The wheels spun and hearts united 

The steady spin of wheels and the united drive of riders proved that when we come together for a cause, we can achieve something powerful. 

On Sunday 23 November 2025, the Perth Coastal Bike Ride returned, not just as a test of endurance but as a celebration of community, compassion and courage. 

And what a day it was! More than 100 passionate cyclists took part across four distances, including the challenging 80km and 100km rides, in an unforgettable display of determination and heart. 

From 10km to 100km, riders of all levels took to the coast with one shared goal – to make a difference. Every kilometre ridden raised vital funds and awareness for Foodbank WA and three other deserving charities. Thanks to this incredible effort, more Western Australians doing it tough will receive the food relief they need.

Some rode in memory of loved ones, others rode for the joy of giving back. But every pedal stroke sent a powerful message – together we can make a difference.

This event, expertly managed by the Perth Integrated Events Team, reminded us that strength is found in unity.

To help riders refuel, we provided snacks at Yanchep, the turnaround point for the 80km and 100km riders. Our stall featured Foodbank branded shopping bags, Hunger Ghrelins toykits, Coco Loco Balls, premade Choc Amazeballs and Christmas cards. We made sure it was a fun day for all ages with a temporary tattoo and colouring-in stations, while also doing our bit for the environment with a Containers for Change bucket on site too.

It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with the community and raise awareness about our mission to fight hunger in Western Australia.

Thank you Perth Integrated Events. Together, we’ve proven that when community rallies behind a cause, amazing things happen. 

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Northern Star Resources expands its reach with Foodbank through WA

Northern Star Resources has extended its community investment footprint across WA, starting with the remote communities of Wiluna and Leonora and right up to the Pilbara with a separate project. 

Both initiatives will provide culturally appropriate food to vulnerable communities which have been struggling for many years with food insecurity, due in part to the vast travel distances required to deliver food and the cost-of-living crisis.  

Starting closest to home, the partnership will facilitate expansion into Wiluna and Leonora which will build on existing partnership with AngloGold Ashanti Australia, to support communities across Leonora, Laverton and Mount Margaret in the Goldfields region which has already had demonstrated, measurable impact.

This expanded support will see Northern Star Resources increase current sponsorship by $67K 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 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 in Port Hedland in the Pilbara region.

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, 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, making this project even more impactful.

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

Bloodwood Tree have placed their first order with us. 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 the range 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, our Kalgoorlie Branch sponsor, together we can make a difference to the many vulnerable people across our wide state. 

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A win for Australia and a win for WA families! 

Australia’s blistering victory over England in the first Ashes Test – wrapped up in just two days

(a feat we haven’t seen on Australian soil since 1932 not to mention that the last time an Ashes Test finished inside two days was in 1921!)

– didn’t just thrill cricket fans. It also sparked an unexpected wave of generosity from Optus Stadium straight into the hearts and homes of Western Australians doing it tough.

With the match ending so swiftly (sorry, England), Theme Group and Optus Stadium suddenly found itself with a mountain of perfectly good, unused food that was destined for hungry crowds who… well… didn’t get the chance to be hungry for very long. Rather than let anything go to waste, the stadium team swung into action and generously donated the surplus straight to Foodbank WA.

And just like the Aussie batting lineup – we made good use of every opportunity.

Thanks to the donation countless households and charity partners across the metro area received high-quality ingredients and fresh meal components. This included 576kg of fresh vegetables (a mixture of bulk and individual portions) meaning households had access to delicious pre-cut and ready to eat. We were also lucky to receive an array of delicious sandwiches – 220kg to be exact; a pallet of ready to eat meals, including delicious penne carbonara and small containers of ready to eat cheese platters.

Our Community Kitchen here in Perth received a load (14 pallets!) of fresh high-quality vegetables to turn into healthy meals which will be distributed across our six branches and 70 Foodbank mobile locations. This portion of the donation alone equates to 1,238 healthy meals. Half a pallet of the fresh vegetables was also sent to our Peel branch, delighting customers.

