Food insecurity is a live issue in many rural and remote communities in Australia.
Beechworth Health Service is serious about addressing this challenge in North East Victoria. This week the Service brought together people from many parts of the local food system – growers, café owners, logistics – to explore how the business model of social enterprise can offer solutions.
Facilitators Matt Pfahlert (ACRE) and Anton Therkildsen (Social Enterprise Academy Australia) hosted an ‘understanding social enterprise’ workshop at Old Beechworth Gaol and a field trip on 13 + 14 May 2021.
Over the course of two days, participants explored ways that the business model of social enterprise could unlock new economic opportunities and improve food security for local communities.
The program included an onsite visit to Dumu Balcony Cafe, Bright – a First Nations owned, for-purpose, training cafe, that provides young people the opportunity to develop skills for their future.
Everyone who joined this initative now has an opportunity to be part of Community Connectors, a program that aims to assist people find local services and activities that are available to support health and wellbeing.
This workshop was hosted by Beechworth Health Service and supported by the Victorian Department of Health.
Please get in contact if you would to bring an ‘understanding social enterprise’ workshop and field trip to your rural community.