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Yaama Dhinawan finally open for business

Late last year, the first students to complete a new Indigenous Food Training course at Redfern were awarded their graduation certificates by Education Minister Carmel Tebbutt reports the South Sydney Herald February 2007.

Ms Tebbut, the local member for Marrickville, which now extends into parts of Redfern, said, “Yaama Dhinawan gives local and Indigenous students a better chance of employment in the hospitality industry. The Government is determined to make a real difference in Redfern and Waterloo by providing more opportunities and jobs – and this initiative shows we’re making real progress.”

“These 15 students are to be congratulated for being the first to complete this eight-week training course. It sets them up with new skills to enter the industry and gain full-time employment.” The Minister went on to pay respect to Aunty Beryl Van-Oploo, along with young Aboriginal chef Matt Cribb.

Yaama Dhinawan is part of the North Eveleigh Training Centre which was established with the support of a $750,000 investment by the Redfern Waterloo Authority. Training funds have been provided by the NSW Department of Education and Training and the Commonwealth Department of Employment and Workplace Relations. Minister for Redfern Waterloo Frank Sartor said the Centre’s hospitality course alone is expected to train at least 60 students a year. “It is our aim that it will become a world-class cross-cultural training and employment centre specialising in modern Australian cuisine, including Indigenous produce,” Sartor said. Students will also be able to gain real industry experience through Yaama Dhinawan’s catering contracts and a commercial café and function centre due to open next year.

Aunty Beryl said she was proud to see Yaama Dhinawan’s first students now able to enter the workforce. “I have wanted to set up a training course like this for more than 30 years,” she said. “I am thrilled to see this dream finally come to fruition with the support of the RWA. There’s a real feeling of pride amongst the local community because this Centre has been established right here in Redfern.”

Cliff Bott, a Wilson Street resident, told the South Sydney Herald, “I started going for coffee and lunch shortly after it opened. It’s a wonderful initiative. The place has a peaceful ambience and the service always comes with a big smile. I’m looking forward to it being re-opened in this month and to trying some of the Indigenous cuisine that I believe is planned. I was lucky enough to be invited by Aunty Beryl to the graduation ceremony shortly before Christmas. It was a very happy and indeed moving event.”

Source: South Sydney Herald February 2007