First-of-its-kind school to share First Peoples food knowledge

Project manager Cameron Madden said the First Peoples Culinary School would provide a space for cultural knowledge to be shared through food, storytelling and learning. Photo: Pam Hutchinson.

GENERATIONS of cultural knowledge will be shared through food, storytelling and hands-on learning under a new initiative developed alongside Wadawurrung First Peoples.

The Gordon unveiled its First Peoples Culinary School on Monday during National Reconciliation Week.

The culinary school will become the first program of its kind in the region, supporting both skills development and cultural knowledge sharing.

Its first course, Wirrpma, takes its name from the Wadawurrung word for “to taste” and honours the knowledge systems and culinary arts of Wadawurrung First Nations Peoples.

Project manager Cameron Madden said the initiative would provide a space for cultural knowledge to be shared through food.

“Wirrpma isn’t just about the culinary arts, it’s about history, culture, connection, yarning, storytelling and revitalisation of knowledge from generations for generations,” he said.

“This course will showcase knowledge on native ingredients, traditional techniques, and most importantly, it will be a space of learning, pride and identity, led by community, for community.”

Madden said there was “a real hunger for this knowledge” and the TAFE was proud to create a space where it could be shared and celebrated.

“We’re incredibly excited to bring Wirrpma to life,” he said.

“It’s a celebration of First Nations People and Wadawurrung First Nations Peoples’ deep connection to land, water and sky and knowledge through creativity and excellence in First Peoples’ food culture.”

The Gordon chief executive Joe Ormeno said the initiative reflected the organisation’s commitment to reconciliation and community-led education.

“Wirrpma is an exciting and important initiative that honours the cultural knowledge, identity and strength of First Peoples,” he said.

“We’re proud to support a program shaped with community, that delivers real skills, deepens cultural understanding and strengthens connection to Country.”

Enrolment for The Gordon’s First Peoples Culinary School will open in the coming weeks, with study beginning the second half of 2026.

For more information, visit thegordon.edu.au/cook-connect-grow