East Gippslanders are invited to help shape the future of affordable, nourishing food across the region at an upcoming community food systems mapping workshop.
Gippsland Lakes Complete Health (GLCH), in partnership with the Gippsland Region Public Health Unit and East Gippsland Shire Council, will host the session in Sarsfield. The workshop aims to bring together community members, local organisations, businesses and service providers to identify practical actions that can strengthen regional food security and access.
Previous workshops in the series explored the broad range of economic and social factors that influence how residents access healthy, affordable food.
“What became clear very quickly is that these challenges go far beyond the food sector,” GLCH health promotion team leader Jaquie Nethercote said.
“The systems map being developed shows strong links between access to food and wider issues including housing stability, transport, financial stress, employment, education, family violence and social connection.”
Workshop participant Kate Bire, a school nurse at Lakes Entrance Secondary College, said the upcoming session offers an opportunity for the broader community to help translate those insights into tangible local initiatives.
“It was valuable to hear the input and perspective from a range of individuals working in different sectors, ultimately allowing the network to capture the full picture impacting food accessibility in our region,” Ms Bire said.
“I look forward to even more community members and organisations joining in the conversation as we identify practical actions together to strengthen our food system. I’m proud and excited to join a network that will inevitably benefit the youth we support in the Secondary School Program.”
Organisers say the final workshop will explore concrete ways that local businesses, community groups and service agencies can collaborate to build a more resilient food network across East Gippsland.
The workshop will take place on Tuesday, August 25, from 1.30pm to 4pm at the Sarsfield Community Hall and Reserve. Afternoon tea will be provided for attendees.
