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In this episode of Territory Flavour, I'm excited to introduce Tisha, whose remarkable journey from a lawyer to a botanist reflects a deep connection to Darwin's food culture, nature, and community in Darwin.
Note: We recorded this from my kitchen while Pitch Black is on (excuse the sounds of aircraft).
Tisha's story begins with her family's relocation to Darwin in the late 90s, fleeing political violence in Indonesia. Settling initially on a mango farm in Coolalinga, Tisha's family built their new life with the help of local farmers. Today, Tisha works as a botanist for the government, but her path to this role was anything but straightforward.
Tisha originally pursued law, yet her love for plants and the natural world never waned. Even as a lawyer, Tisha spent her free time volunteering at the local herbarium and writing a book about the unique fruit and vegetables of Darwin. This passion eventually led her to transition into a biosecurity role and later into her current position as a Botanist.
The herbarium, or "plant library," where Tisha first volunteered is located in Palmerston and is part of the Northern Territory's Parks and Wildlife Department. It houses an extensive collection of plant specimens, focusing on native flora and cultivated edible plants. This fascinating resource even includes records dating back to the 1800s, making it a hidden gem for plant enthusiasts.
Tisha's creative side is expressed as an illustrator. Her pocketbook, "Parap and Rapid Creek Market Pocketbook," combines her love for food, art, and local culture. The book began as a way to combat homesickness during her university days in Canberra and evolved into a beautiful collection of illustrations and recipes gathered from local growers in Darwin. The process of creating the book was a journey in itself, as Tisha connected with the growers, many of whom are refugees with stories of resilience similar to her own family's.
One of Tisha's favourite parts of Darwin is its vibrant markets, which she describes as her "happy place." These markets are not just a source of fresh produce but also a window into the multicultural tapestry of the Northern Territory. Tisha's connection to the markets and the growers has deepened her understanding of her own family history, as many of the growers knew her family when they first arrived in Australia.
Food plays a significant role in Tisha's life, blending her Chinese and Indonesian heritage with the diverse produce available in Darwin. Her father's creative cooking, substituting pumpkins for taro in traditional dishes, is just one example of how her family adapted their culinary traditions to their new environment.
Currently, Tisha is working on a new project called "Cornucopia," which celebrates the stories of migrants in the Northern Territory through art. This project is still in the early stages, but Tisha is excited to create artworks inspired by the unique journeys of the people she has interviewed. The final product will likely include both digital and physical art.
For Tisha, the dry season in Darwin is an exciting time for produce, with a variety of tuberous vegetables, gourds, and herbs available at the markets. She also has a soft spot for taro, which she loves to prepare in a savoury cake with bacon fat, garlic, and shrimp.
Tisha's work not only highlights the incredible produce of Darwin but also the rich cultural stories behind it. If you'd like to learn more about Tisha or purchase her book, you can find it at local markets like Rapid Creek or Greenies. Tisha is also active on Instagram and welcomes anyone interested in food, plants, or art to reach out through her website.
Thank you to the NTG and Arts NT Mentoring Grants for supporting us to make this podcast a reality. And, a massive shout out to Brent Watkinson: Entertainment and events consultant, Comedian, MC, Radio & Podcast host, Owner operator of Sounds Familiar NT and Fruit Bat Entertainment Integrated Account Manager at kwpx - for mentoring me.
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