The banks of the Karrawirra Parri (Red Gum River) at Adelaide Festival Centre recently played host to an unforgettable evening: Red Gum Dinner, a highlight of Tasting Australia, featuring the legendary Bundjalung chef Mark Olive.
Red Gum Dinner was a vibrant celebration of Australia's first flavours, culture, and community, leaving a strong sense of connection among all who attended.
Image: Red Gum Dinner. Photography: Naomi Jellicoe.
Image: Red Gum Dinner. Photography: Naomi Jellicoe.
Image: Red Gum Dinner. Photography: Naomi Jellicoe.
Image: Red Gum Dinner. Photography: Naomi Jellicoe.
Image: Red Gum Dinner. Photography: Naomi Jellicoe.
The Red Gum Dinner unfolded under the stars, beginning with open-flame canapés and a moving Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony, setting a tone of cultural immersion before guests headed into Adelaide Festival Centre’s Banquet Room.
Legendary famed television Bundjalung chef Mark Olive, of Sydney Opera House's Midden Restaurant, captivated the audience with his passion for fusing native ingredients with contemporary cuisine with each dish celebrating South Australia’s local produce from land and sea.
Joining Mark to take the diners through the menu was Pauly Vandenbergh, founder of Munda Wines and a proud Wirangu and Kokatha man, who presented carefully selected wine pairings that honoured Indigenous lands across Australia, each sip echoing the heritage of the Traditional Owners.
Image: Red Gum Dinner. Photography: Naomi Jellicoe.
Image: Red Gum Dinner. Photography: Naomi Jellicoe.
Beyond the exquisite food, the event was a rich sensory experience. Thoughtfully crafted centrepieces adorned the tables, and aprons worn by servers were designed by young students from the Tjindu Foundation. The atmosphere was one of collaboration and deep appreciation, enhanced by stunning First Nations artwork from Adelaide Festival Centre's OUR MOB and a captivating performance by local musician, Karno Martin.
Image: Red Gum Dinner. Photography: Naomi Jellicoe.
Image: Red Gum Dinner. Photography: Naomi Jellicoe.
More than just a culinary experience, the Red Gum Dinner celebrated community and the vibrant tapestry of First Nations flavours and culture.
Celebrating First Nations
At Adelaide Festival Centre, our reconciliation vision is to celebrate First Nations cultures through recognition, representation, collaboration, and action.
