Mindy Woods

Acclaimed Bundjalung chef, restaurateur and author Mindy Woods and the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) have partnered to launch Celebrating Sea Country, a free recipe booklet showcasing Indigenous ingredients and responsibly farmed Australian seafood during NAIDOC Week.

Available to download throughout July via the ASC website, the recipe collection features dishes created by Woods using native ingredients alongside ASC labelled barramundi, salmon and prawns available in Australian supermarkets.

Visitors can also continue their Celebrating Sea Country journey at the Australian National Maritime Museum, where complimentary printed copies of the booklet will be available throughout July until they run out. During NAIDOC Week, guests can experience a selection of recipes firsthand at HarbourWatch Café, with the Prawn Sando and Barramundi Fish and Chips with Moray available as limited time menu specials.

Mindy Woods said food provides a powerful platform for sharing culture and connecting people to the stories behind the ingredients they enjoy.

“NAIDOC Week is an opportunity to honour First Nations culture, knowledge and connection to Country. Through this collaboration, we want Australians to explore the native foods on their doorsteps and think about the impact of the choices they make every day.”

Sustainable seafood isn’t just about preserving our oceans; it’s about honouring the deep connection between land, sea, and culture. I strive to champion responsible aquaculture that respects both the environment and the communities it supports.”

Ellie Dixon, ASC Australia’s Market Development Manager, said the partnership highlights how cultural knowledge and responsible seafood production can come together to inspire more informed food choices.

“Choosing change is a collective responsibility. When producers, chefs, retailers, food service providers and seafood lovers work together, we can help drive meaningful and lasting impact for people and the planet.”

“The ASC label provides assurance to consumers that their seafood comes from farms that have met the ASC’s robust social and environmental standards.”

Ms Daryl Karp AM, Director and CEO of the Australian National Maritime Museum, said the initiative aligns with the museum’s commitment to ocean health and sustainability.

“As a maritime museum, we seek to champion the importance of healthy oceans not only through our exhibitions and programs, but through the choices we make every day. This collaboration brings together culture, food and sustainability in a way that is engaging, accessible and meaningful for visitors.”

HarbourWatch Café recently achieved ASC Chain of Custody certification, ensuring ASC labelled seafood served at the venue can be traced through every stage of the supply chain back to responsibly certified farms and fisheries.

Alessandro Intini, Food & Beverage Director at SRG Hospitality, said transparency and traceability are increasingly important to diners. Humpty Doo Barramundi from NT will featured on their new menu.

“Understanding where ingredients come from and how they are sourced helps support responsible producers, protect marine ecosystems and gives our customers confidence in the food they enjoy.”

For home cooks, there are now more than 100 ASC labelled seafood products available in Australian supermarkets across chilled, frozen and ambient categories.

Celebrating Sea Country can be downloaded throughout July via the ASC website, while complimentary printed copies will be available at the Australian National Maritime Museum.

Download the recipe booklet: https://au.asc-aqua.org/mindy-woods-cookbook/

About Aquaculture Stewardship Council

Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), an independent non-profit organisation, is driving the improvement of environmental and social practices in seafood farming through its leading, third-party assured certification programme.

ASC certification delivers measurable impact in aquaculture through science-based requirements—developed and revised through multi-stakeholder processes—covering biodiversity, animal welfare, greenhouse gas emissions, feed ingredient sourcing and human rights, all independently verified.

The ASC sustainability label on products provides proof that the seafood originates from farms certified to the robust ASC environmental and social standard, enabling credible substantiation of sourcing claims and making it the most globally recognised and trusted label for farmed seafood.

ASC is setting the standard for farmed seafood. www.asc-aqua.org

About Australian National Maritime Museum

The Australian National Maritime Museum is Australia’s museum of the sea. We are the national centre for maritime collections, exhibitions, research, and archaeology – a Federal Government National Collection institution, based in Pyrmont, in Sydney, New South Wales. As an island, the ocean and our waterways have been central to our stories throughout time, shaping a sense of what it means to be Australian. Our purpose is to excite people about their connection to the sea, and we are committed to sharing the national maritime story throughout the whole of Australia.

About HarbourWatch

HarbourWatch is a café and events venue set within the Australian National Maritime Museum precinct. HarbourWatch holds ASC Chain of Custody certification, reflecting a commitment to sustainable seafood sourcing and responsible fisheries practices.

HarbourWatch is operated by SRG Hospitality (formerly Sydney Restaurant Group), one of Sydney’s most respected hospitality portfolios. Founded in 2000 by Bill Drakopoulos and overseen by siblings Anastasia, Nicola, Daniel and Perry Drakopoulos, SRG Hospitality has grown from its original flagship Aqua Dining to an impressive collection of waterfront and neighbourhood restaurants, cafés, kiosks, event spaces and hotels — all united by a commitment to outstanding food, genuine service and spectacular locations.

INDEPENDENT NEWS IS IMPORTANT.

Enjoy reading Eco Voice? Please help us by purchasing a GIFT Voucher or send one to a friend and encourage people to purchase trees or seeds via The Native Shop – www.nativeshop.com.au

Plants, seeds & more delivered to your door!