About this Event
Talk Description
Food security is a critical factor in achieving the Closing the Gap targets for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Reliable access to affordable, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food directly impacts health, education, and economic outcomes. However, many remote and regional communities continue to face high food prices, limited fresh produce, and supply chain disruptions, contributing to poor health and chronic disease.
This talk brings together leading voices to explore evidence‑based, community‑driven initiatives that strengthen food systems and support the Closing the Gap commitments.
Delivered by The University of Melbourne’s Onemda Institute Director, Professor Sean Taylor, and Indigenous chef and entrepreneur Nornie Bero, this session invites participants to imagine a collaborative pathway where every community has reliable access to nutritious, culturally meaningful food—now and for generations to come.
Bios
Professor Sean Taylor is Director of Onemda: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Wellbeing and Professor of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health at the University of Melbourne. A descendant of the Dauareb Tribe of Mer Island in the Eastern Torres Strait, he is a nationally recognised leader with more than 30 years of experience across clinical practice, executive leadership, research, and health system reform. Professor Taylor has held senior roles across health services, government, and academia, and is widely recognised for advancing culturally safe, community-centred care, research translation, workforce development, governance, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health policy nationally.
Nornie Bero is a proud Island woman from the Komet Tribe of the Meriam people in the Torres Strait, with over 30 years’ experience as a professional chef. Passionate about native Australian ingredients, she is a leading voice in the national food scene, grounded in culture, community, and sustainability. Through cooking, storytelling, and advocacy, Nornie honours First Nations foodways while championing women in food and agriculture. She is the author of two acclaimed cookbooks, an SBS television host, and actively supports food security and sustainable farming initiatives across Australia.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
The Wheeler Centre, 176 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, Australia
USD 0.00
