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D'harawal calendar

The D'harawal Country and language area extends from the southern shores of Port Jackson (Sydney Harbour) to the northern shores of the Shoalhaven River, and from the eastern shores of the Wollondilly River system to the eastern seaboard.

Burran

Hot and dry
January-March

Male kangaroos aggressive
Meat forbidden
 Weetjellan blooming

Marrai'gang

Wet becoming cool
April-June

Quolls seeking mates
 Lillypilly ripens

Burrugin

Cold and frosty
June-July

Echidna seeking mates
Burringoa flowering
 Shellfish forbidden

Wiritjiribin

Cold and windy
July-August

Lyrebird building mounds
Marrai'uo flowering
Boo'kerrikin flowering
 Gentle spring rains

Ngoonungi

Cool becoming warm
September-October

Flying foxes appear
Ceremonial time
 Miwa Gawaian in flower

Parra'dowee

Warm and wet
November-December

Summer heat starts
 Stable weather

Permission to use the D'harawal seasonal calendar is granted by the D'harawal Traditional Knowledgeholders' and Descendents' Circle.

D'harawal seasons

Navigate back up to the calendar overview with the links at the end of each season.

Time of Burran
January-March
Gadalung Marool-hot and dry

Gymea lily by Mark Wilgar

The behaviour of the male kangaroos becomes quite aggressive in this season, and it is a sign that the eating of meat is forbidden during this time. This is a health factor; because of the heat of the day meat does not keep, and the likelihood of food poisoning is apparent.

The blooming of the Weetjellan ( Acacia implexa) is an important sign that fires must not be lit unless they are well away from bushland and on sand only, and that there will be violent storms and heavy rain, so camping near creeks and rivers is not recommended.
April-June
Time of Marrai'gang

Bana'murrai'yung-wet becoming cooler

The time of the year when the cries of the Marrai'gang (Quoll) seeking his mate can be heard through the forests and woodlands, and when the lilly pillys ripen on the trees.
June-late July
However, when the lilly pillys start to fall, it is time to mend the old warm cloaks from last cold season, or make new ones, and begin the yearly trek to the coastal areas.

Time of Burrugin

Echidna, Luke Shelley

Tugarah Tuli-cold, frosty, short days
August
This is the time when the male Burrugin (echidnas) form lines of up to ten as they follow the female through the woodlands in an effort to wear her down and mate with her. It is also the time when the Burringoa ( Eucalyptus tereticornis) starts to produce flowers, indicating that it is time to collect the nectar of certain plants for the ceremonies which will begin to take place during the next season.

It is also a warning not to eat shellfish again until the Boo'kerrikin blooms.

Time of Wiritjiribin
September-October
Tugarah Gunya'marri-cold and windy

The lyrebirds' calls ring out through the bushland as he builds his dancing mounds to attract his potential mates. It is the time of the flowering of the Marrai'uo ( Acacia floribunda) which is a sign that the fish are running in the rivers.

At the end of this time the Boo'kerrikin ( Acacia decurrens) flower, which indicates the end of the cold, windy weather, and the beginning of the gentle spring rains.
November-December
Time of Ngoonungi

Murrai'yunggory-cool, getting warmer

The time of the gathering of the flying foxes. A magical time of the year when the flying foxes gather in the darkening skies over D'harawal Lands. They come in from the north-east, the north, the north-west and the west, and swirl over the Sydney area in a wonderful, sky-dancing display just after sunset, before setting off for the night-time feeding grounds to the south.

But it is also a very important ceremonial time for the D'harawals, which begins with the appearance of the splashes of the bright red Miwa Gawaian ( Telopea speciosissima) in the bushland.

Time of Parra'dowee

Goray'murrai-Warm and wet

This season begins with the Great Eel Spirit calling his children to him, and the eels which are ready to mate make their way down the rivers and creeks to the ocean.

It is the time of the blooming of the Kai'arrewan ( Acacia binervia) which announces the occurrence of fish in the bays and estuaries.

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The D'harawal Country and language area extends from the southern shores of Port Jackson (Sydney Harbour) to the northern shores of the Shoalhaven River, and from the eastern shores of the Wollondilly River system to the eastern seaboard.

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Sydney Botanical Gardens Bush Tucker

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Education resources for schools teachers and students - ABC Education

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ABC Education has 5000+ educational games, videos and teaching resources for schools and students. Free Primary and Secondary resources covering history, science, English, maths and more

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What ingredients could you use and how will you source them?

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by Gemma White

This page is taken from a booklet written by Gemma White in 2008 on Australian bush tucker survival foods that are found in the Mitchell Park (Cattai) region of sydney. This regoin is typical of much of the Sydney region and much of Southeast Australia. Used with permission from the author.

See also: Bush Tucker Plant Foods (a web based field guide with pictures).

NEW: Australian Bush Food Plant Quiz (Bush Tucker and Edible Weeds).

On This Page

Introduction
Bush Tucker Warning
How to Use this Survival Guide
Chapter 1 - Bush Tucker Plants
Chapter 2 - Bush Medicinal Plants
Chapter 3 - Bush Survival
References

Aboriginal people have occupied the Australian continent for at least forty thousand years, and over this time they have found ways of surviving that reveal an extensive and detailed knowledge of the environment (Kohen & Downing, 1992). Their understanding of native plants goes far beyond just knowing what is edible. They used plants for healing and medicine, and for weapons and tools (Brand-Miller, & Holt, 1998). They understood the changes of the seasons and the life cycles of animals and plants, and how these processes effected their own survival ( Hiddins, 2001). However, current knowledge of Aboriginal diet and herbal medicine is quite limited, since the Aboriginal lifestyle was obliterated long before it could be recorded ( Low, 1988).

The Australian bush contains a bounty of wild edible plant species that runs into the thousands, ranging from starchy seeds and tangy fruits to mushrooms, tubers, leaves and seaweeds. However, knowing how to identify edible plants is not easy. The knowledge Aboriginal people have about which plants are edible, which plants are poisonous, and which plants are poisonous but can be prepared in certain ways that make then safe to eat would have been acquired over generations (6,000 years) of trial and error ( Hiddins, 2001; Smith&Smith,1999).

To the Aborigines, plant foods supplied up to 80% of their diet in desert regions, and as little as 40% in coastal areas, where shellfish, fish and game were abundant ( Low, 1988). Diets and food preparation techniques varied from one region to another and also from one tribe to another. Local custom and belief often effected what was hunted and gathered (i.e. would not eat totemic animals).

It has been suggested that Aborigines were originally a relatively healthy people before the arrival of Europeans (brought infectious diseases) and thus needed little medication (Cribb & Cribb, 1981). Occasional digestive upsets (causing diarrhoea), fevers, toothaches, xand sores, colds, rheumatism and wounds were all adequately treated with a large variety of herbal remedies (Lassak & McCarthy, 2001). Most bush medicines were applied, as rubs or poultices; or inhaled, for example by using crushed aromatic leaves ( Hiddins, 2001).

