Home Kitchens, Community and Culture

Are you interested in local food, community connection and gardening in the Illawarra?

Come along to meet other growers, makers, producers, advocates, culture guides, picklers, bakers, retailers, chefs and home cooks who share a passion for delicious, fair food in our region.

For our next panel discussion we will be exploring the synergies between home kitchens, communities and cultures in the Illawarra and beyond.

Food is an expression of culture, and in an increasingly busy and fractured world, it can be an anchor, bringing us back to our roots and connecting us with people and place. Recipes and traditions can flow across generations, they can span geographic boundaries, and they can evolve with communities over time.

Hear three passionate foodies—Luisa Brimble, Joel Mucci and Lili Zlojutro—talk about what their food culture means to them. The event will be interactive, with opportunities to contribute to the conversation, so bring your questions and your ideas!

This event is being hosted at Millers' Local Bakehouse warehouse in North Wollongong.

4-4:30pm: Arrive, help your self to soup.

4:30-5:30pm: Panel discussion, including questions.

5:30-6pm: Mingle and chat.

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Luisa Brimble
Freelance food photographer and storyteller

Born in the Philippines and rooted in Australia, Luisa’s understanding of food is deeply personal, shaped by both memory and movement. She grew up with the contrasts that define Filipino cuisine—fire and acid, rich and sharp, crispy then soft. But beyond nostalgia, she has seen how Filipino food adapts, thrives, and asserts itself in new places.

Joel Mucci
Ciro's Pizza, Benson and the Mooch

Born and bred in the Gong, Joel brings his Italian and Greek heritage to all things food and wine. As one of the founders of Benson and the Mooch natural wines and the legendary Ciro's Pizza in Thirroul, Joel is passionate about fermentation. He believes in the simplicity and integrity of natural ingredients and time honoured skills developed over generations.

Lili Zlojutro
There is Always Cake, Greenconnect Farm

A Wollongong local with Serbian heritage, Lili is passionate about the local food system in the Illawarra and has her hand in many local food pies! As well as being a home grower, Lili is involved with Mt Keira Demonstration School, GreenConnect Farm and Woonona Community Garden.

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Food + Drink

A simple vegetarian soup made from local produce and some delicious Millers Local Bakehouse bread will be served. If you have particular food preferences or requirements please feel free bring your own food along.

And bring a bottle or plate of something tasty to share!

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FoodTalks Illawarra events are very popular, and we always have a waitlist, so we kindly ask that if you RSVP, that you commit to attending, or please cancel your ticket at least 24 hours beforehand so your ticket can be re-allocated.

Unfortunately we can't accommodate kids or dogs at this event.

All participants attend at their own risk.