Northern Star Resources expands its reach with Foodbank through WA

Starting closest to home, the expansion in Wiluna and Leonora will build on existing partnerships with AngloGold Ashanti, Murrin Murrin Operations, and Genesis Minerals to support communities across Leanora, Laverton and Mount Margaret across the Goldfields region which has already had demonstrated, measurable impact in Kalgoorlie.

This expanded support will see Northern Star Resources fund up to $50K over two years which will enable us to deliver culturally appropriate food and hygiene support to vulnerable households in Wiluna and Leonora, in collaboration with local charity partners. The project sees us moving away from away from the traditional hamper style approach the region has seen in the past and provides individuals choice of products they need promoting dignity-based access which improves community wellbeing and strengthens local capacity.

Northern Star’s investment will directly respond to the glaring issue of food insecurity, particularly among Aboriginal families and low-income households in the Goldfields region which have limited access to fresh and culturally appropriate food; face social isolation, especially among elderly and remote residents, and those facing almost out of control cost-of-living pressures and rising health-related issues by delivering targeted food relief, hygiene support and community engagement programs.

Northern Star’s commitment to Community and Regional Resilience, Health and Wellness, and Indigenous Advancement is further reflected in another project they have chosen to fund, this time in Port Hedland in the Pilbara region.

Even though it has long been known that food security is a persistent problem in the Pilbara region. Expansive distances create a huge barrier for food relief and food availability, not to mention that the cost of a basic food basket can be up to 26% higher in remote areas.   

Thanks to vital funding of $17K from Northern Star Resources, and in collaboration with Bloodwood Tree, for the next year, we will be able to provide culturally appropriate food needed by the community at lower prices. TGE (one of our generous transport partners) have in principle agreed to support the freight costs of dry goods for a year, making this ‘first of its kind’ project possible.

These alliances means that together we can enhance the existing services provided for at-risk Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals in Port Hedland.

Bloodwood Tree have placed their first order with us and expect to have it delivered ahead of the festive season. The items will be tailored to the nutritional and cultural needs of the local community and will benefit the community by addressing food insecurity head-on. There are also plans to expand this to chilled products

The sponsorship from Northern Star will match the value of Bloodwood Tree’s food purchase, effectively doubling the quantity of food available for distribution for individuals and families struggling with food insecurity.

The community benefits include direct and targeted food provision to improve the wellbeing for families experiencing hardship and support for Bloodwood Tree’s existing wraparound services, including monthly community BBQs, nutrition education and culturally sensitive outreach.

The initiative will also strengthen local partnerships and trust-based relationships between local service providers and the community.

This initiative is a testament to Northern Star’s commitment to long-term, values-driven community investment and delivers tangible outcomes that improve the health, dignity, and resilience of the Port Hedland community.

Thank you Northern Star Resources, together we can make a difference to the many vulnerable people across our wide state.