Despite the vast size of the Australian continent, it is quite difficult to become seriously lost in the bush. Most coastlines, roads and watercourses will eventually lead to civilization. If a major mishap was to occur, it's more important to have water, shelter and to be positioned where help will arrive, than to find food ( Low, 1988). People can survive many weeks without food.

Mitchell Park is located east of the Hawkesbury River and north of Pitt Town between Broad Water Swamp and Longneck Lagoon. Mitchell Park is situated on the edge of the Hawkesbury Valley and as a result has a very unique combination of vegetation communities. Alluvial/Flood plain vegetation is found along the edge of the creek on the northern border of the park (narrow band of vegetation). Hawkesbury sandstone derived open woodland forms the bulk of the park, as Cumberland plain derived tall open forest dominates the area between the closed forest and woodland (Kohen, 2008).

Mitchell Park was originally part of the territory of the Cattai Clan (Darug people), however, due to their quick demise after European settlement in the area there is sadly very little information remaining on how they utilised their local area (Pullen, 2003). Today the territory of the Cattai clan is a part of Cattai National Park with a field study centre that is administered by the University of Western Sydney (Kohen, 2008).

This book is only a guide, if you are in doubt about the identity of a plant leave it alone.

Many species are difficult to identify

Some plants are highly toxic, some are deadly.

It is not recommended that you make any bush medicines that need to be swallowed, although rubs, poultices and medicines that can be inhaled should be fairly safe.

Plants are protected within National parks and you cannot pick fruits or flowers or otherwise interfere with plants.

When travelling through Aboriginal land, remember permission is required before fishing or gathering.

WARNING: Never eat plants that are growing in an area where they may have been sprayed with pesticides or herbicides (weed killers), or where the water supply to the area could be polluted, such as from urban or industrial run-off.Never eat any part of any wild growing plant unless you are certain you can identify it. Being certain means you have developed a maturity of skill in identifying plants. It does not mean you are pretty sure it looks just like "that plant you saw once on some website".

Plants are divided up into colour coded categories to help make them easier to locate.

Most plants are toxic and indigestible to humans ( Hiddins, 2001). Food plants are an exception to this and fall into one of three categories: they may be plant parts that are designed to be eaten (nectars and fruits); or parts that are unprotected by toxins or fibres (most tubes and small seeds); or they may have chemical defences that can be removed by cooking or teaching (many large tubers and seeds) ( Low, 1988). The following food plants are common in the Mitchell park area.

Description: Commonly found growing on the edges of lagoons and waterways. It is distinguished by its long seeding flower spike and strap-like green leaves (1-2m tall).

Uses: Bulrush starch was once a staple food of Aborigines, the outer rind was peeled off the underground stem and layed before the fire, the fibres were then twisted to loosen out the starch ( Low, 1988). The soft white starch of the young shoot can also be eaten raw and the left over fibres can be spun into tough string. The immature flower stalk can be woven into mats.
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Description: Tall and coarse fern found in low lying swamps, identified by its large size, serrated leaf margins, and long black-skinned rhizomes packed with slimy white starch.

Uses: Rhizomes were dug out with a sharpened stick, dried in the sun for a short time and roasted before eating ( Low, 1988). This was an easily gathered staple for Aborigines when the long rhizomes were trailing freely in water. The very bland starch could be eaten raw.

Description: small orchids, with narrow linear, sparsely hairy leaves and wiry and sparsely hairy stems (up to 25cm tall) bearing up to 3 flowers (Waratah, 2006). Flowers have a slight pink colour with red stripes on its labellum.

Uses: Tubers can be eaten raw, taste watery/ sweetish (picture shows tubers left and flowers right).

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Description: Long, very tough grass-like leaves that are pale or dark green (sometimes with serrated margins). Berries are blue or purplish (0.5-1.5cm across), with pale spongy pulp containing shiny black seeds. The small flowers are lilac, purple or blue, with six petals and a black or yellow centre ( Low,1988).

Uses: Aborigines used the tough leaves to weave dillies and baskets, and ate the small tasty berries in small amounts.

Description: A shrub or Small tree with a dense crown of drooping leafless stems, yellowish-green in colour. Tiny greenish flowers are followed by a hard seed attached to the outside of a succulent red fruit (4-6mm long) that ripens in summer and autumn.

Uses: Fruits can be eaten though taste slightly astringent ( Low, 1988).

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Three types of Geebung grow in the Mitchell park region: the Broad Leaved Geebung (Persoonia levis), the Narrow - leaved Geebung (Persoonia linearis) and the Pine-leaved Geebung (Persoonia pinnifolia).

Description: A spreading shrub that can be open or bushy (1-5m high), with dark, flaky, papery bark. The leaves vary enormously between species; the Broad-leaved Geebungs has bright green, broad, sickle-shaped, thick, leathery leaves. The narrow-leaved Geebungs leaves are crowded, fine, soft and light green (like pine needles). The flowers of all species are yellow with four slender, arched petals, and the fruits are always round or egg shaped, with a stalk-like style at the tip, and sticky flesh surrounding a single large stone. The fruits ripen only after falling to the ground, when they are pale green to bronze-purple and soft.

Uses: A popular food to Aboriginals, the sweet pulp from the fruit can be nibbled as a snack, although it is fibrous, sticks fast to the large stone, and tastes like sweet cotton wool (high in vitamin C) ( Low, 1988).

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Description: Grows 0.7-1.5m tall/ Fronds are dark green, glossy and hard, on stiff stalks joined to hairy rhizomes that contain slimy white starch.

Uses: Bracken starch was an important food to Aboriginals; the roasted rhizomes were staple foods that could be eaten in huge quantities. The young undeveloped fronds or fiddle heads must be boiled prior to eating (asparagus-like taste) but should only be eaten as emergency foods ( Hiddins, 2001). The fiddles are inclined to taste bitter, and as the fronds are known to contain toxins; they should not be eaten in large quantities.

Description: This inconspicuous plant grows as a colony in the grassy understorey. It produces white flower heads on long wiry stems in summer, with lace like leaves (2-4cm wide) and deeply divided. The taproot resembles a small parsnip ( Low, 1988).

Uses: It is one of Australia's tastiest wild foods, the thick juicy taproots are fragrant and sweet and can be eaten raw or cooked.

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Description: Small trees or shrubs with yellowish fluffy flowers and flattened or cylindrical, been like pods (picture shows ripe seeds). Leaves can be sickle-shaped or spine-tipped and are usually slender.

