Seven additional remote community stores will receive funding under the federal government's Food Security Resilience Package, aimed at reducing food costs in isolated areas impacted by extreme weather and limited infrastructure.
The $9.6 million initiative seeks to ensure year-round access to groceries and nutritious food by supporting store upgrades in remote communities, with the federal government working in partnership with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations and state and territory governments.
"Remote First Nations communities are disproportionately impacted by food insecurity," Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy said.
"This package is about bolstering supplies at stores most vulnerable to having access cut off during the high-risk weather season."
In North East Arnhem Land, the Wandawuy Community Store will receive $1.3 million to expand storage, enhance security, and upgrade its solar power system.
Glenda Abraham, Chief Executive of the Laynhapuy Aboriginal Corporation — which oversees the Wandawuy store — said food security is fundamental to community wellbeing.
"Over 1,100 of Australia's most remote, and poorest socioeconomic groups rely on Laynha in the delivery of affordable food and household goods," Ms Abraham said.
She added money saved from long-distance travel to distant supermarkets helps support local stores and strengthens nutrition and the local economy.
"Supplying 4 core homelands with culturally consulted groceries enables residents to save money on bush taxis, fuel and car repairs in their bid to buy from supermarkets that are over 400 kilometres away," she said.
"It is often at significant risk to family and friends who take this journey due to poor road conditions and unsound vehicles."
In Western Australia's Pilbara region, the Parnngurr Community Store has been granted over $130,000 for critical upgrades, including roof repairs, new cold storage, and a modernised point-of-sale system.
Parnngurr Aboriginal Corporation Independent Director, Dr Prem Mudhan, stressed the importance of food security for the Martu people.
"Over the years, weather patterns have changed where it is now common for flash flooding of roads during cyclones and extreme heat in summer. Measures need to be taken to secure access to food throughout the year," Dr Mudhan said.
"The grant will enable the community to restore equipment to preserve food, refurbish infrastructure that will keep stored food safe, and facilitate more regular transport to the nearest town for fresh fruit and vegetables."
Four other WA stores — Warakurna Store, Yakanarra Community Store, Bayulu Supermarket, and Wangkatjungka Community Store — and the Pipalyatjara Store in South Australia will also receive funding under the second tranche of the package. The support forms part of the National Strategy for Food Security in Remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities.
Special Envoy for Remote Communities, Marion Scrymgour, reaffirmed the government's commitment to improving services in remote regions.
"Anyone who has lived out bush knows access to quality nutritious food can be extremely challenging. This is further complicated by bad weather and natural disasters," she said.
"This program will help alleviate some of those challenges for remote communities, building resilience and security into the supply chain and working to ensure people get the food they need."
