Food security boost for remote communities

Labor is continuing to deliver on its election commitment to improve food security in remote First Nations communities, with residents of Gunbalanya in Arnhem Land set to benefit from upgrades to their local store.

Adjumarllarl Store will receive more than $341,000 for the purchase of a freezer and refrigeration units as well as upgrades to point of sale infrastructure.

The upgrades will improve the supply of nutritious food to Gunbalanya’s 1,300 residents who live 300 kilometres east of Darwin and 60 kilometres northeast of Jabiru, including during the wet season when road access is cut.

“This is great news for the residents of Gunbalanya and another example of the Albanese Labor Government investing in remote communities to improve the lives of First Nations people,” Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said.

“Our investment will strengthen Adjumarllarl Store’s capability to supply Gunbalanya residents with nutritious food all year round, including during the wet season.

“This package is not just building resilience, it’s an investment in the health and wellbeing of First Nations people, and part of our broader commitment to Closing the Gap.”

Adjumarllarl Store is one of more than 15 stores to receive funding through the Albanese Government’s $9.6 million Store Efficiency and Resilience Package.

The Store Efficiency and Resilience Package is one of the early actions taken under the National Strategy for Food Security in Remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Other remote stores which have received support under this package include: Maningrida Store (NT), Kalkarindji Community Store (NT), Amata Anangu Store (SA), Timber Creek (Gunamu) Store (NT), Lajamanu Store (NT), ABIS Supermarket Kowanyama (QLD), ABIS Supermarket Pormpuraaw (QLD), Gapuwiyak Community Store (NT), Warliburru Store (NT), Kaltjiti (Fregon) Store (SA) and Warte Alparayetye Store (NT).

The funding agreement with Adjumarllarl was agreed to prior to caretaker.

“Every Australian needs access to nutritious and healthy food all year round. This investment for the people of Gunbalanya will enable Adjumarllarl Store to provide this need to the community,” Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour added.

“Building strong and healthy communities is an ongoing commitment from the Albanese Labor Government and I thank the Prime Minister and Minister McCarthy for their continued support for our remote communities.”