Perhaps most impressively, we got 5,200kg or six pallets of much-needed fresh milk – 5 pallets stayed in Perth to cater for the high demand; with a pallet also sent to Geraldton – where reliable supply can be harder to get than English runs in Perth.

All up the impressive donation totalled 6,146kg which equates to an incredible 3,411 meals which would have otherwise ended up in landfill and not ended up on a table of those most vulnerable in our community.

This unexpected food windfall turned a historic cricket moment into meaningful impact for communities right across WA. A huge thank you to Theme Group and Optus Stadium and their partners for hitting this one out of the ground – proof that even a two-day Test can deliver big results off the field.

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nom! Children is empowering parents and nourishing futures 

When a nutrition education and cooking program becomes more than just recipes, you know something special is happening.

For Kristina, every session of Foodbank WA’s nom! Children Program was a revelation – not just about food, but about family, connection, and confidence.   

What started as a practical program to help prepare healthy family meals on a budget quickly became a catalyst for laughter, learning, and lasting change at home.

Summing up her nom! Children program experience and which of the five sessions she liked most, Kristina said, “All of them. I got something out of each session.” Each class offered something valuable – whether it was learning the nutrition and cost benefits of homemade food over packaged options, discovering cost-effective cooking methods, or realising that healthy meals don’t have to compromise taste. “I learnt a lot. I was excited to attend the next class each week – I actually looked forward to Friday, and not because the weekend followed!” A simple example was turning wraps into nachos, a delicious and budget-friendly twist that surprised everyone. 

Kristina said the program didn’t just change what was on the plate – it changed how her family now connects. “It’s made me second guess my choices. I’m preparing more cost-effective and healthier options. I’m providing more family-friendly environments when eating. Now, I create more shared dishes so the kids can serve themselves, sparking conversations about food and life. Dinner time is more engaging and we are all trying new foods we wouldn’t have normally thanks to nom!”. With feedback like this, it’s clear to see that families are discovering that enjoyable meals don’t have to cost the world, and that trying new foods can be fun.

Kristina described the program as fun, welcoming, and inspiring. “What didn’t I enjoy? I enjoyed it all – laughter, learning, fun, food, teacher, environment. Knowing that my daughter was safe while I learnt to provide a healthier lifestyle.” the facilitators created an environment where everyone felt comfortable sharing ideas and learning together. “Let’s be honest, we were loud, and all had so many opinions. Jasmin the facilitator kept us all together and taught the best class.” Even when opinions differed, everyone had a voice, creating a sense of community and shared learning.

The impact goes beyond the classroom. “Yes!! We are eating healthier and more cost-effective, but it is a work in progress. I will continue to implement what I’ve learnt over the weeks I attended.” Kristina said her family is experimenting with new ingredients and teaching her children to embrace variety which has encouraged them to try new foods. “This has been the best class. We couldn’t have asked for anything more – except maybe a few extra sessions. I didn’t want it to end.” Kristina concluded. The combination of the creche for kids and engaging classes for parents created a unique experience topped off with an opportunity to sit down together to enjoy the food prepared during class made for the perfect recipe for success for Kristina.

Foodbank WA’s nom! Children Program is making a real, tangible difference in the lives of families with young children aged 0-5 years. Designed to empower parents with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to create nutritious meals, the program ensures children get the best start in life. It aligns with our strategic aim to empower people through education, giving families practical tools to plan and prepare healthy meals on a budget. This initiative is proudly supported through the collective generosity of Hancock Iron Ore and Channel 7 Telethon Trust.

Our nom! Children Program isn’t just about food – it’s about family, community, and creating healthier habits that last, helping to give WA children the best start in life. 

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Home Food Packs – Tailored Support

Schools are finding practical ways to support identified students and their families who need a little extra help through the home food packs program. The School Breakfast Clubs Program isn’t just about providing meals at school – it also supports students who may not have enough food or access to nutritious food at home. The home food packs are designed to offer flexibility, choice, and solutions that work for each school community.

