Foundation

High achievers from Daly River, NT succeed in Certificate 1 Hospitality with Walkabout Chef Steve Sunk. L-R: Sisters Jacqueline, Loretta & Olivia Marranya, Steve Sunk, Paul Minggun.

The ‘Back to Basics' cookery course is targeted at adolescent students and mothers in community to gain knowledge and experience in hygienic and nutritious cooking practices.

"An indirect benefit" said Steve "Is the link to literacy and numeracy through recipe interpretation."

"Students are required to measure and weigh ingredients, understand time management and comprehend kitchen plans and language".

"I don't think many people understand this aspect of my work" Steve added.

From this course students are selected and invited to enter into Certificate 1 in Hospitality (cooking) - usually undertaken in their home communities.

"The Fred Hollows Foundation really does care about Top End communities. They've supported me from day one and I'm proud to be involved with the Indigenous Program." Walkabout Chef Steve Sunk.

The Charles Darwin University funds the ‘Back to Basics' and Certificate 1 in Hospitality courses with The Foundation providing incentives for commitment and high achievement by participants through five $1000 awards ($500 for tools and uniforms and $500 cash) to encourage students to undertake Certificate 2 in Hospitality.

"The Fred Hollows Foundation's contribution and incentives was definitely a motivating factor to students", said Steve.

"Students now have the confidence and in some cases professional equipment to undertake Certificate 2, but best of all they have knowledge about career pathways within and outside of their community" Steve said.

In 2007, 158 participants registered for the 'Back to Basics' course across the Top End with a staggering 130 participants, getting involved the majority of whom were mainly women. Out of those students, 120 went on to successfully complete Certificate 1 in Hospitality and were awarded Certificate 1 - Hospitality (cookery).

Recipients of The Fred Hollows Awards for commitment and outstanding achievement in Hospitality training are:

1. Jacqueline Marranya, Loretta Marranya, Olivia Marranya and Paul Minggun from Daly River community (Shared Award)

2. Harvey Darcy (Adult), The Good Food Shop, Maningrida. Harvey will be indentured as an apprentice in 2008.

3. Shirley Olsen (Yr 12 Student), Maningrida Community Education Centre.

4. Jonathon Jackson (Adult), Elliot School Canteen.

5. Marissa Wombo (Adult), Wugularr Womens Centre. Marissa has been offered 1 of 5 Hospitality positions identified for Indigenous student at the newly developed Darwin Convention Centre.