When graphic designer and mother of three, Izumi Hooper first moved to Henty five years ago, she was the first and only Japanese national in town.
Although she was warmly welcomed by the local population and settled in well, she soon discovered that the people of Henty were not very familiar with the traditional Japanese dish of sushi - unlike in most major cities of Australia today.
When Izumi was invited to the MerriMeric Bush Fire Brigade's Christmas party, she decided to take a plate of sushi rolls, despite advice by her Australian husband that “no one will eat it”.
Izumi’s husband, Ben, was right for the most part, however, there was one lady who seemed to be very impressed by the sushi rolls.
That lady was Melanie Scholz, an owner of the only café in Henty, called the Henty Bakery.
"Izu’s sushi was the most exotic dish on the table. I knew we could add it to our menu," Melanie recalls.
From there, began Izumi’s journey to spread the culture of sushi in Henty, providing it for the cafe's special menu.
However, encouraging the rural community to try something new was not as easy as she had hoped. Rolls and rolls of sushi went to waste, and Izumi often wondered if it was worth it after all.
“Persistence was the key,” says Izumi, who with the help of Melanie kept encouraging locals to have a try. Izumi tried to listen to the feedback and offered sushi rolls without seaweed for those who weren't a fan of seaweed.
Gradually, people came back for more, and the word spread.
"Now customers, some who have never before eaten sushi, order a week ahead!" says Melanie.
"I could have never imagined the sight of children eating sushi in Henty, when I first arrived here," says Izumi.
Although she is often called the "sushi girl" in Henty, Izumi's profession is a graphic designer. She has designed, logos, T-shirts and products for the town's small businesses, as well as abroad.
Last year, she designed and completed a wall mural behind a "buddy bench" or a "friendship bench" at Henty Public School - a bench that encourages students to play with those who are feeling lonely or have no one to play with.
"Izu, Ben and their family are a wonderful addition to our little community, contributing in many ways, through business, social, sporting & school activities," says Melanie.
Izumi's future plan is to introduce the art of calligraphy to the children of Henty.
"That will be a lot of fun!" she says.
