Harvest Café & Three Blue Ducks Present: Ja Nghari

In a surprise collaboration, two of the most celebrated establishments in the Byron Shire, HARVEST CAFÉ, and THE THREE BLUE DUCKS, have come together to raise funds for BOOMERANG FESTIVAL, in a unique and exciting dining experience unlike any seen in our region before.

On Friday 18th March at Coorabell Hall, in the magnificent Byron hinterland, together, ‘The Ducks’ & Harvest teams will present JA NGHALI (Bundjalung for ‘Food Gathering’) – A celebration of food, country and culture – with a special focus on Indigenous culture.

Knowing these two restaurants, this will be a night of utmost quality and style, as well as an eye-opening and uplifting program of shared stories from our local Indigenous community.

Ja Nghari will include canapés on arrival, and a three course menu inspired by local native ingredients personally foraged by the chefs themselves (lead by Australia’s only Indigenous hatted chef and Bundjalung man, Clayton Donovan (Wild Kitchen, SBS). Guests will be treated to a unique culinary journey, and a culturally rich program featuring a multi-media introduction to the menu by head chefs Darren Robertson and Bret Cameron, and an In Conversation session with Boomerang Festival Director Rhoda Roberts, Tweed Shire Council Aboriginal, Community and Natural Resources Manager, Rob Appo, Darren Robertson & Bret Cameron, followed by a feature musical performance from East Journey (Arnhem Land).

The evening will be hosted by leading food and lifestyle journalist Magdalena Roze (Channel Ten, Delicious Magazine). 2016 Byron Shire Citizen of the Year Delta Kay will welcome guests to Country, and local performer Dhinawan will treat guests on arrival to a didgeridoo performance.

BOOMERANG FESTIVAL is a Northern NSW first: A global indigenous arts & culture festival that provides cross-cultural exchange through artistic celebration and one-on-one interactions, unlike any other event. Festival Director, Rhoda Roberts is one of the most highly respected arts curators in the world, and a proud Bundjalung woman. It is her dream to host this ground-breaking event on country.

After its celebrated, acclaimed debut in 2013, both arts and Indigenous programming funding were cut, putting the festival on hiatus. Bluesfest Director, and passionate advocate for Indigenous affairs, arts & culture, Peter Noble, made the first gesture from a non-government organisation, providing Boomerang a space at Bluesfest 2016, to raise awareness and community support of the event. However, the ultimate goal is for Boomerang to become a self-sustaining, stand-alone event once again.

This is an opportunity for the Byron Shire to host what could grow into the foremost indigenous arts and culture festival on the global calendar. In order for it to achieve this prodigious goal, it needs full support of the entire community, both through patronage and fundraising.

Rhoda Roberts commented on the connection of food to Aboriginal culture “My father said ‘First the food comes and then exposure of that culture and then we really brake bread, and only then can we have the meaningful conversation that provides depth, friendship and laughter’,” she said.

In an unprecedented initiative, Harvest owner Tristan Grier, and Three Blue Ducks Principles Jeff Bennett and Darren Robertson joined forces to be two of the first local businesses to raise their hands as First Friends of Boomerang, identifying a way they could equally contribute to the cause they both passionately believe in.

Of this, Ja Nghari (Bundjalung for ‘Food Gathering’) was born – An example of the community coming together in celebration of our rich, cultural diversity.

The Event MC, Magdalena Roze enthused “I’m so thrilled that Boomerang is back this year. This hugely important festival is such a positive celebration and showcase of indigenous art and culture, and we’re honoured to be a part of it”.

Rhoda expressed her gratitude and awe for the coming together of two local businesses in the name of supporting local Indigenous events “This is an example of the new generation, mobilising the entire community for positive change. We are so grateful for this partnership, and the generosity and enthusiasm of The Three Blue Ducks and Harvest”.

Ja Nghari is the first in what the organisers hope to be an annual event.

Friday 18th March, 2016, 6:30pm. $180 per head includes canapés on arrival, three course dinner, all beverages, and live entertainment. All profits go to Boomerang Festival.

Limited to 80 people. Fundraising event: No free tickets.

To book visit: www.events.bizzabo.com/boomerang

For further information visit www.boomerangfestival.com.au