For over 25 years, Nornie Bero, a proud Island woman from the Komet Tribe of the Meriam people in the Torres Strait, has been on a mission to change the way Australia experiences food. Through her passion for Indigenous ingredients and cultural storytelling, she has not only built a thriving business but also redefined the culinary landscape by bringing native Australian flavours to the forefront.
As the Founder and CEO of Mabu Mabu, Nornie has transformed her love for food into a platform for education, inclusivity, and sustainability. Her business spans restaurants, catering, and retail, each serving as a space to celebrate Indigenous ingredients and culinary traditions. With her flagship restaurant Big Esso in Melbourne’s Federation Square, she has created a welcoming environment where native Australian produce is celebrated, shared, and enjoyed.
Nornie’s mission goes beyond just serving food—it’s about changing perceptions. She believes that Indigenous Australian ingredients should be mainstream staples, not niche or exotic products. Through her work, she is reclaiming space for Indigenous culture in the food industry, ensuring that traditional knowledge is not only preserved but embraced by a wider audience.
Nornie’s influence extends beyond the kitchen. As an author, television personality, and industry leader, she has used her platform to advocate for sustainability, cultural inclusivity, and Indigenous representation. Her cookbook encourages home cooks to explore native Australian ingredients, blending tradition with modern techniques.
She has also been featured on major platforms such as Netflix’s Down to Earth with Zac Efron, SBS’s The Cook Up with Adam Liaw, and her own SBS series Island Echoes, bringing Indigenous Australian cuisine to a global audience. Through her engaging storytelling and hands-on approach, she continues to educate, inspire, and challenge outdated perceptions of native foods.
Nornie’s passion for ethical sourcing and sustainability has made her a respected voice in the industry. As an ambassador for COLES and Tourism Australia’s Friend of Australia initiative, she actively promotes Indigenous food sovereignty, ethical food production, and a more inclusive culinary landscape. Her leadership is paving the way for a future where Indigenous food culture is celebrated, not sidelined.
Reflecting on her journey, Nornie’s impact goes far beyond the plates she serves. She is a trailblazer, educator, and cultural advocate, proving that food is more than nourishment—it is a powerful tool for connection, storytelling, and change.
Through Mabu Mabu, Big Esso, and her continued advocacy, Nornie Bero is ensuring that Indigenous Australian cuisine takes its rightful place at the heart of the nation’s food identity—not just as a passing trend, but as a fundamental part of Australia’s culinary and cultural fabric.
