Over several weeks in Term 2, students in Guildford Grammar School’s Boodjar Bidi Program took part in Gather to Plate, an immersive cultural tourism and hospitality program delivered in partnership with Gather Foods and supported by Tourism WA.

From learning on Country to hosting guests at Gather HQ in Perth, our students embraced a powerful program of events that combined cultural knowledge, practical skills and personal growth.

A Program Grounded in Country

The journey began with a cultural immersion experience at Kaarta Koomba (Kings Park), where students were guided by Elders in understanding stories, land and language. This foundation shaped the weeks that followed, as students moved into real-world experiences that strengthened their identity while building new capabilities.

Students returned to Gather HQ in small groups for hospitality workshops and tourism training led by Nan Viv and the Gather Foods team. They learned to prepare native ingredients, welcome guests and share cultural stories with purpose and confidence.

Ash Penfold, who led the program alongside Indigenous Program Coordinator Nicole Whiteside, said, “Students walk away from Gather to Plate with a rich mix of practical, cultural and personal skills that can support them well beyond their schooling years.”

He continued, “They gain skills that are not only useful in everyday life but also open pathways into hospitality and culinary careers.”

For Year 11 student Xavier, one of the most memorable moments came from connecting with those leading the journey. “The most memorable part was connecting with Ash, Nan Vivienne and Pop Mort Hansen. Their stories and teachings gave me a deeper appreciation for culture and Country.”

Student-Led Showcase

The program culminated in a series of Bush Talk and Tasting events hosted by the students. Each group designed and delivered an evening for invited guests including Elders, educators and community members. These events offered a window into student growth, with each plate served and each story shared revealing a journey of connection and learning.

From food preparation and presentation to hosting with pride, students led with cultural strength and maturity. As Ash explained, “It affirms their cultural knowledge is valuable and has a meaningful place in contemporary society and the economy.”

He also reflected on the deeper intention behind the program, saying, “Embedding culture into a program like Gather to Plate plays a vital role in strengthening a young person’s sense of identity and purpose. When students see their culture reflected, respected and celebrated, it reinforces pride in who they are and where they come from.”

For Xavier, sharing culture with others brought a strong sense of purpose. “It reminded me how important it is to keep culture strong and to share it with respect and pride.”

Real-World Impact

Gather to Plate is more than a learning experience. It is a model for cultural education that prepares students to lead with confidence and purpose.

Nicole shared, “The reality exceeded any expectations. The students formed powerful connections with one another, cementing the Boodjar Bidi Program as a supportive team. The relationships they built with each other, with Ash and with the Gather team were genuine and meaningful.”

She added, “Most importantly, they left the experience walking taller. Empowered, proud of who they are, rich in cultural knowledge and ready to share that with confidence. The strength, unity and pride they now carry is the most rewarding outcome I could have hoped for.”

For Xavier, the program also opened up new possibilities. “I’ve discovered that I can choose pathways that incorporate culture, and that working in a space that values and celebrates culture is not only possible but really meaningful to me.”

Supporting Cultural Growth and Identity

Programs like Gather to Plate reflect our School’s commitment to creating culturally safe and empowering spaces for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

Nicole explained, “Recognising and embedding culture in schools is essential for strengthening student engagement. When students see their identities and traditions respected, it fosters a deep sense of pride and belonging.”

For many students, the program offered something even more significant. Ash said, “Programs like Gather to Plate offer young people a powerful window into what a culturally grounded career can look like. The program showcases the real-world possibilities of turning cultural knowledge and identity into meaningful employment.”

“It helps students see that there is a place for them in this industry and that their knowledge, stories and cultural practices are deeply valued and in demand.”

Guildford Grammar is grateful to Ash Penfold and the Gather Foods team, Tourism WA, Vivienne and Mort Hansen, Walter and Meg McGuire and all those who supported this transformative experience. We are proud of every student who participated and look forward to seeing where their journey leads next.