“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…
The Victorian Government has announced that VicHealth – the state’s internationally recognised, independent health promotion agency – will be abolished and incorporated into the Department of Health, ending more than three decades of prevention-focused leadership. The decision has shocked public health experts, community organisations and former government leaders, who warn that dismantling VicHealth’s independent structure…
This project covered a series of food system policymaking workshops for four local governments and community stakeholders within the LMPHU catchment. The focus was on increasing understanding of food systems, mapping relevance to Council’s remit and how LGAs can progress food systems transformation in the context of the cost-of-living crisis and climate change. The project…
From 2016 – 2022, Sustain collaborated with Cardinia Shire Council to develop and implement the Cardinia Community Food Strategy. This participatory process drew on the strengths of and built capacity of the community. The project’s achievement highlights include recognition of Cardinia Food Circles with VicHealth’s ‘Promoting Healthy Eating Award’ in 2019 for outstanding efforts to…