New community-based nutrition workforce rolling out

The Federal Government is to deliver on its commitment to build a Nutrition Workforce in remote First Nations communities, with locally employed Good Food People now working in stores in far north Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia.

Mentored and trained by nutritionists, Good Food People share nutrition knowledge with community members, implement nutrition policies and create healthy takeaway offerings.

 The program has already reached its goal of employing 21 Good Food People before the end of the financial year, with staff training and working in remote stores in Cape York, the Torres Strait, the Kimberley and the Top End.

Nutrition workers are now based in stores in the following remote communities:

• Barunga, Beswick, Bulman, Daly River, Galiwin’ku, Gapuwiyak, Maningrida, Minjilang, Ngukurr, Peppimenarti, Pirlangimpi and Yarralin in the NT.
• Hopevale and Mapoon in Far North Queensland and St Pauls (Moa Island) in the Torres Strait.
• Ardyaloon (One Arm Point), Beagle Bay, Kalumburu and Noonkanbah (Yungngora) and in northern WA.

As the program continues to roll out, more than 100 Good Food People will be recruited over the next two years to work in remote stores across Australia.

The initiative is creating local jobs and building a community-based Nutrition Workforce designed to promote healthy habits in remote communities and improve long-term food security.

The Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal Corporation (ALPA), Community Enterprise Queensland (CEQ) and Outback Stores have formalised their partnership to deliver the Good Food People program in remote communities.

Supporting key outcomes

The Nutrition Workforce supports key outcomes under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, including that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people enjoy long and healthy lives, and that communities have strong economic participation and development opportunities.

Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said she was pleased to see the Nutrition Workforce rolling out in remote stores across the country, in communities in the Northern Territory, Western Australia, Far North Queensland and Torres Strait.

“The Good Food People program is not only increasing the awareness of healthy choices but also creating local jobs in remote communities,” Senator McCarthy said.

“The Nutrition Workforce is such an important part of our food security program and I look forward to see it continue to grow.”

Special Envoy for Remote Communities, Marion Scrymgour said it was as a fantastic program which is helping people with nutritional food choices.

“Food security has been a big focus of our government, and this program is an important part of how we improve people’s health and food access out bush,” she said.

Empowering local First Nations team members

“It’s also going to provide meaningful jobs for people and help build skills and capacity in our remote communities.”

Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal Corporation CEO, Alastair King said the program was originally developed by ALPA many years ago, so it was good to see it continuing to grow.

“It’s fantastic to be working alongside CEQ and Outback Stores, supporting good food and making it available through local people, for local people,” he said.

“Together, we can make a real difference in strengthening nutrition, building local skills and creating healthier communities across remote First Nations communities.”

Community Enterprise Queensland CEO, Michael Dykes said The Good Food People program would empower local First Nations team members to become leaders in nutrition and wellbeing in their own communities.

“By building a locally based nutrition workforce, we can help create long-term change that supports healthier food environments and better health outcomes for families across remote Queensland,” he said.

And Outback Stores CEO, Michael Borg said the program was an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of Indigenous people in remote communities.

 “I am delighted with the progress already made, with 10 Good Food People recruited, and already making a difference,” he said.

 “Outback Stores is committed to supporting the delivery of this program led by ALPA, and in partnership with CEQ and local community store leaders.”