A Feast of Connections and Memories

The story of Jane, one of this year’s Feast for Freedom Hero Cooks, is a story of connection. Connection to her family, and to the people she has met in her new home, Australia. As a Tamil she has faced discrimination and lack of access to fair treatment by the justice system. 

When Jane arrived in Australia in 2016, her journey had been five or six years in the planning. She had worked multiple jobs to save enough money to leave and she announced her plans to her family the day before she left, “One day I booked the tickets, and I told my parents. Then suddenly it all happened!” 

When asked to select recipes for Feast for Freedom, Jane chose recipes that represent her Indian heritage, “My recipes are traditional food, but they are not from my home country, Malaysia – they are from my grandparents’ home country, India.”

Almost nine years later, Jane is still living with the uncertainty of a bridging visa. Unable to seek paid employment but still wanting to contribute to the community, Jane decided to become a volunteer at the ASRC Foodbank in Dandenong. Volunteering has brought unexpected joy to Jane’s life; it keeps her busy, and it has given her a sense of belonging and companionship, as well as new connections and friendships. 

“I made a friend, which I didn’t have previously!” says Jane. “There are a lot of friends here. And Kate, the ASRC Foodbank coordinator – she is a very nice person. She’s helping me a lot.”

Jane loves her life in Australia, especially the openness and friendliness of its people.  “Here, there is no judgement,” she says. “There is no criticism. I receive a lot of love and support here that I don’t receive back in my country. It’s really nice to stay here. I like this country. I love the people. Even though people don’t know me they will say hi, how are you, good morning – or good evening. It’s their little smile, it always gives me a little boost.”

ASRC has provided Jane with essential support including food, nappies for her baby, and English classes. Even though her visa status makes it difficult for Jane to plan for the future, she remains hopeful, especially for her children, “I hope my children can study here so their future will be bright and safe.”

Like many refugees and people seeking asylum, Jane is eager to contribute to her new home and is generous with her time and skills. She is excited about people connecting with her culture and her story by trying her recipes.

“I think people will enjoy cooking my recipes. They are very beautiful recipes and colourful as well,” says Jane. “Food means love for me. I think cooking food is the way we show love.”

Jane chose recipes that are packed with flavour yet both easy to cook and budget friendly. Most are one-pot dishes with simple steps to follow. “Aloo Gobi, Paruppu Sadham, Mustard Pickle and Paayasaam are my favourites and I want you to make them so they become your favourites too,” says Jane. “Even if you don’t have anything at home, I think your cupboard will have rice and dhal. You just add the spices and you have a meal.”

Register today and host a Feast for Freedom to enjoy Jane’s delicious Indian Feast, while raising funds in support of other refugees and people seeking asylum.