Giving Families Choice

A south-eastern primary school has taken a proactive approach by introducing a pantry system. Rather than sending the pre-packed boxes home, the school recognised that families value the ability to choose what works best for them. This simple change means families can select the items they need, helping reduce waste and giving them more control.

The pantry is stocked with items from the School Breakfast Clubs Program menu, ensuring access to nutritious staples. And donations from a local church add extra variety, making it a true community effort that keeps the shelves full and the options wide ranging.

This approach makes support feel natural and easy. Students and their families can get what they need without feeling restricted, and the process encourages independence and comfort during challenging times.

Keeping Support Private

A west Victorian school has developed a thoughtful approach to supporting families who need extra food at home. They know that how support is delivered matters, so they focus on privacy and practicality.

Instead of sending the pre-packed boxes home in one go, the school divides them into smaller, manageable portions. These are packed into School Breakfast Clubs Program calico bags, which fit inside a student’s school bag so food can be carried home discreetly.

Staff also arrange quiet pick-up times when other students aren’t around. This small but important consideration means schools can support students and their families with dignity and respect. It’s a simple system that makes getting help feel easy and comfortable.

Responding When Demand Spikes

When a secondary college saw a surge in need during winter, driven by rising energy bills and household pressures, they acted quickly. The school requested extra home food packs to meet demand, showing how important it is to be responsive and flexible when families need more support.

Life can change quickly, and being prepared makes all the difference. The home food pack program provides reassurance for schools and supports students who may not have enough food or access to nutritious meals at home.

These examples show that schools aren’t just handing out home food packs – they’re listening to their communities and adapting the program to fit real needs. And that’s what truly makes a difference.


nom! building confidence, connection and lifelong healthy habits

Last month our nutritionists travelled more 1,340km to Port Hedland to bring nom! Schools nutrition education to life in the classroom and kitchen.

During the week they visited South Hedland Primary School, Baler Primary School and Strelley Community School, delivering 9 engaging nutrition education and cooking sessions to 159 students from kindy through to year 10.

Through hands-on cooking and practical activities, students explored the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating, learnt how to store food safely and discovered the importance of mindful eating. Each session was packed with real-world skills and delicious meals made straight from our Let’s Cook #2, Best of Healthy Recipes for All and nom! recipe booklets.

Smiling faces and very engaged kids made the trip extra special for our nutritionists, knowing that they had made a positive impact to so many young students.

We are incredibly grateful to be able to deliver these sessions in regional and remote Western Australia, these sessions aren’t just about cooking. They’re about building confidence, connection and lifelong healthy habits.

Every child deserves the opportunity to learn how to eat well, cook safely and feel good about food, thank you Mineral Resources and PLS for supporting the nom! Schools program and helping us reach remote communities with vital food and nutrition education.


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nom! Schools sets up healthy habits for life

For our talented nutritionists, delivering nutrition education in regional and remote Western Australia is a highlight, not only because of the often unique destinations but because of the lasting impact they make.

Thanks to funding from Mineral Resources and PLS, our nutritionists recently travelled to Port Hedland where they visited three schools: South Hedland Primary School, Baler Primary School, Strelley Community School

A total of 9 sessions were run across the week, with 159 students taking part in our nom! Schools sessions from kindy age, right through to Year 10.

The excited students learned about a range of different nutrition topics including the Australian Guide to Healthy Easting, food safety and storage and mindful eating.

The most popular part of each session was tasting the delicious meals from a range of recipes from our Let’s Cook #2, Best of Healthy Recipes for All and nom! Recipe booklets.

The teachers had positive feedback they shared which really highlights the impact we make: ‘for many in my group, it was their first time cooking, which made the experience even more meaningful. It was wonderful to see them step out of their comfort zones, work together, and gain confidence as they learned new skills’ and ‘students were eager to learn and try new foods. The recipe books were helpful and students are still trying the recipes weeks later.’

We can’t wait to visit the Pilbara region again soon. Thank you Mineral Resources and PLS for making our trip possible so we can teach healthy habits for life.

