Minister for Indigenous Australians
The Albanese Labor Government is delivering on its commitment to improve food security and resilience for remote First Nations communities during the high-risk weather season.
Through the $9.6 million Store Efficiency and Resilience Package, the Albanese Government is partnering with local stores, state and territory governments and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations to ensure remote communities have reliable access to nutritious food and groceries.
More than 15 remote stores will benefit from the initiative.
The Maningrida Store, seven hours east of Darwin, will receive almost $500,000 to expand cold storage, install a fuel tank and purchase equipment to improve food supplies during the wet season when access is limited.
The Kalkarindji Community Store, 470 kilometres southwest of Katherine in the Northern Territory, will receive $160,000 to upgrade its refrigerator and freezer storage capacity with two freezer containers, cyclone rated concrete footings and electrical upgrades.
This will allow the store to hold an additional 4-6 weeks of stock, ensuring continued access to essential supplies for Kalkarindji and the nearby Daguragu community, especially during the wet season and severe weather events.
The Amata Anangu Store in South Australia's Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands will receive $120,000 to enhance food supply and resilience for nearby communities during emergencies.
- Timber Creek (Gunamu) Store, Timber Creek, NT
- Lajamanu Store, Lajamanu, NT
- ABIS Supermarket Kowanyama, Kowanyama, QLD
- ABIS Supermarket Pormpuraaw, Pormpuraaw, QLD
- Gapuwiyak Community Store, Gapuwiyak, NT
- Warliburru Store, Minyerri, NT
- Kaltjiti (Fregon) Store, Kaltjiti, SA
- Amata Anangu Store, Amata, SA
The Albanese Government's National Strategy for Food Security in Remote First Nations Communities is currently in development in partnership with state and territory governments and First Nations health organisations.
The Strategy focuses on increasing access to affordable food and is expected to be finalised early next year.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy:
"We know it is harder for First Nations people in our remote communities to access healthy and affordable food all year round.
"The Albanese Government is proud to work alongside local organisations, store operators and community leaders to improve food security and build resilience in remote areas.
"This funding provided to the places that need it the most is a great example of how the Albanese Labor Government is making a real difference on the ground.
"This package is not just offering relief, it is an investment in the health and wellbeing of our First Nations peoples, and part of our broader commitment to Closing the Gap."
Quotes attributable to Marty Limb, CEO of the Gurindji Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC:
"We are grateful for the Australian Government's support in increasing food security for the Kalkaringi and Daguragu communities.
"This will help ensure that essential food supplies are available throughout the entire wet season."
Quotes attributable to Roslyn Frith, Chair of the Gurindji Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC:
"The new freezer containers will significantly improve food security for the Gurindji people.
"This support will be beneficial and reassuring for Kalkaringi and Daguragu families and community members for years to come."
Quotes attributable to Ian McKay, CEO of the Maningrida Progress Association:
"Maningrida is one of the largest Indigenous communities in Australia, with some of the highest rates of heart disease in the world.
"The support provided by the Australian Government will ensure residents have access to healthy, nutritious food and will assist in improving health outcomes.
"It is a huge relief for MPA... it couldn't come at a better time."
Quotes attributable to Dennis Bate, CEO of the Mai Wiru Regional Stores Council Aboriginal Corporation:
"Mai Wiru is proud to announce… that two of our stores will be receiving upgrades to their storage areas, cool rooms and freezers.
"Amata and Kaltjiti are vital to our efforts in food security as they both offer the extra storage and support to our stores, ensuring we can mobilise food and essential items in emergencies or cater to sudden influx in communities.
"Our stores work together as a community network ensuring that the community needs are met and this improved storage will go a long way to improve food security".
