Food
Ying dreams about "becoming a bridge between Australia and China...a bridge connects two nations to help people understand one another a little bit better." Starting with a simple meal learn how she tries to combat anti-Asian racism to build strong friendships in her neighbourhood in Shepparton.
Shepparton Culture Kitchen is a significant arts initiative centering the diverse voices of local diaspora communities, to build a future in which our communities are connected through empowering, healthy, and sustainable food culture. Starting with a seed project in 2020— the second cohort of Shepparton Culture Kitchen is an intergenerational, intercultural group of 6 local diverse women. As experts in their own lived experiences, the women draw on their personal stories to build and diversify local knowledge around food cultures and healthy eating.
Ying came to Australia to complete her studies in a Master of Environmental Engineering and a Master of Engineering Management. After graduating, she moved to Shepparton to gain work experience but fell in love with the countryside lifestyle, the good environment and friendly neighbourhood. Living close to nature calms Ying and her favourite thing about living in Shepparton is the close-knit community that makes her feel at home.
During the Chinese New Year, Ying learned to cook from her mum and grandmas and from watching them make dishes. During the last 3 years, she has expanded her cooking knowledge and skills through learning to cook online through YouTube. The practice of boiling, steaming and pan frying is used a lot in Chinese cooking to remove toxins and bad bacteria and Ying implements this in her own cooking, and ensures everything is cooked thoroughly. She enjoys using fresh vegetables, fruits and meats for her family and makes sure they stay fresh and are eaten quickly.
Despite the challenges of being busy and her daughter’s picky palate, with the help of Shepparton Culture Kitchen, Ying has introduced her family to try new foods. Through Shepparton Culture Kitchen she has grown to enjoy and get more involved in multicultural community service.
MAV is proud to partner with Greater Shepparton City Council and POD Studio to elevate the voices of local, culturally diverse artists and community and to be a conduit for community self-determination.