Sitting in the heart of Gapuwiyak, around 500 kilometers east of Darwin, the local community store is a vital lifeline for the north-east Arnhem Land community.
Managed by the Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal Corporation (ALPA), it stocks fresh fruit, vegetables, frozen meats, and basic household items.
For Keshayla Wunungmurra it's not only a workplace but an opportunity to learn about the importance of nutrition.
“It is good to learn more [about] nutrition and good manymak natha (healthy food) for my future," the Yolŋu woman said.
Keshayla was the first Good Food Person in Australia, a community-based nutrition workforce rolling out in remote communities.
Mentored and trained by nutritionists, Good Food People share nutrition knowledge with community members, implement nutrition policies and create healthy takeaway offerings.
The program now has 21 locally employed Good Food People working in stores in far north Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia and is funded by the Federal Government.
Nutrition in remote communities is critical because it directly combats food insecurity and prevents the disproportionately high rates of chronic disease that drive the life expectancy gap for First Nations peoples, particularly in remote areas.
The Nutrition Workforce supports key outcomes under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, including that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people enjoy long and healthy lives, and that communities have strong economic participation and development opportunities.
Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy says she is pleased to see the benefits for communities involved.
“The Good Food People program is not only increasing the awareness of healthy choices but also creating local jobs in remote communities," Minister McCarthy said.
“The Nutrition Workforce is such an important part of our food security program and I look forward to see it continue to grow.”
The program was original created by the Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal Corporation (ALPA) years ago.
ALPA continue to support the program in partnership with the Federal Government along with Community Enterprise Queensland (CEQ) and Outback Stores.
“Together, we can make a real difference in strengthening nutrition, building local skills and creating healthier communities across remote First Nations communities,” ALPA CEO Alastair King said.
Nutrition workers are now based in stores in Barunga, Beswick, Bulman, Daly River, Galiwin’ku, Gapuwiyak, Maningrida, Minjilang, Ngukurr, Peppimenarti, Pirlangimpi and Yarralin in the NT.
In Queensland, the program has rolled out in Hopevale and Mapoon in Far North Queensland and St Pauls (Moa Island) in the Torres Strait.
In Western Australia, Ardyaloon (One Arm Point), Beagle Bay, Kalumburu and Noonkanbah (Yungngora) have Good Food People.
As the program continues to roll out, more than 100 Good Food People are set to be recruited over the next two years.
“By building a locally based nutrition workforce, we can help create long-term change that supports healthier food environments and better health outcomes for families," Community Enterprise Queensland CEO Michael Dykes said.