Uses: Acacia seeds were very important foods to Aborigines; they are extremely nutritious, yielding protein levels of 18-25%, and sometimes high levels of fat ( Low, 1988). Green seeds were roasted in their pods on the fire and then eaten like peas (taste bitter when raw). Ripe seeds were either ground, moistened and roasted as damper, or were roasted first and then ground into a paste (tasting like peanut paste). Aborigines ate the gums oozing from the trunks and branches of many kinds of Wattles. Only pale coloured gums were eaten (sucked like a lolly); the darker gums are too astringent. Aborigines often notched trees to enhance the flow of gum.

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Description: Tree generally 3-6m in height. Fruits can be pink, white or purplish in colour, 8-20mm in diameter, with a characteristic depressed disk at the Tip (ripen from April-August). Leaves are slender or broad (2-10cm long), and sometimes with a tapered tip.

Uses: Lilly Pilly fruits are widely eaten by Aborigines though they are aromatic, drying and not very palatable (Smith & Smith, 1999).
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Description: Woody Trees or shrubs with slender leathery, often serrated leaves and large coarse, bushy blossoms. Flowers come in a range of colours, yellowish, orange-brown, purplish or mauve pink.

Uses: Blossoms are laden with sweet tasting nectar that can be sucked from the flower or the blossoms can be soaked in water to make drinks, Aborigines sometimes allowed natural fermentation to produce an alcoholic drink ( Low, 1988).

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Description: A bushy tree with dark green leaves that are sandpapery above and hairy bellow, they are alternate and often asymmetrical at the base. Figs are purplish-black, soft and very hairy (1.5-3cm long) and ripen from January to June.

Uses: The figs are sweet and flavoursome and the leaves make excellent sandpaper ( Hiddins, 2001).

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Description: Consists of a woody trunk topped by a crown of tough, wiry, slender leaves. Pale yellow or cream flowers are produced on tall woody stalks in the early summer. The trunk exudes globules of yellow-dark red resin.

Uses: To Aborigines the Grasstree was an exceptionally useful plant. The flower is laden with sweet nectar and can be sucked or soaked in water to produce a sweet drink. The crisp crown of the trunk was traditionally split open and the starch eaten raw, but this is not recommended because it kills the tree. Grasstree starch is high in carbohydrates (41%) more than twice the calorie content of potatoes ( Low, 1988). The resin was used by Aborigines as glue and the wooden flower stalks were made into firesticks or spears. Dead trunks sometimes contain edible white grubs and provide excellent firewood that burns with intense heat even in wet conditions.

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Description: small twining creepers with slender leaves, greenish or pale yellow tubular flowers and small, greenish, usually hairy, sausage-shaped fruits (1-2.5cm long).

Uses: Aborigines ate not only the ripe fruits, which taste like kiwi fruit, but also roasted and ate unripe fruit ( Low, 1988).

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Description: Easily recognised by their twining, wiry, leafless stems and succulent fruits, form wiry mats across the crowns of shrubs, parasitic plants ( Low, 1988). Stems are greenish, orange-yellow or purplish red (1-2mm thick), and fruits are rounded or oval, sometimes ridged, hairy or smooth, any colour except blue and contain one round stone (4-15mm long) (picture shows fruits of Cassytha filiformis).

Uses: The small fruits of devils twines can be eaten, though most are resinous, sticky and not very tasty. Aborigines ate them as a snack food (contain small quantities of poisonous alkaloids which in large doses can cause stomach cramps).

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Description: Wiry Vine which trails over low branches or across the ground. Flowers are white or lavender-pink, with three of their six petals fringed. Leaves are soft and bright green with a lighter underside (3-11cm long), slender or broad and finely lined with parallel longitudinal veins. Ripe berries (1-1.5cm) are orange in colour and split to display shiny black seeds.

Uses: The burst berries contain a tiny amount of crisp white pulp which can be eaten, the small earthen coloured tubers (1-3cm long) taste sweet and juicy ( Low, 1988).

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Description: Wiry vine that trails over low branches or across the ground. Flowers are white with unfringed petals, leaves are soft and bright green with a lighter underside. Berries are black and inedible.

Uses: Aborigines boil and eat the shoots ( Low, 1988).

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Description: A common vine. Leaves are opposite, small, green, smooth and shiny. On the midrib it has at least one raised nodule and orange berries.

Uses: Berries can be eaten (Kohen, 2008).

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Description: Fast growing vine with trifoliate leaves and thin-skinned green fruits with white flesh. Flowers occur in spring followed by fruits ripening 3-4 months later.

Uses: Pulp from the fruit is eaten fresh or used in drinks (Trade Winds Fruit, 2008).

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Description: Common prickly shrub or climber. Leaves are heart shaped or three lobed, large and broad (5-20cm long). With a crinkled surface and white underside. Flowers are white or reddish in colour and are followed by red raspberries (1.2cm wide).

Uses: The berries can be eaten raw and have a dry but sweetish taste ( Low, 1988).

THE "UNIVERSAL EDIBILITY TEST"

WARNING: This test (or a very similar one) is given in many of the survival books, however it is not recommended to use this test on any unknown plant(s) unless you are in a situation where there are no other options for survival. Since you can live easily without food for a week or more (and probably a few weeks or more depending on the situation), unless you are lost for an extended period of time, in most cases you would be better off NOT to use this test at all. (Though it's okay - and generally a good idea - to use this test on plants that you are already able to identify and know to be safe to eat, just to be even more sure.)
THE TEST

1. Test only one part of a potential plant at a time

2. Smell the potential food plant for strong or acid odours (but remember smell alone does not indicate if plant is edible).

3. Select a small portion of a single part of the plant (i.e. fruit) and prepare it in the way you plan to eat it.

4. Touch a small portion to the outer surface of the lips (testing for itching or burning sensation).

5. If no reaction after 3 minutes then place the plant part on the tongue holding there for 15 minutes

6. If no reaction, chew a portion without swallowing and wait 15 minutes

7. If no burning, itching, numbing, stinging or other irritation occurs during the 15 minutes, swallow.

8. Wait 8 hours, if any ill effects occur during this time drink lots of water and induce vomiting.

9. If no ill effects occur eat half a cup of the plant part prepared the same way. Wait 8 hours, if no ill effects occur then the plant part as prepared is edible.

More than five hundred of the plant species native to Australia can be used medicinally. Some uses have been minor, others more complex. There are a number of properties that make plants valuable in medicine, these include: Tannins, Mucilage, oils, Latex, Alkaloids and several other groups of chemicals (Cribb & Cribb,1981).

However, preventative medicine is the best option (don't get sick in the first place). Move slowly and surely through the bush, scan the ground in front of you and to the sides. Look up and around and be aware of where you step. Walk with a stick and thump the ground as you walk so snakes move out of your path (Windsong, 2006). Don't grab onto plants before checking to see if they have thorns and learn to identify the stinging tree and stinging nettle.