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Our School Breakfast Program expands

We all know breakfast is the most important meal of the day – and now, thanks to the State Government’s recent investment in School Breakfast Programs, even more Western Australian kids will start their mornings with a healthy breakfast. 

For Foodbank WA, this expansion means that more schools will be targeted to join the School Breakfast Program – 130 in fact! 

More than 680 public and non-government schools and education sites will now be eligible for the program from the start of Term 1, 2026.

This is a significant expansion beyond the 560 schools currently engaged with Foodbank WA and we are confident in our capability and capacity to undertake the expansion. 

In addition to Foodbank’s involvement (provision of breakfast food), the State Government will support eligible schools with supervision funding to provide the service five days per week. That means students can count on a nutritious start every school day, setting them up for success – improving focus, wellbeing, and learning. It’s not just good for students; it’s a win for teachers and the whole school community.

We are so grateful for the expansion of our School breakfast Program – this is more than just a meal – it’s an investment in education, health, and the future of Western Australian kids. 

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Hunger crisis deepens, now affecting 480,000 Queensland households

5 November 2025


There’s been a significant increase in the number of Queensland households experiencing hunger – with 22% now going without meals, up from 19% the year before.

There are now nearly 480,000 households in Queensland experiencing hunger, an increase in 81,600 households since last years report was released. That’s the equivalent of all the households in the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast experiencing hunger.

Foodbank Queensland CEO Jess Watkinson said the figures were alarming and showed severe food insecurity – households going hungry, skipping meals or going days without eating – was a growing concern.

“The Foodbank Hunger Report highlights that hunger is affecting Queenslanders across all walks of life,” said Ms Watkinson.

“Your neighbour, your workmate or your classmate may be skipping meals, because they simply can’t afford to eat.”

Ms Watkinson pointed out that 56% of households including someone with a disability or health issue are now experiencing hunger; up from 44% last year.

“These households are forced to make the impossible decision between paying bills, buying medicine or putting food on the table.”

The Hunger Report will be launched in Queensland at The Y Cannon Hill Community Centre, which provides food support to up to 200 people every week.

Wendy Blackmon, Centre Coordinator, said the need has never been greater.

“We are seeing more and more employed Queenslanders, who have a mortgage or rent, reach out for assistance. This is because of the increase in cost of goods, rents and interest rates over the past few years,” said Ms Blackmon.

The Hunger Report found 31% of Queensland mortgage holders, and 50% of renting households are experiencing food insecurity. Despite a focus on reducing the cost of living, 91% of respondents reported the cost of living as the biggest driver of their food insecurity.

“We know from the QCOSS Community Data Profiles that food was the most frequently searched support needed – nearly twice as common as housing,” said Ms Watkinson.

“With the median rent currently at $600 per week, the impact on household budgets, and their capacity to purchase nutritious food is significant. If you add just one unplanned bill into the mix, you will often have a very small amount of money leftover for food, and you may need to access food relief just to have enough food to get you through.

“And we know that all the food relief services combined are only meeting 37% of the need.”

Foodbank Queensland provides food relief through their network of 350 Members, and also provides School Breakfast Programs, which play a crucial role in supporting children’s health, learning and wellbeing, especially for those facing food insecurity. Providing breakfasts in schools allows children to access food to start their day, and takes one meal pressure off families.

Foodbank Queensland has a waitlist of schools and will roll out an extra 100 School Breakfast Programs across the state this financial year, ensuring more students start their day nourished and ready to learn.  

MEDIA RELEASE

FOODBANK SA & NT OPENS NEW FOODBANK KATHERINE SITE TO HELP FOOD SECURITY & DISASTER PREPAREDNESS IN THE TERRITORY. 



Thursday, 13 November 2025: As the heavy rain sets in for the 2025/2026 wet season, Foodbank have opened a new Katherine operation that is set to help those experiencing food insecurity and prepare for the disaster season.

Foodbank has been serving the Territory community for more than 13 years with food relief support.

