I am proud to be associated with the following organisations. Please click on the links for more information.
Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation
I am honoured to be one of the NSW ambassadors for the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation, which aims to provide a pleasurable food education for young children. The creation and care of a Kitchen Garden teaches children about the natural world, about its beauty and how to care for it, how best to use the resources we have, and an appreciation for how easy it is to bring joy and wellbeing into one’s life through growing, harvesting, preparing and sharing fresh, seasonal produce. . In Sydney, Bondi Public School has been chosen to model the concept, and I’ll be spending some time in the kitchen there, doing whatever is needed, as well as donating kitchen equipment and money for seedlings. To find out more about the Kitchen Garden program, which is currently being rolled out nationwide, go to www.kitchengardenfoundation.org.au
Oxfam Australia
As a patron and spokesperson for Oxfam Australia, I have set up a high-profile window display at Billy Kwong in support of the Make Poverty History campaign. To find out how you can help to end poverty, check out www.oxfam.org.au.
Fair Trade
I am the Ambassador for the Fair Trade Association of Australia and New Zealand (FTAANZ). Fair Trade extends sustainability into the human dimension – allowing people the opportunity to trade fairly gives them the ability to invest in their children’s education, their communities, their health, their safety, their future. For more on the campaign for Fair Trade and for details of Fair Trade products, visit www.fta.org.au.
Australian Marine Conservation Society
As a strong advocate of sustainable seafood, I am pleased to be associated with the Australian Marine Conservation Society and its work to protect our ocean wildlife. Australia’s Sustainable Seafood Guide is an indispensable guide to choosing seafood wisely and avoiding over-fished species or those whose capture damages the sea. For more information, visit www.marineconservation.org.au.
Organic Expo
More and more of us become concerned about our own well-being and that of the world we live in. The Organic Expo aims to provide a ‘one stop shop’ on what is available to those who seek a healthier and more environmentally responsible lifestyle – an aim I am pleased to support. Visit www.organicexpo.com.au for details of events and exhibitors.
Biological Farmers of Australia
The BFA continues to increase consumer awareness of organic food and supports growth of local economies. As the market develops further, we will remain active in lobbying for support for organic producers in maintaining high standards across Australia. For more information visit www.bfa.com.au
Organic Retailer
When I first went to this small shop in Woollahra, owner Eliot Rickard’s handwritten blackboard notices detailing the fresh lettuces he had just picked caught my eye. His commitment to sustainability, his respect and care for the farmers and his diligence about traceability really impressed me, and I became determined to persuade him to supply my restaurant. I am thrilled to report that this inspiring, family-owned business now supplies fresh organic fruit and vegetables to Billy Kwong. For more on their produce and stores, please visit www.wholefoodshouse.com.au.
Barossa Farm Produce
Billy Kwong sources beautiful free-range chooks and chook liver from Barossa Farm Produce. Here, in the heart of the Barossa, Saskia Beer works closely with local farmers carefully selected for their commitment to raising birds in a stress-free setting with minimal impact on the environment. Raised on a vegetarian diet with no chemicals or additives, her chickens have such exceptional flavour and texture that we even use the wings to make our stock each day!
For more information visit www.barossafarmproduce.com
Spiral Foods
At Billy Kwong we are proud to use Spiral Foods organic tamari, organic brown rice vinegar and organic sesame oil. Spiral work with partners all over the world, seeking out true masters of their craft, skilled over generations in traditional manufacture, to bring you food that both comes from and nurtures the earth – food that is naturally clean and good for you. Visit www.spiralfoods.com.au for details.
Climate Friendly
To help in the fight against climate change, at Billy Kwong we neutralise the emissions of our business by buying carbon credits through Climate Friendly. This organisation offers a way of offsetting the carbon emissions from your home, business and travel activities, at the same time contributing to the renewable energy industry. To find out more, visit www.climatefriendly.com
The Museum of Contemporary Art
The Museum of Contemporary Art is Australia’s only museum dedicated to collecting and exhibiting the work of contemporary artists. Located on Sydney’s iconic Circular Quay in a striking architectural building, the MCA presents a dynamic program of exhibitions and events that explores the latest international and Australian contemporary art. Visitors can engage with artists and their ideas through a diverse range of events, including artist talks, live performances, lectures, workshops and youth programs. The internationally respected and locally loved institution is an intrinsic part of Australia's cultural fabric and last year was voted Sydney's favourite museum by local residents.
One of the ways I support the MCA is by being an MCA Ambassador. Through annual donations, MCA Ambassadors help provide opportunities for people to enjoy and engage with contemporary art and ideas. Visit www.mca.com.au
Art Gallery of New South Wales
One of the things that sustains me in life is art. Immersing myself in a creative environment forces me to look at life from a different angle, which I find both restorative and an endless source of inspiration. I am a regular speaker at the Art after Hours program of events at the Art Gallery of New South Wales – visit www.artafterhours.com.au for details.