Kinjarling Djinda Ngardak (KDN), which translates in Noongar Language to ‘Albany comes alive Under the Stars’ is the name given to the week-long culinary camp hosted by PPP, which includes a series of cooking masterclasses held by renowned chefs throughout the week, and culminates with a formal dinner that allows the students to showcase their newfound knowledge and skills to their invited guests. 

“Prepare, Produce Provide (PPP) is a small, volunteer-run organisation that aspires to engage youth in the community through food, and at the same time give back to the community and those in need,” said PPP and KDN Committee Member Catherine Macdougall.

“We aim to foster education and training; positive stereotypes and cultural exchange opportunities.”

Ms MacDougall said the event provided a great opportunity to bring people from near and far together to connect through cooking. 

“Kinjarling Djinda Ngardak 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,” she said. 

Last year’s event was held in Albany in November, and brought 25 Indigenous young people from as far as Broome, Derby, and Fitzroy Crossing in the north, as well as Mount Barker and Northam to take part.

During the week, the students had the chance to work closely with local Aboriginal mentors and celebrity chefs to create a range of dishes using local produce and incorporate Indigenous foods and flavours.

They then prepared and served their new culinary creations to 150 diners at a gala event held at the Albany Entertainment Centre, receiving rave reviews from those who attended. 

Two of the camp’s most promising students, Johnnice Diville and Peter Roe were then selected to represent Australia at international food festival, Terra Madre in Turin, Italy which has a focus on Indigenous food from around the world. 

“The KDN program provides significant benefits to the students who participate, provides an opportunity to connect and share the importance of culture. An opportunity to connect to country, learn a range of skills, and hopefully inspiration that will flow back to their communities when they return home,” Ms MacDougall said. 

“By providing students with new experiences and connections, they have the opportunity to see and experience new career goals and how they may be achieved, bringing a sense of pride and building the will to succeed.

This year’s Kinjarling Djinda Ngardak event will be held in November.