We’re Michelle and Abi — the mother-daughter team behind Dishin’ Up Darwin.

For Michelle, food has always been more than just a job — it’s been a lifelong journey. With over 40 years in the hospitality industry, she’s done it all — from scrubbing pots in the kitchen to running her own café for over a decade, and later managing the kitchen of one of Australia’s best pie shops. Her sharp eye for detail, especially when it comes to food presentation and plating, and her ability to recognise where a business can improve, has given her a deep understanding of what it takes to make a venue thrive. This has helped shape the way we approach every project at Dishin’ Up Darwin.

Abi grew up surrounded by that same love of food and hard work. Over the years she’s worked in the hospitality industry too, before heading to university to complete a Bachelor of International Studies. Now a proud mum to her two-year-old son, Jaya, and baby girl, Imaya, she’s found the perfect balance between family life and creativity through Dishin’ Up Darwin.

Together, we’ve built Dishin’ Up Darwin as a way to combine our passions — food, photography, and storytelling — to support the incredible hospitality scene in the Top End. Our goal is simple: to help Darwin’s venues shine, connect with their community, and show off what makes them truly special.