Some of the food on display at the Taste Great Southern launch at Yagan Square last night.
Camera IconSome of the food on display at the Taste Great Southern launch at Yagan Square last night. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Yagan Square’s focus on Aboriginal food something for all to celebrate

Denise S. CahillEastern Reporter

THERE’S a buzz around Yagan Square and the buzz words are “native food”.

Since the early design stages, there has been a focus on incorporating culture and stories from the Whadjuk people, the traditional owners of the land, into the public space.

Anticipation is building for the official opening on March 3, but it’s not just the open spaces that will honour the heritage of the site that is named after Noongar warrior Yagan.

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New eateries are incorporating the use of the land as an Aboriginal food source into their menus.

The Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority has carefully selected local traders that reflect the best of West Australian culture.

Aboriginal people have spiritual connections to their native food, food they once sourced from the land where Yagan Square now stands.

It was fitting that the new Shoe Bar that overlooks Yagan Square and its Wirin, Continuing Spirit statue by artist Lance Chad opened its doors for the official launch of Taste Great Southern last Wednesday.

Among the gourmet cheese and fig jam there was fresh produce on show to promote the Great Southern region, which is rich in Aboriginal history

Guests like WA Food Ambassador Don Hancey and WA Indigenous Tourism Operators Council board member Marie Redman have a passion for this native food, whether they’re cooking it or promoting it.

Yagan Square is more than just a connection between Perth and Northbridge, it will connect our community of people in a way like never before if we all look in the right directions.

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