Mataya Eatery owner Natalie Adams was recently presented the Local Legend award for her enthusiasm towards making Mandurah a more connected and vibrant place.
Natalie opened Mataya close to five years ago in the City Centre with a ‘paddock to plate’ philosophy about food, and strong threads of community and sustainability running through her business.
Since launching the café, Natalie has been a leader in activating City Centre spaces and supporting the City of Mandurah to deliver a range of new initiatives and events designed to boost the local economy.
Mayor Rhys Williams said Natalie had a lot of energy towards creating a sense of community through her business connections, and helping to bring people together through various activations in the city.
“Natalie recognises that creating opportunities for people to come together is key towards adding vibrancy and excitement to our City Centre, and helps to make our economy stronger,” Mayor Williams said.
“She has really led the way in not only transforming and brightening spaces in and around her café, but embracing other initiatives and activities that make Mandurah an even better place to live, work and play. She is very passionate about giving back to the local community in a number of ways.
“Natalie was instrumental in bringing local vendors, producers and creative people together for a series of weekend rooftop produce markets in 2019. This initiative not only activated our local spaces, but helped small businesses connect to customers in a different and creative way.
“I’d like to thank Natalie for all the passion and thought she puts into these community focused projects, and for the support she has shown for a range of City-led projects over the years.”
Natalie has been involved in numerous pop-up events around the city including Fringe Festival performances, live music sessions, Winter in Mandurah, Secret Sounds of the City, and Wine and Wander events, some of which have taken place in Mataya’s renovated courtyard.
She has also undertaken community roles including being on the board of the Shape Mandurah project, and a community ambassador for the Mandurah Matters campaign.
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