Food security, food systems and the role of local government

Local governments have vitally important roles to play in healthy and sustainable food systems and community-led food security. As the cost of living crisis worsens and food insecurity rises, combined with the finalisation in early 2027 of Feeding Australia, the national food security strategy, by the Federal government, it will be important for staff working across local government to deepen their understanding of current and emerging challenges and how their councils can work with communities to meet those challenges.

Sustain: the Australian Food Network has been working with and supporting local governments in food systems and food security for the past decade. We've developed a Local Government Food Systems Journey that distils the insights and lessons we've picked up along the way. This in-person workshop will build on those foundations, contextualised for Western Australian with the involvement of key contributors to our WA Food Policy Forum, taking place at the Hub (Bentley Technology Park) on 30 November 2026. You'll hear from:

• Dr Michelle Broom & Dr Gina Ambrosini - Edith Cowan University Food Environments Team, presenting on the recently-launched Australian Food Atlas

• Dr Sharonna Mossenson - Cancer Council WA, presenting on the recently-launched UnJunk campaign

• Denver D'Cruz - City of Kwinana, presenting on local food resilience initiatives supported by Kwinana

• Dr Nick Rose - Sustain, sharing key outcomes of the WA Food Policy Forum and speaking to the opportunities for local government in the rapidly changing food security context

The workshop will include dedicated time for staff attending to share their work in food security, food systems and food sustainability with each other as well explore opportunities for collaboration action and advocacy priorities.

Catering will be provided. This is a free event, however donations to Sustain as a registered health promotion charity are appreciated.