Community organisation Feeding Friends spent Australia Day creating a new tradition, with the organisation serving up traditional Indigenous foods as part of an Australia Day Dinner for their clients and the broader community.
Feeding Friends founder, Don Barron, told the Truth he recognised that Australia Day had different meanings for different people and he said the organisation set out to bridge the divide by bringing members of the community together for what he calls a unity event.
Keanu Garni Bates, a proud Indigenous man, enjoys a longstanding friendship with Mr Barron, which boomed while the pair worked together at Mutawintji National Park.
Mr Bates has since regularly cooked meals with Mr Barron, but this was the first time he has assisted Feeding Friends in an official capacity.
“Keanu and myself showcase[d] some traditional food from both cultures, so kangaroo and lamb” during last Friday’s event at the Community Hub, in Creedon Street,” Mr Barron said.
The dinner event was free of charge and remaining food was passed on to those who are homeless, or struggling, as part of Feeding Friends’ service.
Mr Bates said it was important for Australia Day to be a unifying event, and said it was important their partnership helped in “bridging the gap… because I understand the date is upsetting for some”.
He has plans to collaborate with Feeding Friends for future events.
“I just hope the people had a good hearty home cooked meal, and I hope me and Don can do cook ups for days like NAIDOC and Remembrance Day, where lots of people get out in the community.”
Mr Barron was receptive to the proposal, crediting Mr Bates and his family for welcoming Mr Barron into their family and culture.
“Keanu and I have a love for cooking and a passion to assist others, and through these cook ups, this is how we give to others in the community,” Mr Barron said.
“Wild meat is medicine to Indigenous people, and we enjoy harvesting, preparing and cooking wild meat for family and the community,” he added.
Amongst a busy 2024 diary, Feeding Friends is also on the lookout for new volunteers.
Volunteers will be tasked to undertake duties including delivering meals to the homeless one or two nights a week, collecting donations when needed, collaborating with partner organisations, assisting with fundraising activities, and completing referrals to other services.
If volunteering for Feeding Friends appeals to you, Mr Barron can be contacted on 0498 953 784 or via email at [email protected].
