The Storyteller Chef, Zach Green, will be taking his skills and story on an NT road trip to mark Mental Health Week in a partnership with a local support hub.
Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia NT (MIFANT) and the Indigenous chef known for his passion in sharing culture and food traditions through flavour are teaming up this month to launch a new program.
Across Mental Health Week from Monday, October 5 to Thursday, October 8, several events will be held at MIFANT hubs in Darwin, Alice Springs and Tennant Creek.
Opening the week in the Top End at the MiPlace Hub in Coconut Grove, Zach will serve bush tucker canapes and speak about grief, mental health, and how food, Country, culture and family have shaped his healing in an invite-only evening.
The MIFANT team and Zach will then travel to Alice Springs and Tennant Creek where the chef will lead community bush food workshops for young people.
The workshops will be followed by a cooking demonstration while Zach shares his personal story and giving space for young people to ask questions or share their own story.
Everyone will be able to sit down and enjoy a meal together and go away with a recipe book with the dishes cooked in the session.
These will take place in Alice Springs on Tuesday, October 6, and Tennant Creek on Wednesday and Thursday.
Executive officer of MIFANT, Lorraine Davies, said marking the week with a program that celebrates the power of connection, community and belonging through food, culture and storytelling was a priority for the non-profit.
Particularly as many Territorians might be facing cuts to their NDIS supports and communities are facing increased housing stress and cost of living challenges.
“Mental Health Week arrives at a time when many people are worried about what the future holds for themselves, their loved ones and the supports they rely on,” Ms Davies said.
“More than ever, we need strong communities that ensure nobody falls through the gaps.”
“As services across Australia face increasing pressure and many people experience uncertainty about future supports, community connection becomes one of our most important protective factors.
“Mental Health Week is an opportunity to strengthen those connections.”
On Wednesday, October 7, in Darwin, MiPlace Hub will also host an open day where the winners of the Colour Hunting NT competition – a Territory wide photo competition – will be announced.
Voting for this will take place at the Monday event with prizes for the top three entries presented on Monday.
For support from MIFANT or program information call (08) 8948 1051 or visit the website.