The Native Grains team at the University of Sydney have been working for several years to find ways to sustainably re-create a native grain production system. Now, thanks to the generosity of the Ian & Shirley Norman Foundation, a team of engineers led by Professor Salah Sukkarieh in the Faculty of Engineering, working with Gamilaraay Grains Custodians and Di Hall (Native Grains Technician) are developing groundbreaking new technologies to clean and thresh native grains. This deep-rooted collaboration is well aligned to many of the National Science and Research Priorities, due to its blending of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledge systems and new technologies to create healthy and thriving communities and it’s continuation of Native Grains practices on Gamilaraay Country in Narrabri.

Native grains like Native Millet and Mitchell Grass have been grown harvested, processed and eaten for thousands of years on Gamilaraay Country, offering immense health and environmental benefits. Thanks to the Foundation’s remarkable support, our researchers are working together to create new technologies for native grains food production that will bring benefits back to First Nations communities.