Meet Allen Nguyen, a local Cabramatta food enthusiast who has always dreamed of starting a local food festival.
Allen’s passion for food has grown over the years, and he believes that sharing this love with others is the best way to connect and bring people together. He has always dreamed of creating an event that celebrates the diversity of food and culture and promotes local businesses and artisans.
Allen started his journey three years ago during the first COVID lockdown, by establishing a Facebook group called Western Sydney Asians. “I started the page because love bringing people together, especially young people. There was nothing to lose when the lockdown happened, so I thought I would give it a go,” said Allen.
Armed with vision and inspiration, Allen has commenced communication with Fairfield Council and plans to hold the festival on John Street, a highly populated street bursting with restaurants, shops and essential services.
Allen’s food festival would be a multi-day event that showcases the best of the city’s food scene. The festival would feature a variety of cuisines, from local favourites to international dishes. It would also highlight the work of local farmers, bakers, and artisans, giving them an opportunity to showcase their products to a wider audience.
“I’ve always had my eye on the area and want to make it a better place, whether through government investment or by simply making it a fun place to socialise,” said Allen. “I noticed that in Fairfield and Cabramatta there’s a lack of things for young people to do. There’s a lack of private or council-supported food-run events, such as markets or festivals. That’s what made me look into it and start my own because there was nobody else doing it.”
The festival is predicted to generate significant revenue for local businesses and create a sense of community among food lovers in the city. Allen intends to hold the food festival annually, growing in popularity each year. Through his passion and dedication, Allen wants an event that not only celebrates the diversity and richness of food and culture, but also an event that brings people together in a meaningful, sociable and memorable way.
“Other councils, such as Liverpool, have done food festivals successfully. It was a large, fun festival with thousands of people and it’s next door to Cabramatta, so I thought if they can do it, why can’t I?” Allen states.
Allen wants the food festival to be more than just a celebration of food. He envisions it as a platform for promoting sustainable and ethical food practices, such as reducing food waste, supporting local food systems, and promoting animal welfare.
Allen is asking any interested local community members and businesses to contact him through his Facebook community page, Western Sydney Asians