Tastes & Tales at TUC
On Saturday, 11 May 2024, Taree Universities Campus was delighted to host “Tastes & Tales,” an event celebrating the rich culinary traditions and diverse cultural backgrounds of the MidCoast community. Held at our TUC building at 2 Pulteney Street, this event brought together residents from all corners of our vibrant region to share and savour family recipes steeped in heritage and personal significance.
Morning Session
The day began with a morning session from 10:30am to 12pm, featuring heartwarming presentations by Susie Ploder, Sundus Jamil, and a captivating video by Corrie O’Brien. Each presenter shared not only their cherished family recipes but also the stories and memories that made these dishes an integral part of their lives.
Afternoon Session
The afternoon session, from 1pm to 2:30pm, continued this culinary journey with insights from Aunty Kim Saunders, Cheryl Laffernis, and a touching video by Alain Yetendje. The stories told and the recipes shared during these sessions highlighted the profound connections between food, family, and identity.
“Food is not just fuel. Food is about family. Food is about community. Food is about identity. We nourish all those things when we eat.”
Participants and audience members alike engaged in lively discussions, shared their own food memories, and contributed to our Recipe Wall with recipes, heirloom utensils, and treasured photographs.
Tastes & Tales was not only a celebration of culinary heritage but also a testament to the power of food in bringing people together. Our initiative aimed to create a space where the expertise of our cultural communities could shine, fostering stronger, more connected communities. The stories shared were rich with flavour, culture, and personal history, providing a unique opportunity for the MidCoast community to learn from and appreciate each other's backgrounds.
This event is part of TUC’s broader mission to support the higher educational aspirations of our young people by building a strong, connected community. As MidCoast becomes home to families from increasingly diverse backgrounds, events like Tastes & Tales are essential in creating avenues for cultural engagement and mutual understanding.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who participated and contributed to the success of Tastes & Tales. Your stories and recipes have enriched our community, highlighting the unique tapestry of cultures that make MidCoast such a special place to live.
This Project is proudly supported by the NSW Government and funded under the joint Australian Government – NSW Government Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements 2018; The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the New South Wales Government