If sickness is unavoidable here are some medicines that can be prepared from plants in the Mitchell Park Region. We recommend that you do not try making bush medicines to drink because some medicines have the potential to be poisonous if the concentration is incorrect, especially if they contain alkaloids ( Hiddins, 2001).

Description: Commonly found growing on the edges of lagoons and waterways. It is distinguished by its long vertical flower spikes and straplike leaves (see page 4 for picture).

Uses: The watery sap from the plant was used by Aborigines as a protection against leaches. The brown and white down or fluff from the flowering spike can be used as a wound dressing (Hiddens, 2001).
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Description: A shrub (3m high) with leaf-like phyllodes (4-9cm long) that are narrow, linear to oblong and are tapered at both ends with a recurved tip and rather thick. The seed pod is hard and constricted between individual seeds. Flowers occur from late winter to early spring as a profusion of yellow-orange balls.

Uses: Aborigines soaked the bark in water or boiled it and the decoction was used as a cough medicine (Lassak & McCarthy, 2001).

Description: A tall shrub or small tree that is parasitic upon the roots of other species. Leaves alternate and are reduced to minute scales, all stems are green. The fruits are fleshy, bright red and somewhat egg-shaped structures (4-6mm long), with a dull green nut at its apex (see page 5 for picture).

Uses: Twigs made a good bitter tonic and astringent (Lassak & McCarthy, 2001).

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Description: A perennial shrub (0.7-1.5m tall) with dark green, glossy and hard fronds on stiff stalks joined to hairy rhizomes (underground root-like stems) that contain slimy white starch.

Uses: The sap from the stems of young ferns was applied directly to insect bites by Aboriginal people to relieve the pain. A tea made from leaves and leaf stalks can be used to help rheumatism (Lassak & McCarthy, 2001).

Description: Medium-sized to large tree (30m tall) with rough grey-brown back that is fibrous and generally furrowed. Leaves are glossy green to dull grey-green, narrow to oval shaped (5-15cm long) and tapered to a point at the ends. Flowers are white with a green keels, fruit are cup shaped and contain reddish-brown seeds.

Uses: The Kino (a reddish sap exuded from the trunk) was used by Aboriginals for the treatment of diarrhoea and stomach upset; 150 to 200g of a 10% solution in water was taken internally (Lassak & McCarthy, 2001).

Descriptions: A small to medium tree. Old bases of leaf stalks are persistent on the main stem; the scales of these bases are bright brown, glossy and leathery. Leave fronds are compound (bi-pinnate) and covered in faun or white hairs. Secondary leave axes are yellow-brown on the underside.

Uses: Aborigines are the roasted stalks of young leaves as a tonic after any kind of disease (Lassak & McCarthy, 2001).

Description: Slow growing tree (10-25m high) with rough furrowed bark and long green leaves. Flowers are white and occur throughout April and September-November. The small seeds are contained in a woody capsule (3-7mm long) and are released between August and January.

Uses: Kino (sap exuded from the trunk) was used by Aborigines for the treatment of diarrhoea; a 10% solution in water, dose is about 150g of solution is drunk every 24 hours (Lassak & McCarthy, 2001).

Description: A medium to large tree (up to 30m high), with branches that are often gnarled, forming a dense crown, and bark that is rough, flaky and has numerous cracks. Leaves are tapered at both ends (10-16cm long) with an underside that is paler than the upper side. Flowers occur in summer as large terminal clusters. Seeds are contained in an urn-shaped capsule with large reflected broad rims (12-20mm long). Exudes a bright red gum (Kino) from splits and cracks in bark (Lassak & McCarthy, 2001).

Uses: The gum (Kino) was used by Aborigines to treat venereal sores, by both local and external and internal application. Charcoal from the bark was used as an antiseptic.

Description: A medium tree (up to 20m high) often with a short bole and wide spreading branches. Bark is rough and fibrous on the trunk and larger branches, and smooth and ribbon-like on small branches. Juvenile leaves are opposite, mature leaves are alternate, dull green and tapered at both ends (6-12cm long). Flowers occur in early summer as clusters in leaf forks. Seeds are contained in oval-shaped capsules with deeply enclosed values (6-7mm in diameter).

Uses: The leaf oil has been used to treat stomach upsets, and can remove 'choleic' complaints (Cribb & Cribb, 1981)

Description: A large tree (up to 30m high), with reddish fibrous stringy bark on the entire tree. Mature leaves are stalked, alternate and tapered at both ends (10-16cm long), dark green above and paler underneath; juvenile leaves are also stalked, opposite, narrow and tapered at both ends. Flowers occur from spring to summer.

Uses: Aborigines drank a leaf decoction and rubbed the inner bark into syphilitic sores (Lassak & McCarthy, 2001).

Description: A large tree (up to 30m high), with smooth white or grey bark that is shed in long strips in autumn. Flowers are white and small seeds are contained in a woody capsule (4-8mm long) which is shed in November.

Uses: Kino was used to treat diarrhoea; a 5% solution in water was drunk (Cribb & Cribb, 1981).

Description: A bushy tree without aerial roots. Leaves are oblong-elliptical and are very rough on the upper surface (7-15m long). The fruit is purple black when fully ripe, usually densely hairy and egg shaped (8-20mm in diameter). All parts exude a milky latex when cut (see page 7 for picture).

Uses: The milky latex of young shoots was used by Aborigines in the healing of wounds (Lassak & McCarthy, 2001).

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Description: A small tree (rarely up to 18m high), with papery bark, slender branches and hairy young shoots (see picture on left). Leaves are mostly opposite and are quite narrow and often keeled (12-35mm long). Its creamy white flowers occur in dense spikes around the end of stems (see picture on left). Woody seed capsules occur in dense elongated clusters around smaller branches (3mm in diameter). Flowers occur in spring and summer.

Uses: The oil, obtained by stem-distillation of the foliage can be used to externally treat boils, abscesses, sores, cuts and abrasions, as well as in conditions resulting in a pussy discharge. Crushed leaves were inhaled to relieve headaches (Lassak & McCarthy, 2001).

Description: A sprawling parasitic vine with twining, wiry, leafless stems. Fruits are white, globular and smooth without prominent ribs. Stems are green-yellow in colour (see page 8 for picture).

Uses: Aborigines used the pulverised plant to clean ulcers, the juice of was occasionally used to treat inflamed eyes and the macerated plant was applied externally to sick people (Cribb & Cribb, 1981).

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Description: Tall evergreen climber, often forming massive ropes with tendrils opposite to the point of attachment of the leaves. Leaves are compound with 5 leaflets branching from the stem like fingers (5-8cm long); they are blunt at the base and elliptical. Produces yellowish flowers and bluish black globular berries that are edible.

