Matt Atkins is an Indigenous Australian chef passionate about First Nations bushfoods, sustainable native produce & wild harvesting.
Connecting Culture
Chef Matt is a Malyangapa & Barkindji Wiimpitja of far North-Western NSW, living on Dharug Country. Matt combines his heritage with his passion for food and takes us on a journey into the oldest living culture on Earth.
Having learned about native foods on Country from his grandmother, Aunty Norma & mother, Aunty Jo, as well as his Uncles, Matt’s love of food came about from an early age, learning about native foods before he knew of western flavours. Chef Matt’s grandmother and mother are both fabulous cooks which drove him to pursue a career in food.
Australia’s First Nations people thrived on these lands for over 80,000+ years sustained by the most nutritious superfoods the Earth has to offer. Chef Matt brings these traditional foods to life with his Indigenous Fusion Culinary flair.
Chef Matt focuses on cooking with what the land provides for us, using practices rediscovered from rich cooking traditions to deliver a truly remarkable experience that engages all the senses.
Nguuwalaana
Chef Matt created Nguuwalaana (est. 2019), an immersive Indigenous Fusion Dining Experience that takes guests on a cultural and culinary journey through the Dharug seasonal calendar. Showcasing native Australian ingredients alongside Aboriginal music, art, storytelling, traditional customs and cultural performances, Nguuwalaana connects guests with Country and celebrates the depth of First Nations culture through food.
Plate Events & Catering
Chef Matt is the founder and Executive Chef of Plate Events & Catering (est. 2009), a proudly First Nations-owned Sydney catering company known for contemporary Australian cuisine infused with native ingredients and Indigenous flavours. Drawing on his cultural heritage, lived experience and culinary expertise, Matt creates memorable dining experiences that celebrate the richness of Australia’s native produce and share First Nations culture through food.
Wilka Thalta
Chef Matt created Wilka Thalta (est. 2021)—meaning “hungry kangaroo” in Paakantyi—to bring contemporary First Nations street food directly to the community. Through bold native Australian flavours and Indigenous-inspired dishes, the food truck offers an approachable culinary experience that celebrates culture, Country and Matt’s distinctive Indigenous-fusion cooking style.