This week we were delighted to welcome our guest speaker, head chef at the Namoi Hotel, Sandip Khadka. Rotarian Jocellin Jansson conducted a question-and-answer session which captivated his listeners.

Sandip relayed the fascinating story of his life growing up in a small village in Nepal in humble circumstances, where life was simple and food was always fresh from the garden. Nothing was processed or frozen. He walked to school and, from a young age found himself taking on family responsibilities, and developing a strong determination to create a different future.

Sandip explained that cooking initially came into his life almost by chance, but he felt it was something he should learn. Taking a risk, he began working in a kitchen and soon discovered a real passion for food and hospitality. At just 19, he made the enormous decision to leave Nepal and seek opportunities overseas.

He spent the next 12 years in Dubai, working his way up through the hospitality industry and eventually achieving the remarkable opportunity to become a chef for the Royal Family of the United Arab Emirates. Sandip reflected on how his experiences cooking in Nepal, the Middle East and now Australia have exposed him to very different cultures, while also teaching him that food has a wonderful ability to bring people together.

Sandip then told us about another major leap of faith – the decision he and his wife, Sheetal Prasai, made to move to Australia.

Firstly gaining distinction as chef of a two-hat restaurant in Melbourne, the move to Narrabri came largely through word of mouth. Sandip had never even seen Narrabri before arriving, but he had heard that it was a safe and friendly community with plenty of work. Taking another chance, the couple made Narrabri their home, and Sandip now speaks warmly of the town and the people who have welcomed them.

He also spoke about the growing Nepalese community in Narrabri, explaining why so many Nepalese people are choosing to make the town their home and the importance of helping newcomers feel welcomed and part of the community. Sandip is particularly proud of the journey he has taken – from a young boy in a small Nepalese village, to international chef, husband, and someone who wants to give back and help his local community.

But Sandip’s thoughts have also been very much with his homeland following the devastating floods in Nepal. The school he attended as a child was recently destroyed. Thankfully, the principal received a warning and was able to evacuate the students before the flood arrived, but Sandip was deeply saddened to see a place that had been such an important part of his childhood disappear.

Living so far away in Narrabri, he has watched with great sadness as Nepal has dealt with the loss of lives, destruction of infrastructure and the serious sanitation problems left in the aftermath. For Sandip, the disaster has been a poignant reminder of where he came from and of the strong connection he still has with his homeland. ... See MoreSee Less