Uses: A gargle made from the fruit can relieve a sore throat (Lassak & McCarthy, 2001).
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Description: A scrambling shrub or climber covered in prickles. Leaves are also prickly, round to elliptical, 3-5lobed, covered with rusty hair on the underside and margins are serrate. Flowers are white or red and fruit is a red nearly globular berry (12mm in diameter) that ripens during summer (see page 10 for picture).

Uses: Aboriginals soaked the small leaves in warm water and drank the infusion when suffering from stomach upset (Lassak & McCarthy, 2001).

Description: A branched shrubby climber. Leaves are oblong to almost circular (5-15cm long), green on both sides, leathery and alternate. Fruits are black globular berries (10-15 mm in diameter), with one to 3 hard shining seeds. Flowers occur in summer, are greenish white and arranged in umbles in leaf forms.

Uses: Aboriginals used it as an alterative and tonic (Cribb & Cribb, 1981).
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Despite the vast size of Australia, becoming lost in the bush is quite difficult. Most watercourses, coastlines and roads soon lead to civilisation (Low, 1988). In the rare event of major mishap, the need to find food is usually secondary (people can survive weeks without food). It is more important to have water, shelter from extremes, and to be positioned where help will arrive (Windsong, 2006).

Locating Water

It is essential to know how to find water when surviving in the bush. Look for the lowest points in the landscape (bottom of hills, cliffs and gullies) water tends to collect in these areas. Seasonal creeks can hold water just under the surface months after the water above ground has dried up, look for lush vegetation before you start digging (Windsong, 2006). Follow well worn animal tracks down hill they will generally lead to water sources. Dew can be mopped up with cotton clothing and wrung out into containers.

Shelter

It is best to start looking for shelter at least 2 hours before sunset. Look for natural shelters such as caves and rocky crevices with overhangs. Make sure the site is safe from rock falls and away from large over hanging tree limbs (may fall). Check for snakes and stinging insects such as ants and wasps before setting up camp (Windsong, 2006). Building a raised platform off the ground can save you from coming into contact with insects in the soil and under leaf litter that bite and cause serious itching.

Building a Fire

Clear the area where you are going to build the fire of twigs and leaves etc. at least 1 meter in diameter (to prevent the fire from spreading). You will need 3 types of fuel: 1) tinder - dry material that easily ignites with a spark, 2) kindling - small combustible material that will increase the temperature of the fire, and 3) fuel - bigger, harder wood, preferably hard dry logs (Windsong, 2006).

Satisfying Hunger

The highest energy foods are animals, seeds, tubers and inner shoots. Seeds are the most energy-rich plant foods but they are not practical survival foods (take a long time to harvest and usually contain toxins) (Brand et. al. 1985). Tubers along with animal foods should be the focus of survival. Water courses should always be searched first, most are home to a least on kind of tuber bearing plant (Low, 1988). All rushes and sedges have tubers that can be eaten raw. Water courses are also rich in animal foods and fruits and often lead to rescue.

Bracken, orchids and lilies also have edible tubers. The inner hearts of tree ferns, palms and grasstrees are very useful survival foods, although in large amounts may cause digestive upset ( Hiddins, 2001). Many kinds of sedges have inner white leaf bases that can be eaten raw. Fruits that are eaten by bats are more likely to be edible than the fruits that are eaten by birds. Pale coloured gums from wattles and other trees (if palatable), can be eaten in small amounts but may cause diarrhoea or constipation (Low, 1988).

Animals are ideal survival foods; they contain more energy, fat and protein than plant foods (Cherikoff et. al, 1985). Fish such as Barramundi, Black bream, Herring, Bass, Mullet, Catfish and Eels are often found in freshwater systems and are very filling if they can be caught ( Hiddins, 2001). Kangaroo's, Wallaby's, Bettong, Potoroo's, Wombat, Platypus, Koala, Echidna's, Bats, Possums, Gliders, Rats and Bandicoots are all found in the Mitchell park Region and are very suitable provided you can catch them (Kohen, 2008). Ideal staple foods are earthworms, Moths, Stick insects, Cicadas, Lizards, Snakes (avoid venom glands), Tortoises, Turtles and Shellfish. Look under rocks and logs for termites (very nutritious), centipedes and grubs, and swat mosquitoes and March flies, which taste sweet (O'Dea, 1991). Avoid Cane toads, Green frogs, Puffer fish, Colourful caterpillars, Stink bugs and Wasps ( Low, 1988).

Wild foods should be cooked where possible, but remember that heat does not destroy the more dangerous toxins. Leaves, fungi, large seeds, wild beans and peas should be avoided because they are not worth the risk of poisoning (Low, 1988). These exceptions aside, learn to trust your sense of taste.

Ahmed, A. K. & Johnson, K. A. (2000). TURNER REVIEW No. 3 Horticultural development of Australian native edible plants. Australian Journal of Botany. 48: 417-426.

Brand-Miller, J. C. & Holt, S. H. A. (1998) Australian Aboriginal plant foods: a consideration of their nutritional composition and health implications. Nutrition Research Reviews, 11: 5-23

Brand , J. C. Cherikoff, V. & Truswell, A. S. (1985).The Nutritional Composition of Australian Aboriginal bush foods. 3. Seeds and Nuts. Food Technology in Australia, 37 (6):275:279.

Cherikoff, V., Brand, J. C. & Truswell, A. S. (1985).The Nutritional Composition of Australian Aboriginal bush foods. 2. Animal Foods. Food Technology in Australia, 37 (5):208-211.

Cribb A. B & Cribb J. W. (1981). Wild Medicine in Australia. William Collins Pty Ltd, Sydney Australia.

EUCLID. (2008). Angophora floribunda. EUCLID center for plant diversity research Accessed: 12.10.08
http://chah.gov.au/cpbr/cd-keys/euclid3/euclidsample/html/Angophora_floribunda.htm
Hiddins L. (2001). Bush Tucker field guide. Penguin Books Australia Ltd, Victoria.

Kohen J.L & Downing A.J. (1992). Aboriginal use of plants on the Western Cumberland Plain. Sydney Basin Naturalist, 1:1-8.

Kohen, J. (2008). BIOL351: Aboriginal Bioresources Field trip notes. Department of Biological Sciences. Accessed: 12.10.08 http://www.bio.mq.edu.au/units/Biol351_pwd/

Lassak E.V & McCarthy T. (2001) Australian Medicinal plants. New Holland Publishers (Australia) Pty Ltd, Sydney

Low, T. (1988). Wild food plants of Australia. Harper Collins Publishers Pty Limited, Sydney, Australia.

