MEDIA RELEASE

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


Thursday, 13 November 2025: OAs the heavy rain sets in for the 2025/2026 wet season, Foodbank have oped 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
  • 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