In a time of division, Australians are choosing to make more room at the table: Feast for Freedom 2026 launches nationwide

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 2026

As national debate about migration and belonging intensifies, communities across Australia are responding not with fear, but with food. This week the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) launched Feast for Freedom 2026, inviting people around the country to host shared meals that celebrate refugee cultures and raise vital funds for people seeking asylum.

Now in its eighth year, Feast for Freedom is a national campaign built on a simple but powerful idea: cooking and eating together can build understanding, connection and solidarity. Registrations are open until 31 March 2026, with Feasts held anytime until 30 April.

Held annually across Australia, Feast for Freedom invites individuals, families, workplaces, schools and community groups to host fundraisers centred around food and storytelling. What began in 2019 as a small idea, sharing recipes gifted by refugees, has grown into a nationwide movement of welcome and belonging.

By gathering around the table, hosts and guests create moments of celebration while raising funds to support refugees and people seeking asylum through the ASRC’s essential services.
This year’s Feast is inspired by the powerful stories and flavours of the 2026 Hero Cooks: Noha from Palestine and Nige from Sri Lanka.

For Noha, Palestinian food is a way of holding onto culture for her daughters and showing the world the beauty of Palestine beyond the headlines. Her recipes, grounded in za’atar, olive oil and harvest traditions from Gaza, carry family history and memory.

For Nige, food became a lifeline. After fleeing Sri Lanka and spending six years in detention, he learned to cook by phoning home for instructions from his mum and wife. His recipes reflect the vibrant flavours of Trincomalee and the joy he finds when people share his meals.

The 2026 campaign also features a limited-edition Feast for Freedom tea towel designed by Afghan artist Sher Ali, in collaboration with Kabul Art Studio artisan members. His Sufra artwork draws on themes of nourishment, community and shared humanity.

Complementing the Palestinian and Sri Lankan dishes in this year’s recipe book are favourite recipes from past Feasts, along with special family recipes donated by Feast for Freedom Ambassador Kishwar Chowdhury and ASRC CEO and Founder Kon Karapanagiotidis OAM.

How it works
Registrations for Feast for Freedom 2026 are open until 31 March, with Feasts hosted anytime before 30 April.

After registering to host a Feast for Freedom, hosts receive a free Host Kit, including a Feast for Freedom recipe book.

Recipes are designed to be simple and affordable, ensuring anyone can take part. Hosts can gather anywhere (in homes, workplaces, schools or community spaces) cooking from the recipe book or inviting guests to bring dishes from their own cultures.
Guests are encouraged to donate to the ASRC, an independent not-for-profit organisation supporting people seeking asylum.

Quotes

Kon Karapanagiotidis OAM, CEO and Founder, ASRC, said:

“At a time when some politicians are trying to divide us and tell us who does and doesn’t belong, Feast for Freedom is about doing the opposite, pulling up more chairs and making the table bigger. It’s about welcome in action: creating a space where our diversity is celebrated, stories are shared and community is built through food, generosity and connection.

Every dollar raised helps us provide essential support to people seeking asylum, including warm community meals where people can feel welcome and connected. Raising $750 can help provide more than 350 meals here at our Home of Hope in Footscray.

I’m especially excited for this year’s Feast because my mum, Sia, and I have shared two of our favourite Greek recipes from our book Philoxenia – A Seat at My Table. Food has always been our way of saying: you belong here.”

Noha, Hero Cook 2026, said:

“When people cook my recipes, I hope they feel something different, something that makes them wonder where it comes from. Food is our identity. I want people to taste the Palestine they never get to see.”

Meet Noha, watch the video here 

Nige, Hero Cook 2026, said:

“I came to Australia with my culture and my food, now I want to share them with everyone. A good Sri Lankan meal isn’t just tasty, it’s healing. The spices are medicine.”

Meet Nige, watch the video here

More information:
https://feastforfreedom.org.au
https://asrc.org.au

Social media
Instagram: @asrc1
Facebook: Asylum Seeker Resource Centre
Official hashtag: #FeastForFreedom

For media enquiries:
Christa Brajkovich, Brand and Marketing Manager: christa.b@asrc.org.au