Maiden J. H. (1895). The Flowering Plants and Ferns of New South Wales - Part 1'. NSW Government Printing Office.

O'Dea, K. (1991) Traditional diet and food preferences of Australian Aboriginal hunter -gatherers. Philosophical transactions of the royal society of London, 334: 233-241.

Pullen, N (2003) Traditional Aboriginal Names for the Natural Regions and Features in Baulkham Hills Shire. Hills News Tuesday December 9, 2003

Shoebridge, B. (2004). Edible Plants. 'Growing Australian', newsletter of the Australian Plants Socirty (Victoria). September 2004. Accessed: 12:10:08 http://asgap.org.au/APOL35/sep04-2.html

Skertchly, A. & Skertchly, K. (1999 - 2000) Traditional Aboriginal knowledge and sustained human survival in the face of severe natural hazards in the Australian monsoon region: some lessons from the past for today and tomorrow. Australian Journal of Emergency Management.

Smith, K. & Smith, I. (1999). Grow you own Bush foods. New Holland Publishers (Australia) Pty Ltd, Sydney.

Trade Winds Fruit (2008). Native Passion Fruit. Trade Winds Fruit. Accessed: 12.10.08
http://www.tradewindsfruit.com/native_passion_fruit.htm
Windsong, K. (2006). Bush Tucker Survival Guide. Accessed: 12.10.08
http://www.big.com.au/koa/koa.pdf
Image Credits

BRAIN (2002). How to identify rainforest vines. Brisbane Rainforest Action & Information Network. Accessed: 12.10.08 http://www.brisrain.webcentral.com.au/old_site/vines/vines13.html

BRAIN (2003). Rainforest Plants of the Brisbane Area Queensland, Australia). Brisbane Rainforest Action & Information Network. Accessed: 12.10.08 http://www.brisrain.webcentral.com.au/old_site/database/Mori_jasminoides.htm

Cissus hypoglauca, Native Grape. Accessed: 12.10.08
http://www.yallaroo.com.au/Cissus_hypoglauca.htm
Eucalyptus crebra, Narrow-leaved Ironbark. Accessed: 12.10.08. Link

Eucalyptus tereticornis, Forest Red Gum. Accessed: 12.10.08. Link

EUCLID. (2008). Angophora floribunda. EUCLID center for plant diversity research Accessed: 12.10.08. Link

Friends of Lane Cove National Park. (2008). Eucalyptus gummifera. Friends of Lane Cove National Park Inc. Accessed: 12.10.08 http://users.bigpond.net.au/folcnp/flowering/Flowers/Eucalyptus_Gummifera.htm\

Hiddins L. (2001). Bush Tucker field guide. Penguin Books Australia Ltd, Victoria.

Lassak, E. V. & McCarthy, T. (2001) Australian Medicinal plants. New Holland Publishers (Australia) Pty Ltd, Sydney.

Lepowsky, J. (2004). Melaleuca linarifolia (Snow in summer). Accessed: 12.10.08 http://www.lepowsky.com/602b/melaleuca_linarifolia.htm

Low, T. (1988). Wild food plants of Australia. Harper Collins Publishers Pty Limited, Sydney, Australia.

Minchen, E. 'Acacia binervia' in Maiden J. H. (1895). The Flowering Plants and Ferns of New South Wales - Part 1'. NSW Government Printing Office.

Waratah Software. (2006). Orchids of the Sydney Region. Accessed: 12.10.08http://www.waratahsoftware.com.au/wp_flora_orchids.html

White, J. (2008)Journal of a Voyage to New South WalesEucalyptus piperita

Accessed: 12.10.08 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eucalyptus_piperita

Wikipedia® (2008). Geitonoplesium cymosum. Wikimedia Foundation Inc., U.S. Accessed: 12.10.08 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geitonoplesium_cymosum

NEW: The Bushman's Handbook, by H. A. Lindsay. This is a really good re-published vintage book about surviving and living in the Australian bush. Vintage books are often better than modern ones, because more people knew and lived these skills back then.
Click here to purchase from Australia (Booktopia)

See Also
More Australian Bush Tucker / Edible Plant Books
Bush Tucker Plant Foods Index
The Bush Tucker Diet
Return to Site Map

aboriginal aborigines accessed au australia australian bark before berries black book branches broad bush colour contain cribb dark description diameter eat eaten edible eucalyptus fire flower flowers food foods fruit fruits green ground growing guide hairy hiddins high http kohen large lassak leaf leaved leaves low mccarthy mitchell narrow native occur often page pale park people picture plant plants raw red region roasted seeds shaped shrub slender stalks starch stems summer survival sweet sydney tall tapered taste test tree trunk tubers tucker uses usually vine water wild wiry without woody www yellow *

Website by Linkworks. Content is copyright © Survival.org.au 2005-2021. . Definitely before trying anything from this website, especially including the practices and skills.

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The Bush Tucker Survival Guide - Bush Tucker Plant Food

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This page is taken from a booklet written by Gemma White in 2008 on Australian bush tucker survival foods that are found in the Mitchell Park (Cattai) region of sydney. This regoin is typical of much of the Sydney region and much of Southeast Australia. Used with permission from the author.

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What ingredients might you use for your feast from this shop?

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Wild Hibiscus Flower Company Pty Ltd | Kurrajong Australian Native Foods

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We are the original, Australian owned, Wild Hibiscus Flower Company - home also to Kurrajong Australian Native Foods (The Bushtucker Shop) - our first boutique food business that gave the inspiration for us to create the the original Wild Hibiscus Flowers in Syrup which has now gained international recognition.

Since our humble beginnings in 1998 we have been makers and innovators of all-natural specialty foods for delicious and unique food and beverages.

Kurrajong Australian Native Foods began after we saw a demand for gourmet products made from Australian native foods. We would cook up ideas in our home kitchen to serve guests on our tour business at the time which focused on native bushfoods. Soon enough we realised people loved the produce.

Our customers wanted to buy more for themselves and as gifts for their friends and family in Australia and abroad.

We realised pretty soon our passion was also in food and so began our journey to today. You can read more about our story here!

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Kurrajong Australian Native Foods - The Bushtucker Shop

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We are the original, Australian owned, Wild Hibiscus Flower Company - home also to Kurrajong Australian Native Foods (The Bushtucker Shop) - our first boutique food business that gave the inspiration for us to create the the original Wild Hibiscus Flowers in Syrup which has now gained international recognition.

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What plants can be used as Bush Tucker?

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Get access to files anywhere through secure cloud storage and file backup for your photos, videos, files and more with Google Drive.

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Please click here if you are not redirected within a few seconds.

DIRECTIONS. Sift flour into large bowl and rub in butter. Stir in sugar, milk and eggs being careful not to over mix. Add bush tomatoes, wattle seed and lemon ...

