By Gary Lee
In 2024, Reveka Hurtado, a Venezuelan refugee, was recognised as a ‘Hero Cook’ in the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre’s (ASRC) annual ‘Feast for Freedom’ campaign. By sharing treasured family recipes, including arepas and tostones, she celebrated her cultural heritage while helping raise funds and awareness for people seeking asylum in Australia.
Today, Reveka is a respected community leader in Footscray, best known as the owner of Papelón. Through her business, she has created welcoming spaces that bring together people from diverse backgrounds, fostering inclusion, understanding and social connection. Her efforts demonstrate the power of food, culture and shared experiences to strengthen communities.
Reveka’s community leadership began through her role as a Feast for Freedom ambassador and has continued to grow through Papelón. She has transformed the cultural landscape of Footscray.
She actively promotes multicultural exchange through community events, workshops and Latin American Independence Day celebrations. Most recently, she helped raise approximately $45,000 for relief efforts in Venezuela by leading a one-day fundraising initiative that saw over 2,000 arepas sold, demonstrating the power of community, culture and generosity to create meaningful impact.
Driven by a strong commitment to equity, cultural pride and philanthropy, Reveka has made a significant contribution to the social and cultural life of the City of Maribyrnong. Through fundraising, advocacy and community-building, she continues to inspire many and enrich the community she proudly calls home.