Foodbank Katherine is being established with support from Round One of the Disaster Ready Fund, funded by the Australian Government, this project is to support the Territory during disaster periods with food relief. The new site mitigates the risk of the disaster season, with operations now strategically placed in Darwin (Yarrawonga), Alice Springs and Katherine to better serve the Territory in times of disaster.

Member for Lingiari Marion Scrymgour MP said our government is committed to tackling food insecurity across the Northern Territory and helping people with the cost of living.

“We know people are facing tough times at the moment and this is impacting food security and people’s ability to access high-quality and affordable food,” Ms Scrymgour said.

“The Commonwealth Government is working with local partners on this including support funding for the Foodbank operation in Katherine. This Hub will help ensure the community has enough food during natural disasters or periods of emergency management. It’ll also provide much needed support and affordable food to those who need it most.

“We are also rolling out the Low-Cost Essentials Subsidy Scheme which is making essential items cheaper at remote stores.

“I’ll keep fighting to ensure Territorians have access to affordable food whether they live in the towns or out bush.”

Foodbank Katherine operation includes the establishment of a new Foodbank Food Hub and warehouse operation located at 15 Emungalan Rd, Emungalan NT 0850. Foodbank opened the doors of the new operation to clients in late September with the official opening held on 12 November.

Outside of the disaster, the new Foodbank SA & NT operation in Katherine is also a commitment to working to end hunger in the region and to assist the growing number of individuals and families in the region who are struggling to put food on the table.

The Foodbank Katherine operation will enable Foodbank to distribute up to 240,000 kilograms of food relief in the region in the first 12 months of operation, equivalent to an additional 480,000 meals for families in need, and this will increase further in the second year.

The new Foodbank Katherine warehouse will provide better support for charities, agencies and communities in the area with their immediate and ongoing food relief requirements. With the rising cost of living putting additional pressure on already struggling families, the Foodbank Katherine Food Hub will allow low-income families a place to access items in a dignified way, including access to low-cost food and free fruit and vegetables.

The Food Hub enables community agencies to refer their clients who are in need of food relief, reducing the burden placed on agencies caused by the rising level of need. Importantly it will provide a dignified shopping experience for those experiencing food insecurity.

“The need for the new Foodbank Katherine operation is a deliberate decision from our board and team to mitigate the impacts on food security during disaster in the Territory. Foodbank have provided response to disaster in the Territory for many years, the new site will support disaster preparedness, particularly for our communities.” said Greg Pattinson, CEO, Foodbank South Australia & Northern Territory.

“Additionally, the dedicated Food Hub will help to reduce food insecurity in the region, providing much need food relief to some of our most vulnerable Territorians. Already the site has distributed enough food for more than 20,000 meals for those in need.

We know the impact of food insecurity is diverse in Australia, ranging from children to older people, and statistics show that more than 3.5 million Australian households have experienced food insecurity in the last 12 months. The Foodbank Food Hub is set up like a general store where those in need can have a dignified shopping experience and purchase items at a significantly reduced cost.

“We couldn’t do this without our supporters in the region, particularly support of the Federal Government with the Disaster Ready Fund, a genuine commitment to disaster preparedness in the Territory. We also extend a thank you to the Territory Government, our corporate partners, donors, volunteers and small but mighty staff team. “

The Foodbank Katherine operation already supports more than 13 agencies, community groups and School Programs in the region.

Foodbank Katherine are currently looking for volunteers to help in the Food Hub, you can register interest by visiting www.foodbank.org.au

Foodbank could not do this without the support from our amazing supporters:

  • The Australian Government– Disaster Ready Fund
  • Northern Territory Government
  • NIAA
  • Inpex
  • A2 Milk
  • Woolworths
  • Coles
  • Colliers.

The Foodbank Katherine Operation is located at 15 Emungalan Rd, Emungalan NT 0850


CONTACT:

Sarah Davies
General Manager – Strategy
Foodbank South Australia & Northern Territory
M 04325 11091
E sarahd@foodbanksa.org.au