Australian native flavours

Native crops of Australia

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Please click here if you are not redirected within a few seconds. DIRECTIONS. Sift flour into large bowl and rub in butter. Stir in sugar, milk and eggs being careful not to over mix. Add bush tomatoes, wattle seed and lemon ... Australian native flavours Native crops of Australia

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Australian Government Department of Health

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This is our new Health website

While we are updating our content, some of the links will take you back to our old website.

Food and nutrition in Australia

Knowing what foods and how much of them you should eat is important for good health and well-being. Eating a nutritious diet can help you:

reduce your risk of diet related chronic diseases

improve your well-being if you're living with an ongoing illness

The Australian Dietary Guidelines recommend enjoying a wide variety of nutritious food. The Guidelines provide evidence based recommendations on the types and amounts of foods Australians should eat to meet nutritional requirements.

They are supported by the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating. The Guide shows you the 5 food groups and the recommended amounts you should eat every day.

What we're doing about food and nutrition

We develop policy, resources and initiatives to help Australians to eat a nutritious diet.

These include:

the Healthy Weight Guide to help Australians achieve and maintain a healthy weight and address obesity and overweight

the National Healthy School Canteens Guidelines to help schools make healthier food and drink choices

overseeing Health Star Rating - a labelling system that rates the nutritional value of packaged food from ½ a star to 5 stars so you can quickly compare similar foods

Healthy Food Partnership - a collaborative effort across the food industry and public health sector to tackle obesity by making healthy food choices easier and more accessible

Eat for Health - a website that contains the Australian Dietary Guidelines key resources to support educators and the general public

Nutrient Reference Values - a set of recommendations for nutritional intake based on the scientific evidence

Get Up & Grow - resources to support early childhood education and care settings (centre based care, family day care and preschools) to implement the healthy eating and physical activity guidelines

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Good food and nutrition can help you stay healthy and reduce your risk of diet related chronic disease. Healthy eating means choosing the right foods and knowing how much to have. Find out what we're doing to help Australians make healthier food choices.

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The objectives of the Food and Nutrition Special Interest Group are to: Provide a focal point for discussion of and action on public health food and nutrition issues; Provide a formal vehicle for networking, advocacy and collaboration in public health nutrition; Promote development of a framework for education and professional development of public health workers interested in public health nutrition, and; Ensure that public health nutrition is represented in the affairs of the Public Health Association of Australia.

Food & Nutrition SIG Committee:

Co-Convenor: Kathryn Backholer
E: kathryn.backholer@deakin.edu.au
Dr Kathryn Backholer is a Senior Research Fellow within the Global Obesity Centre (GLOBE), a World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for the Prevention of Obesity at Deakin University, Australia. She leads a research group that works to build the evidence to support the equitable prevention of diet-related ill-health through policy and practice.

Co-Convenor: Penny Love
Committee:
I am delighted to be co-convening FANSIG given my career as a community and public health nutritionist. An early interest into the impacts gained through a population-wide approach of environmental and policy changes led to my PhD research developing country-specific food-based dietary guidelines for South African adults young children. In Australia, I worked in Queensland as Director Public Health Nutrition (2007-2012), with an extraordinary team, focusing on nutrition in the early years, Indigenous nutrition, healthy lifestyles, and food security. In 2013 I re-joined academia at Deakin University - initially as a Knowledge Broker, delivering a national knowledge translation and exchange platform to build capacity and a community of practice to support obesity prevention efforts across Australia; and in 2016 as a Research Fellow within the Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN) where my research is focused on translational research for the early prevention of childhood obesity, investigating elements of intervention implementation and sustainability.

Vic: Gary Sacks, Emily Fitt.

QLD: Amanda Lee, Bronwyn Ashton, Katherine Cullerton, Helen Vidgen.

Tasmania: Judy Seal, Holly Jones

NSW: Alexandra Jones, Rimante Ronto.

Food and Nutrition Policies and Position Statements:
Interested in getting involved? Become a member and start contributing to policies and position papers, participate in advocacy activities, attend an event and share ideas or network on the discussion forum.

Other PHAA Policies & Position papers Become a member Forum

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The objectives of the Food and Nutrition Special Interest Group are to: Provide a focal point for discussion of and action on public health food and nutrition issues; Provide a formal vehicle for networking, advocacy and collaboration in public health nutrition; Promote development of a framework for education and professional development of public health workers interested in public health nutrition, and; Ensure that public health nutrition is represented in the affairs of the Public Health Association of Australia.

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First Nations Peoples Food Guidelines

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Les Bush Tucker garden

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Learning & Teaching on Darug Country

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Totems What is a totem? What are Les' totems Where is Les' country? Connections to Country How does the Acacia tell us what is happening to the animals and plants on country? How is everything connected? How might this concept of connection to country be taught? What are the many uses for the acacia?

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MQ Garden

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Learning & Teaching on Darug Country

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Posted on February 2, 2014 By Admin

Comment

Les McLeod, Park Ranger with NSW Parks and Wildlife came to MQ to explain the food and medicinal applications of some of the plants growing in the MQ Bush tucker garden.

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Posted on February 2, 2014 By Admin Comment Les McLeod, Park Ranger with NSW Parks and Wildlife came to MQ to explain the food and medicinal applications of some of the plants growing in the MQ Bush tucker garden.

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See:
Gawi guulyangarri ngalawayu-dane ngununy
Come here children sit for food

Badala let's eat. Let's everyone eat Bada-la-libiyla.

Every human being needs to eat, Darug iyura lived in a world where every need was provided from their specific environment. All forms of nutrition were available from the country Nura, the rivers provided fish and the land provided the source of meat, the women collected the fruits, nuts, and berries.

Widala let's drink. Let's everyone drink Wida-la-libyila

The Iyura selected food which was available and ate it for nutritional purposes. There was no refrigeration or storage containers. Local knowledge of which plants were edible, palatable, or delicious, as well as the best time for harvest, harvest and preparation methods, were passed down by word of mouth to the next generation. Some plants or their fruits are less toxic at cetain times. Although, shells could be used to warm water over a fire, the Iyura generally did not boil water, so their cooking methods were different from those used by the convicts and settlers.

Captain Cook, in order to protect his crew from scurvy, searched for suitable greens on landing at Botany Bay. Warrigal Greens ( Tetragonia tetragonoides) was collected by Joseph Banks and taken back to England. Many kinds of greens were popular with 18th and 19th century Europeans, and European settlers tried and used many Australian greens. Few of these are used today, most Australians would regard them as useless weeds, whilst a human being lost in the Australian bush might find their use life saving.

Some greens were used as spices or flavourings. Wild fruits were collected and eaten either fresh, pickled, or made into jams and chutneys. Trial and error was used to determine edibility, although Indigenous knowledge studied and observed.

