Assyrian refugee sisters Kamila, Aida and Souad Kifarkis will produce a meal featuring the cuisine of their homeland at 8 Things Eatery in Katoomba on Sunday, March 31.
It is restaurant owner Misha Laurent's new vision for a return of his Sunday special events.
"Long before we opened our doors we had two key visions - to give back to community and to use food as a vessel to facilitate understanding and share culture," he said.
"We believe one way to achieve this is to connect with families and communities who have come to Australia as refugees. To understand their culture and tradition through food. "
Eight Things is partnering with Core Community Services and the Refugee Council of Australia on the initiative.
Core helps newly arrived refugees and migrants by enhancing their knowledge and access to local services. The Refugee Council promotes the development of humane, lawful and constructive policies towards refugees and people seeking asylum.
The Kifarkis sisters are Assryains from Hasaka in Syria. Kamila came to Australia in April 2014 and then sponsored her two sisters, who arrived in 2015 (Aida) and 2017 (Souad).
They were forced to leave their home after ISIS attacked their city. They fled to ensure the safety of their children and family.
All are well settled around the Fairfield area.
Kamila said: ''I am very happy in Australia. I feel safe - that is the most important thing for me and my family. The settlement support I received here from Core Community Services and many others including SSI and Navitas was great and made me feel like I was part of this community."
Her family was split up after they left Syria and she has a son in Belgium.
"Having to bring him here is quiet difficult. Once he's reunited with us my happiness will be complete.'.
Aida's son has just graduated in medical science and her others are also doing medical studies.
"I thank the lord that I was lucky that we all came as a family, the future of my children. I feel safe and settled."
Souad said she struggled when she first arrived, particularly because her son is in Germany. She hopes he will one day be able to come to Australia.
They are looking forward to cooking for the Mountains community at 8 Things Eatery.
Souad said: "Our language and our cultural heritage is very important to us, it is what has made us survive all these years. My sisters and I also want the Katoomba community to come to Fairfield and get to know their new neighbours, test our cuisine and have better appreciation of what we bring to this country and what we can contribute to the society."
Aida and Kamila both wanted to give Australians an insight into their community and ancient culture.
Said Kamila: "I want to link the Australian community and give them a better understanding of why people leave their homes and country."
As well as the food and drink, there will be traditional music. All funds raised will go to the sisters' own community.
Eight Things Eatery is at 133 Katoomba Street. The meal, from 6pm, will cost $75 and bookings can be made in the restaurant or by email to info@8things.com.au. Seats are limited.