Image: Billie Cornthwaite, Credit: Baxter William
Billie Cornthwaite is not your average caterer. The owner of Meez On Plus catering is a culinary sensation raising the bar for caterers and cooks not only in Adelaide, but all across the globe. An avid cook and grower, who previously whipped up a storm for NASA and the UK and Australian Space Agencies, Billie has been nominated for two international awards with the Women Changing the World Summit in Paris.
The summit is designed for visionary women who are ready to rise, lead, and create meaningful global impact, bringing together founders, innovators, authors, creatives, and changemakers from across the globe.
The categories, ‘Small Business’ and ‘Woman in Food and Beverage’, will be judged at the competition in April 2026, and is something Billie had only ever dreamed about, until she was notified two days ago that she’d made the final cut.
Billie admits that she felt overwhelmed but thrilled at the news of her nominations, and even had a sense of validation. “I have worked so hard to be a part of Australia’s true story and history,” she explains. “To be acknowledged for what I have worked so hard for, and for the people I respect so much, is amazing.”
On going to Paris, Billie can barely contain her excitement. “I am most looking forward to networking and discussing plans I have for future ventures that can make a difference to our national foods and culture,” says Billie.
What is it that separates Meez On Plus from other catering companies? Billie, who founded Meez On Plus in 2014, says it’s her commitment to keeping things local and using native ingredients wherever possible, which she grows herself.
“When I founded Meez On Plus in 2014, I had been an avid gardener, grew up on a farm, and knew where my food came from,” she says. “It was important for me to carry on this paddock-to-plate ethos.”
Meez On Plus is one of the only native food caterers in South Australia, and Billie says they have created more of an “educational arm” to get into schools and community groups to promote education on the growing, cooking and health benefits of native foods. “Our native foods are the oldest in the world – 65,000 years! – so it should be recognised,” she says.
Billie, who has a degree in marine biology and a strong approach to sustainability, says she is looking at funding for a ‘one stop shop’ in South Australia that will provide everyone access to her foods, including fresh meats, jams and chutneys, and even yarning circles and workshops. Her favourite ingredients to work with include Warrigal greens, native thyme, and Geraldton wax, all of which she grows and cultivates herself.
“I want everyone to listen to our beautiful country and understand its history,” says Billie, who is not Indigenous herself but has been accepted into this realm and sees her nominations as a step forward for Australia.
“I was introduced to my bestie, Aboriginal Elder, Aunty Daphne Rickett and then set me on the path to native foods, as a part of my paddock-to-plate ethos,” she says.
“We are so rich in culture, and the nutritional value of our foods is second to none. It is saddening that our country is the oldest, but the most misunderstood. This has always been controversial, but it shouldn’t be this way.
“We need to look at Reconciliation and how we can all play a part in mending and moving forward as one,” she says. “This is all a step forward in us walking together.”
With her Paris nominations, Billie Cornthwaite is carrying the story of Australia’s oldest foods onto the world stage.
The “Women Changing the World” Summit will be held in Paris from April 24-26, 2026. To view the full list of nominees and categories, click here.
Meez on Plus nominated for Small Business and Woman in Food and Beverage
For more info on Meez on Plus, find the Facebook page here or contact Billie on 0438577509
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