The modern industry makes use of plants in different ways from those of the Darug Iyura: eg flavour instead of nutrition always seems to take precedants above and beyond the basic survival needs of the modern family unit.

The past decade has witnessed a boom growth in the native jam making industry, being led by Indigenous peoples. Bushtucker plants are used now for jams, chutney and jellies, flavourings (eg. Lemon Myrtle), spices (eg. Mountain Pepper), drinks, sauces, colours (eg. Davidson's plum) Nevertheless only one native plant, the Macadamia nut, has been well established in horticulture, and even then most of the early work was done by Americans. Some Americans even refer to it as the Hawaiian Nut, since it has been grown extensively there! Included with macadamia nut game meat is now being exported.

Experts will be invited to add knowledge of all that is edible in the Australian Bush. Keep watching. Naalabiyui ni Dalang

Register/Login to edit pages.

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See: Gawi guulyangarri ngalawayu-dane ngununy Come here children sit for food Badala let's eat. Let's everyone eat Bada-la-libiyla. Every human being needs to eat, Darug iyura lived in a world where every need was provided from their specific environment.

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Clickview Resource

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In the Aboriginal community of Mt Liebig, about 300 km west of Alice Springs, a group of young women talk about the importance of bush ...

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A history of the land

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Australian Food Guidelines

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We love veggies and we want you to love them too!

Need some inspiration? Get some tasty tips for eating more veg from the food & nutrition experts at Nutrition Australia. And this year, we've teamed up with some of our favourite veg lovers across the country to share their tips to get more veg into your day. We put the call out and can proudly announce our 8 veg-loving ambassadors. We say thanks for sharing the veg love!

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Need some inspiration? Get some tasty tips for eating more veg from the food & nutrition experts at Nutrition Australia. And this year, we've teamed up with some of our favourite veg lovers across the country to share their tips to get more veg into your day.

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The Eat for Health website provides advice about the amount and kinds of foods that you need to eat for health and wellbeing.

Follow the dietary guidelines to get enough healthy nutrients and lower your risk of chronic health problems, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, some cancers and obesity.

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The Eat for Health website provides advice about the amount and kinds of foods that you need to eat for health and wellbeing. Follow the dietary guidelines to get enough healthy nutrients and lower your risk of chronic health problems, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, some cancers and obesity.

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Get access to files anywhere through secure cloud storage and file backup for your photos, videos, files and more with Google Drive.

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What you choose to eat and drink is likely to affect your weight. The Healthy Weight Guide provides you with tips for healthy eating habits, including healthy recipes and cooking ideas, pantry lists and handy hints for when eating out. You will also find tools to help you plan your meals and understand your food requirements.

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Initiatives that engage industry and government in promoting healthy eating and expanding healthy food options are being implemented around the world. This section contains links to related Australian and international initiatives.

Commonwealth Government initiatives

The Eat for Health website provides information on the Australian Dietary Guidelines including advice about the amount and kinds of foods that we need to eat for health and wellbeing. By following the dietary patterns recommended in the Guidelines, we will get enough of the nutrients essential for good health and also help reduce our risk of chronic health problems such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, some cancers and obesity.

The Health Star Rating system is a front-of-pack labelling system that rates the overall nutritional profile of packaged food and assigns it a rating from ½ a star to 5 stars. It provides a quick, easy, standard way to compare similar packaged foods. The more stars, the healthier the choice.

The Healthy Weight Guide is a comprehensive source of information available to the Australian public on how to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. It is based on recent Australian and international research and has been developed by the Australian Government.
State and Territory government initiatives

Make Healthy Normal campaign provides advice about making lifestyle changes that can make a big difference to your health.

8700: Find your ideal figure from the NSW Food Authority supports the menu labelling initiative in New South Wales and provides information on kilojoules and healthy eating.

Non-government initiatives

Australia's Healthy Weight Week is an initiative of the Dietitians Association of Australia, raising awareness of the importance of achieving and maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle. The website has tips for healthy eating and cooking.

The Healthier Oils Program encourages small to medium-sized independent food outlets such as take-away shops, cafés, pubs and clubs to use cooking oils that are lower in saturated and trans fats to help reduce the risk of heart disease in Australia.

International initiatives

United Kingdom's Public Health Responsibility Deal aims to tap into the potential for businesses and other influential organisations to make a significant contribution to improving public health by supporting people to make informed, balanced choices that will help them lead healthier lives.

United Kingdom's Action on Sugar is working to reach a consensus with the food industry and Government over the harmful effects of a high sugar diet, and bring about a reduction in the amount of sugar in processed foods.

Consensus Action on Salt & Health is working to reach a consensus with the food industry and United Kingdom Government over the harmful effects of a high salt diet, and bring about a reduction in the amount of salt in processed foods as well as salt added to cooking, and the table.

Food Safety Authority of Ireland's Salt Reduction Programme The Food Safety Authority of Ireland is working with the food industry (manufacturers, retailers, caterers, etc) to achieve gradual, sustained and universal reductions in the salt content of processed and prepared foods.

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Initiatives that engage industry and government in promoting healthy eating and expanding healthy food options are being implemented around the world. This section contains links to related Australian and international initiatives. The Eat for Health website provides information on the Australian Dietary Guidelines including advice about the amount and kinds of foods that we need to eat for health and wellbeing.

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Fresh water systems are fundamental to Australia's first people who have nurtured a deep understanding of water. The Water Wisdom series shares this knowledge through the voice of Aboriginal communities.

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Fresh water systems are fundamental to Australia's first people who have nurtured a deep understanding of water. The Water Wisdom series shares this knowledge through the voice of Aboriginal communities.

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Classy Way to Add a URL Link to a Padlet

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Australian Bananas 2018 TVC. Peel Good Feel Good. (By Elevencom)

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Uploaded by PBHFoundation on 2009-04-06.

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If Healthy Food was advertised like Take Away Food

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If Healthy Food was advertised like Take Away Food

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If Vegetables were Advertised like Fast Food

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Find evidence to support one Fun Fact  you already knew

Find two new Fun Facts that you don’t already know

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We have recently been introduced to the amazing native local ingredients from Tucker Bush. They have quickly become staples on our menus, offering that Australian edge to our food and have been received with very positive feedback from customers. The shelf life of the fresh greens has also surprised us, with products holding well for 2 weeks. With such a large offering we can easily experiment with various native herbs, flowers, greens and fruits.

Companies such as Tucker Bush give us an edge.

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We have recently been introduced to the amazing native local ingredients from Tucker Bush. They have quickly become staples on our menus, offering that Australian edge to our food and have been received with very positive feedback from customers. The shelf life of the fresh greens has also surprised us, with products holding well for 2 weeks.