A SPECIAL community event titled “A Whole Lot of Okra” was held at National Cartoon Gallery on Tuesday, 17 March.
The evening was organised by the North Coast Settlement Service (NCSS) to highlight the power of food in connecting people across cultures.
The NCSS, a program of the St Vincent de Paul Society, provides a broad range of settlement services to humanitarian arrivals and other vulnerable migrants on the North Coast.
The event brought together community members, volunteers, refugee farmers and cooks, for a shared meal of various okra dishes and cultural celebration.
Okra is a green, finger-shaped vegetable widely used across African, Middle Eastern and Asian cuisines.
It is known for its mild flavour, unique texture and versatility.
Farmers from very different cultural backgrounds including Ethiopian Anuak, Myanmar Zomi and Iraqi Yazidi communities, all grow and cook okra.
In 2024, the NCSS responded to a post regarding land available for lease in Bonville.
They were seeking farmland for a project allowing refugees the opportunity to grow food in the local area.
The food served on the night was both grown and prepared by the participants of this project.
North Coast Settlement Service Manager Biba Honnet said, “The project has been a learning experience for everyone involved.
“Farmers have had to adapt their traditional knowledge to Australian conditions, including new climates, pests and soil challenges.”
The project’s outcomes have been overwhelmingly positive.
Participants’ English has improved, and they have built confidence and developed a stronger sense of belonging. It has also supported food security, created small income opportunities and significantly improved participant wellbeing.
Nathan Cosford from Edible Forest Co. attended the event, as he was interested to see the refugees’ farming methods.
He said they were using an “impressive display of companion planting and intercropping”, which is an “ancient sustainable farming practice, commonly used across different cultures”.
The evening started with a Welcome to Country from Uncle Richard Widders, a respected Gumbaynggirr Elder who reminded guests of the importance of respecting land, culture and Elders.
Other guests included Awia Markey, organiser of the Coffs Coast Long Lunch, who said the event has “strong future potential”.
“It could grow into an annual cultural event with real tourism appeal for the region,” Awia said.
Given the success of the project, the NCSS is looking to expand the initiative.
“We would love to be able to offer other refugees the same opportunity to connect with our country and the community, so please reach out if you have spare [land],” Biba said.
An exhibition of the project including photos and a short documentary is currently on display at Harry Bailey Memorial Library in Yarrila Place, Coffs Harbour.
By Kate PYE
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