Anne Riley from Wuddi Cultural Tours provided a magnificent selection of items for Howie and the audience of more than twenty to taste. Anne welcomed everyone and spoke about the six seasons, along with an explanation of the items on display. It was very apt having Anne present as we currently recognise NAIDOC week (held from July 8th – 15th) and this year’s theme - Because of Her, We Can!
Never stumbling at the gate, Howie, with true grace and style, approached the opportunity to enjoy such wondrous food with vigour. Some of the milder items were undertaken first and Howie found the Gubinge, otherwise known as Kakadu Plum, to have a slight citric taste. After seeing Howie’s expression upon biting into the wild lime, most decided this wasn’t for them! Howie commented that the ‘nuts and berries were nice’, the Emu Pate had a strong game taste but he did like it, along with the wild duck which most found delicious.
Then it was time for the main item! Although there were a few shudders and gasps of exasperation when the witchetty grubs wriggled their way around, Howie proceeded to explore his options and managed to succumb to the endeavour. Whilst he could have taken his time, he held the head and bit off the rest. Howie chose to throw the whole large grub in his mouth all at once and chew quickly. Afterwards he commented: “There’s not a lot in the witchetty grub; the skin was so tough!! A bit of squish and a squash and then the outer skin was still there!”
All agreed that Howie deserved a cup of lemon myrtle tea afterwards. Everyone joined in and Howie’s departing words were that the ‘damper with all the spreads was lovely’.
Well done Howie for completing your challenge and for supporting Ronald McDonald House and the Dumbleyung CRC. Sincere thanks to Anne Riley from Wuddi Cultural Tours for providing the bush tucker and for sharing her wealth of knowledge with the appreciative crowd, and to all those involved this event. If you have an idea of who would be a great person to nominate for next year’s MAYyouDARE, or a wonderful suggestion for the challenge, the CRC want to hear from you!