Celebrating Indigenous culture and food during NAIDOC Week

Last updated on 21 June 2023

A renowned Indigenous chef is coming to Kyneton Town Hall in July in celebration of NAIDOC Week 2023, featuring a live cooking demonstration to scintillate the senses.

Mark Olive, aka ‘The Black Olive’, has been a chef for over 30 years and has featured in his own television series The Outback Cafe, on SBS programs The Chef’s Line, On Country Kitchen, and The Good Cooks, and appeared in a range of cooking, lifestyle and travel shows nationally and globally.

During the special event on Thursday 13 July, only a week after officially opening his new restaurant ‘Midden’ at the Sydney Opera House, Mark will take the audience on a culinary adventure where participants will be immersed in a cultural experience while learning to cook with Indigenous food, herbs and spices and a variety of other ingredients, some found in our own backyard.

Council’s Acting Director Community Amy Holmes said NAIDOC Week provided an opportunity to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“It’s important to reflect on and celebrate the positive contributions First Nations people make to our society through their rich history and culture,” she said.

“We’re excited to be welcoming someone of Mark’s cooking calibre – I encourage everyone to come along to this unique event and enjoy an amazing cultural, cooking experience.”

The event starts at 6:30pm. Cost $20. Book tickets here.