Social Enterprise Has Royal Encounter

A Melbourne social enterprise that gives disadvantaged young Indigenous people hospitality training has had a dash with royalty, after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stopped by as part of their Australian tour.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle sat down for a meal at Charcoal Lane in the Melbourne suburb of Fitzroy on Thursday, and took part in a “touch, taste and smell” experience with native foods.

The Mission Australia social enterprise not only provides employment opportunities for disadvantaged Indigenous people, but commissions Indigenous artists to create pieces of art for the restaurant, and works with suppliers that historically have benefitted Aboriginal communities.

Mission Australia CEO James Toomey said it was a fantastic and humbling surprise to hear that Charcoal Lane was chosen to welcome the Duke and Duchess for a tour, hands-on cooking session and lunch.

“At Charcoal Lane, we are passionate about celebrating Aboriginal history and providing students with a culturally safe space to express their individual identities and overcome any challenges they may face on their journey to employment,” Toomey said.

“Our program not only provides training and real work for young locals, but also fosters a sense of cultural and community pride which we are proud to have shared with their Royal Highnesses.”

The royals were told about how the enterprise worked, and its cultural connection to Fitzroy.  

They filled up on an entree of mushroom and quinoa nest, and char grilled kangaroo, and a main courses of wild boar, saffron risotto and barramundi.

For the bush foods, finger limes, quandongs and saltbush were on offer.

On a strict time schedule, they were soon rushed off to a local school to see its sustainability programs, and then took part in a beach clean-up in Port Phillip Bay.