Following the adoption of the Central Goldfields Food Systems Roadmap in September, the Central Goldfields Food Network has reconvened this week to lead its implementation.
The Central Goldfields Food Systems Roadmap was developed by Sustain: The Australian Food Network, in partnership with Council and the Central Goldfields Food Network and funded through the VicHealth Local Government Partnership.
Earlier this year, more than 230 community members and stakeholders shared their feedback around what was most important to them about food, and what could be changed to make access to healthy and nutritious food easier for everyone.
This feedback helped inform the Roadmap which explores the community's vision for a healthier food system in Central Goldfields, and how the community can work together to make it happen.
The Roadmap will help guide future projects to support healthy eating and be a useful tool to help Council and other organisations find more funding and resources.
It recognises the existing work happening in the Shire to promote healthy eating and local access to fresh and nutritious food and recommends next steps the community can take to continue this work together.
Although in its early stages, the Central Goldfields Food Network will be one of the leading forums moving forward to identify actions towards and prioritise the Roadmap's recommendations.
Central Goldfields Shire Children and Young People First Project Officer Gemma Simpson said it was fantastic to hear so much passion and interest from so many people in the process of developing this Roadmap.
"Sustain – The Australian Food Network have done a fantastic job pulling together so much feedback and data. Although there are still plenty of challenges to tackle, it's been amazing hearing about all the work already happening.
"The Roadmap outlines directions as to where we can go from here, but it's clear that whatever happens next, we will get the best outcomes if we work together. There is no single person or organisation that can change the food system on their own."
Dunolly Community Garden Secretary Lisa Mahon said as a community garden, they understand how valuable it can be to have access to fresh produce that's grown locally and sustainably.
"We welcome the Roadmap's call to work together across the community to make it easier to grow and eat healthy food in Central Goldfields."
