A Blueprint for Local Economic Development, Community Connection, Food Security and Climate Resilience Australia at a Crossroads Australia’s food and farming system is facing a generational transition. Farmers are ageing, land prices are soaring, and new entrants- especially first-generation farmers- face almost insurmountable barriers to access, training, and capital. At the same time, communities are…
One hundred and fifty passionate and experienced leaders from across Victoria and interstate met at the Angliss Conference Centre in Naarm / Melbourne on 22nd May 2026 for a deep dive into action being taken across Victoria to tackle food insecurity. Sustain convened this Forum with our Victorian partners both to showcase and celebrate the…
Understanding food insecurity in Australia Australia has experienced chronic and rising food insecurity since the early 1990s, when the first Foodbank opened in NSW. Rates of food insecurity rose sharply in the wake of the post-COVID inflation-driven cost of living crisis, with Foodbank Australia’s 2025 Hunger Report indicating that 1 in 3 Australians were experiencing…
“Food insecurity is no longer a fringe issue — it’s becoming embedded across the community.” Across Australia, more people are turning to food relief as everyday essentials become harder to afford. What was once a challenge for a smaller group is now affecting a much broader mix of households. Speaking to ABC News, Nick highlighted…
Australia produces plenty of food, but that doesn’t guarantee food security in a global crisis. Our system relies heavily on imported inputs like fuel and fertiliser, as well as stable international supply chains — all of which could be disrupted by war. Nick spoke to Croakey Media about how food security is not just about…
Summary of recommendations Download the full submission here. Recommendation 1 Reverse the decision to absorb VicHealth into the Department of Health; keep VicHealth independent and increase its funding. Recommendation 2 Develop and fund an integrated food system and food security strategy for Victoria with a range of associated elements and measures. Recommendation 3 Develop a Food Systems…
Why it’s crucial to invest in the food system In 2024, researchers at Oxford University and London School of Economics found that transforming the food system to one that is healthier, equitable, and sustainable would create $USD10 trillion in benefits per year, requiring less than 5% of that figure in investment (Food Systems Economic Commission, 2024). …
This project explored the feasibility of what would be required to establish an ACT Food Hub thatservices the Canberra region. After reviewing experience elsewhere, the project conceptualised the role the ACT Food Hub might play, how it might be established and operated, and assessed how it might perform from financial and risk perspectives to inform…
On 9th December 2025, 75 passionate and experienced leaders from across Lutruwita /Tasmania and interstate met in Launceston for a deep dive into action being taken across Tasmania to tackle food insecurity. We convened this Forum with our Tasmanian partners both to showcase and celebrate the great work being done on the ground across the state, as well as to inform the Federal government of key needs and…
As a local government representative, you are working on the frontlines of food system transformation. The work you do in chambers, council offices and in your community is one of the strongest levers we have to shift our collective food system towards health, sustainability and equity. But we all know that transforming food system is…