Regional Enterprise Development Institute

The Issue

Access to affordable and quality fresh food produce is a known challenge for remote communities. In the far west NSW town of Bourke, access has grown increasingly difficult due to cost-of-living expenses and the agricultural impacts of recent natural disasters. Poor nutrition is linked to the development of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and kidney disease.

The Project

Regional Enterprise Development Institute (REDI.E) and the Bourke Aboriginal Corporation Health Service (BACHS) started a community garden in 2020, on lands of the Ngemba and Baakindji people, also known as Bourke. REDI.E is Bourke’s local employment provider and BACHS is a primary care provider.

nib foundation is helping the garden reach its potential by funding two new roles. A garden and community engagement coordinator will be dedicated to managing the community garden and promoting community engagement activities that will help to improve locals’ access to healthy, homegrown food. The second role is a university allied health graduate position, such as a dietician, bringing their health promotion skills, experience and networks.

The Impact

This partnership will help create a vibrant and whole of community asset for Bourke. The overarching goal is to improve population health outcomes for the Bourke community by providing equitable access to quality, nutritional produce. Community gardens play a vital role in improving food access for communities and this project aims to provide free high quality nutrient rich food to up to 60 households.

Our hope is the garden will help deliver food security, health promotion, job creation, and community building outcomes.