Aunty Beryl

Aunty Beryl Van-Oploo OAM (b. 1942) is a highly respected Gamilaroi Elder, chef, educator, mentor and community leader. An expert in First Nations bush foods, Aunty Beryl has shared her knowledge with chefs from around the world. Born on Gamilaroi Country in Walgett, north-west New South Wales, Aunty Beryl moved to Redfern on Gadigal Land at 16 and has been anchored in that community ever since. Building on her love of cooking, she taught food science and nutrition at Eora TAFE for over 20 years before establishing her celebrated cooking, hospitality and catering school, a first of its kind initiative for at-risk young First Nations people. There she has inspired, taught and created job opportunities for thousands of students. Now in her 80s, Aunty Beryl continues to run her own catering business Yaama Barrgay and in 2026 released her first cookbook – Aunty Beryl’s Cookbook: Heartwarming recipes and stories of First Nations food – to pass down her food knowledge to future generations.

In this portrait, Kamilaroi/Gamilaraay/Biripi artist Dennis Golding pays homage to Aunty Beryl’s pivotal role at the heart of the Redfern community. ‘Aunty has done so much for mob in creating pathways into cooking,’ says Golding. ‘I wanted the artwork to reflect the relationships she’s had, and the importance her work has placed on helping community.’ Before creating the portrait, Golding invited Aunty Beryl’s friends and family to share memories, stories and symbols that reflect their relationships with her. These contributions were translated into etchings that surround a central portrait of Aunty Beryl. Together, the prints represent Aunty Beryl both as an individual and as a community figure, situating her among the cultural connections that define her legacy.

Commissioned with funds provided by anonymous donors 2026.
© National Portrait Gallery of Australia