Fair Food Champion: Dr Katherine Kent
From spotlighting invisible hunger to partnering with grassroots initiatives, Dr Katherine Kent is reshaping how we understand and respond to food insecurity. As part of the Food Fairness Illawarra Coordination Team and a researcher at the University of Wollongong, Katherine brings both academic insight and on-the-ground experience to the table. We spoke with her about […]
Wollongong’s Green Connect Urban Farm Goes Independent to Grow Local Impact
Wollongong’s much-loved urban farm, Green Connect, is entering a new era. After years under the umbrella of Community Resources, the award-winning urban farm is now an independent entity — a move that reflects its deep commitment to local, community-led change. While others scale up, Green Connect is digging deeper, offering meaningful employment pathways, organic produce, […]
Regional Food Donation Coordinator Program Update – March 2025
In 2024, Healthy Cities Illawarra was proud to spearhead a Regional Food Coordinator program as the very first region in NSW to do so, thanks to generous funding from the NSW Environmental Protection Authority. We are fortunate to have a food rescue and relief sector that collectively rescues a vast amount of food to feed […]
What’s on Your Plate? New Research Reveals Illawarra’s Food Habits & Challenges
We asked, you spoke. Last year, we teamed up with incredible researchers at the University of Wollongong for the ‘Let’s Talk About Food’ survey, conducted with more than 700 households in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions. The survey explored your thoughts on locally produced food and your shopping habits, as well as assessed the prevalence […]
Fair Food Champion: Jules Mitry
Every ‘Gong local knows Balinese Spice Magic – if you’re anything like us and appreciate good food, you might even be extremely familiar with its menu. For founder Jules Mitry, food is more than just nourishment—it’s a story, a tradition, and a way to bring people together. From sourcing fresh, local ingredients to creating healing […]
Building Local Food Systems: A Conversation with Councillor Jess Whittaker
From expanding community gardens to advocating for dedicated local food coordinator positions, Councillor Jess Whittaker is working to make fresh, affordable, local food more accessible across our region. We sat down with Jess to explore how she plans to strengthen our local food system and create more opportunities for community-led food initiatives. 1) We understand a […]
Regional Food Donation Coordinator Program Update – January 2025
In 2024, Healthy Cities Illawarra was proud to spearhead a Regional Food Coordinator program as the very first region in NSW to do so, thanks to generous funding from the NSW Environmental Protection Authority. We are fortunate to have a food rescue and relief sector that collectively rescues a vast amount of food to feed […]
Eight food organisations you can volunteer at in the Illawarra this festive season
‘Tis the season of giving! Whether you have a few hours or a few days to spare this festive period, your time and effort is one of the most valuable gifts you can share with our community. There are so many incredible local organisations who would love your help in creating real change and reaching […]
Lettuce celebrate the success of the 2024 Illawarra Edible Garden Trail
Ever wondered what grows best in the Illawarra climate? How to build garden beds on a sloping escarpment backyard? How to protect your crops from local bugs and strong coastal winds? This weekend, we found out! The Illawarra Edible Garden Trail is a weekend where gardeners in our region open their front gate to the […]
Fair Food Champion – Suzy Pickles
Meet Suzy Pickles, a passionate advocate in our community for sustainable living, local food systems, and cultivating connection. With a career that weaves together art, design, community building, and research, Suzy is making waves in the Illawarra’s food landscape. From early influences growing up on a rural property to now pursuing a PhD in sustainable […]