Nornie Bero – Staying grounded and showcasing culture to the world

Rich Blak Women

Acclaimed chef Nornie Bero is from the Meriam People of Mer Island in the Torres Strait. She is the executive chef, CEO, and owner of Mabu Mabu catering and condiments – focused on introducing people to Indigenous dishes and ingredients, and delivering big on generosity and flavour.

Mabu Mabu's bar and kitchen, ‘Big Esso’ in Federation Square, Melbourne, champions Islander flavours and Australian native produce, and has seen Nornie featured on programs like MasterChef and Netflix’s Down to Earth with Zac Efron. Her mission is to bring Indigenous herbs, spices, and fresh produce to more professional kitchens and people’s everyday meals.

In this episode we yarn about growing up in the Torres Strait and integrating her culture into her professional life now, setting up for success from day one, Nornie’s business journey and money tips, staying grounded, and the Indigenous ingredients everyone needs in their kitchen.

Rich Blak Women is a podcast from national Indigenous not-for-profit First Nations Foundation, following stories of culture, strength, challenge, and resilience from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women – rich in culture, value, and mindset.

Conversations aim to deepen awareness about the unique economic inequities’ First Nations women face, investigate success and connection to culture, empower financial wellbeing through shared experiences and learnings, and build community and allies.

The First Nations line-up of guests in the new season include Guyala Bayles (model, actor, activist), Gill Mailman (telecommunications leader), Senator Dorinda Cox (WA Greens), Marcella Ketchell (GBH Torres Strait Sea & Land Council), Shantelle Thompson OAM (Kiilalaana Foundation founder and Jiu Jitsu world champion), Shanell Dargan (boxer and singer), Donnell Wallam (Australian netballer), Celeste Carnegie, (Community Programs & Engagement at Indigitek), and Nornie Bero (Mabu Mabu restaurant owner).

Host, Larisha Jerome, is a proud Jarowair, Wakka Wakka & Wulli Wulli woman who grew up on Darug Country in Western Sydney and has an extensive background in banking, women’s health, government, and community services. She leads the Foundation’s Women’s Financial Wellness work addressing the economic injustice First Nations people face and empowering women to achieve full financial wellness and independence.

Rich Blak Women will be available on most podcast platforms and can be streamed from First Nations Foundation directly. For more information, please visit tomorrowmoney.co/women/rbw

Be sure to follow us on Instagram @richblakwomen to keep up to date with our other events, money affirmations, and the launch of season three.