Aunty Beryl's Cookbook

‘Aunty Beryl’s passion for sharing her extensive knowledge of native Indigenous ingredients has birthed modern Australian culinary cuisine.’ Aunty Margret Campbell ‘There is power in women supporting women. Aunty Beryl captivates us with her storytelling through food and empowers us with her knowledge.’ Sharon Winsor, Indigiearth‘Aunty Beryl is one of those rare storytellers whose voice reaches far beyond the recipes, sharing the depth of her love and enduring impact.’ Javed Khan, Delhi ‘O’ Delhi restaurant

Aunty Beryl Van-Oploo OAM is a respected Gamilaroi Elder, educator, mentor and businesswoman. She grew up in Walgett, New South Wales and then moved to Sydney at the age of 16 to find work. Aunty Beryl had no formal education until she was 31 years old, enrolling in a cooking course and going on to undertake a TAFE diploma of education specialising in hospitality. She then became a teacher at Petersham TAFE and set up a Home and Work Opportunities for Aboriginal Women course at the first Eora TAFE in Redfern. She also founded the National Centre for Indigenous Excellence’s Job Ready program. Aunty Beryl has run kitchens for several cafes and now owns her own catering business called Yaama Barrgay (which means hello family and friends in Yuwaalaraay), employing First Nations staff. She is an advisor on the use of bushfoods for top chefs including Kylie Kwong, Neil Perry and René Redzepi.