Delivered in partnership with Foodbank WA and supported by Glencore‘s Murrin Murrin Operations, the pantry provides a locally based and community-focused approach to food relief, ensuring support is available where it is needed most.
To celebrate the opening, we hosted a community barbecue, bringing together local organisations, partners and community members to tour the pantry, learn about the service and connect with others in the community.
The initiative has also been made possible through the support of Genesis, who generously provided freight services for food deliveries to Leonora. This contribution helps overcome the significant logistical challenges of servicing remote communities.
The pantry complements our existing programs across the Yaaliku region, including the Remote Australia Employment Service (RAES). Through RAES, participants build practical skills and gain hands-on experience through projects that are co-designed in response to priorities identified by community consultation in Leonora, Laverton and Wiluna.
The new Foodbank Pantry sits alongside the Foundation’s hydroponics project in Leonora, strengthening local food security while creating opportunities for skills development and community participation. Together, these initiatives help ease cost-of-living pressures and support long-term community wellbeing.
Foodbank WA CEO Kate O’Hara said the partnership demonstrated the impact that can be achieved when organisations work together to support communities.
“The establishment of a permanent emergency food pantry in Leonora means local families have reliable access to food support close to home, delivered in a way that respects and reflects the community. We are deeply grateful to Glencore’s – Murrin Murrin Operations, Genesis and Waalitj Foundation for their collaboration and leadership in helping make this sustainable solution a reality.”
Waalitj Foundation CEO Lisa Cunningham said the pantry responds to a need the Foundation has seen firsthand through our long-standing presence in the community.
“Waalitj Foundation has been part of the Leonora community since 2019, and during this time we have seen firsthand how food insecurity and the rising cost of living can impact community wellbeing.
“We are proud to partner with Foodbank WA to deliver sustainable, locally based support that helps address some of the unique challenges faced by people living in remote communities.
“By bringing this service to Leonora, we’re helping ensure community members can access essential support, while continuing to invest in initiatives that strengthen community wellbeing for the future.”
The Remote Australia Employment Service (RAES) supports job seekers in remote Australia to build their skills and address barriers to getting a job. This service, funded by the National Indigenous Australians Agency, works with participants to help them get ready to move into a job. It also offers opportunities for job seekers to be engaged in local projects in their community if they are unable to work or they are on the pathway to finding a job. Find out more.
