Created by respected Elder, educator and culinary leader Aunty Beryl Van-Oploo OAM, the cookbook captures more than four decades of experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Through her work, Aunty Beryl has used food as a way to teach, connect and strengthen cultural identity.
This cookbook is a reflection of that lifelong journey. It blends much loved recipes with personal stories, offering readers a deeper understanding of the role food plays in community, family and connection to Country.
Featuring dishes that are both familiar and distinctly First Nations, the collection highlights native ingredients in everyday cooking.
More than just a cookbook, this publication is a way of preserving and passing down knowledge for future generations to ensure that our stories and cultural practices continue to thrive in homes and communities.
To mark the release, NCIE hosted a special laumch event bringing together Elders and community in a culturally safe and celebratory space. It’s a moment not only to honour Aunty Beryl’s legacy, but to recognise the importance of sharing knowledge, uplifting community and celebrating First Nations food traditions.
At its heart, Aunty Beryl’s Cookbook is about connection to culture, to community and to each other, reminding us that food is never just about what’s on the plate, but the stories and spirit that come with it.
