World Culinary Olympics
The 2020 IKA Culinary Olympics took place in Stuttgart, Germany. This competition, which attracted participants from over 70 countries, is renowned as the most prestigious, colorful, and oldest international exhibition of culinary arts. Two girls from Kimberly were selected to embark on this journey.
The background
Thousands of competitions occurred in five massive halls, accompanied by special events and trade shows. In 2020, Australia sent a National Youth Team consisting of six young chefs who competed against the world's best. Australia, especially Perth, has a successful track record at this event, achieving their best-ever Australian result by winning four gold medals in 1996 under the guidance of Adrian Tobin. More information about the 2020 event can be found at https://www.olympiade-der-koeche.com/en/.
Djinda Ngardak culinary program
Two students were chosen from the Djinda Ngardak™ program while studying hospitality or kitchen operations. Djinda Ngardak is a culinary camp for Aboriginal youth from across Western Australia, offering them the opportunity to work with the region's finest chefs, Aboriginal elders, and industry professionals. This program provides an intercultural opportunity focusing on bush foods and career pathways in food, agriculture, and tourism.
These two young ladies will accompany the Australian National Youth Team.
Our vision
We aimed to have representation of Australian First People (Aboriginal youth) at the Culinary Olympics in Germany 2020. We wanted showcase these Aboriginal youth in culinary pathways on the world stage.
The criteria
We sought individuals who are genuinely proud of their culture, possess self-confidence, and are willing to share their culture with others. They should have an interest in food and a desire to learn and embrace new experiences. Being a good team player, effective communicator, and willingness to help whenever needed are essential qualities we are looking for.
Shaleeka
Shaleeka is a young Aboriginal Nyikina/Djugun woman from the Kimberley Region. She was a valued member of the Follow the Dream program, which caters to high-achieving Aboriginal students. It was during her time in this program that Shay-Shay excelled in the hospitality program and made the decision to become a chef after graduation. She enrolled in Commercial Cookery at TAFE in 2020. Identified in the 2020 Kinjarling Djinda Ngardak™ Program, her dreams of working with her mentors have now become a reality.
Rishaye
Rishaye is a young Aboriginal Nyikina Gooniyandi woman from Fitzroy Crossing. She grew up in a small town where everyone knew each other, with the nearest Coles/Woolworths store located 400 kilometers away. Rishaye's family are the custodians of the land, and from a very young age, she was introduced to the world of tourism. She shared her ancestors' stories of Country with visitors who wanted to learn more about Aboriginal culture. Recently graduating from Northan SHS, Rishaye has been a Youth Ambassador to the Djinda Ngardak™ program, providing mentorship to Aboriginal youth from all parts of Western Australia.
Mentor/Teacher Dee Hedland
Deanne Hedland is a proud Noongar woman from Yued Boodja. She was born in Dalwallinu and grew up in Ballidu, which is her grandmother's country. Deanne has been working on Balladong Boodja country for the past 12 years at Northam Senior High School and is a valuable team member of Prepare Produce Provide. She has been with the team since the early development of the Djinda Ngardak™ program.
Mentor/Chef Adrian Tobin
Adrian was the National Culinary Olympics Captain for 2008 and a member of Australia's best preforming culinary team, winning four gold medals in 1996. Adrian's insight into the workings of the Culinary Olympics and his passion to support our two young "Rising Stars" make him an undeniable asset to the program.
