Researcher at Sydney University Plant Breeding Institute Dr Angela Pattison was surprised to learn last week that she had been nominated in the ‘Connecting Communities’ category of the 2020 NSW/ACT Regional Achievement and Community Awards.

Winners will be decided on September 23 and a gala presentation dinner held on November 20.

The Awards started in 2002, with the purpose of encouraging, acknowledging, and rewarding the valuable contributions individuals, communities and businesses are making throughout regional NSW and the ACT.

Dr Pattison has embarked on a project to study pre-colonial indigenous agriculture and the development and application of native grasses and grains.

Dr Pattison’s work, which has been underway for several years, has earned her the award nomination.

As part of her work, researchers and members of the Aboriginal community gathered at Tulladunna Reserve at Wee Waa in September last year to explore a new future for native grasses and grains, traditional foods of indigenous communities for thousands of years.

A feature of the day was the cooking of ‘Johnny cakes’ made from native grains, and some from wheat flour.

Dr Pattison’s work on native foods has drawn strong support. and she has a vision for the future of what can be a valuable industry.

“Dr Pattison, has a vision to create an Indigenous Foods Research Park for north west NSW and southern Queensland at Narrabri,” her nomination said.

“The ‘Food Park’ will unite local people from all walks of life with an interest in investigating and using native plant food species.

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