Foodbank SA acquire Mount Gambier property to support long-term food security for the Limestone Coast region

On Friday 6th November Foodbank SA officially celebrated the acquisition of the Foodbank Mount Gambier site and completion of property development to ensure the long-term security in the region.

Foodbank SA CEO, Greg Pattison said Foodbank SA have been supporting the Limestone Coast community for more than 15 years and is currently supplying more than 130 local charities and schools in the region with food relief. In the last 12 months alone the Foodbank Mount Gambier warehouse has distributed more than 380,000 meals to those that are in need living on the Limestone Coast.

“We are excited to be celebrating the official property acquisition of Foodbank’s Mount Gambier site and cool room/freezer developments at 23 Cave Road Mount Gambier and the impact this will have on the long term food security in the region” Mr Pattison said.

“It has been an amazing achievement for Foodbank SA to be able to take this next step in supporting the Limestone Coast. We take this time to thank Tony Pasin, the Australian Government, the Government of South Australia (Green Industries SA), Local Councils, Corporate and local businesses, Foodbank supporters, staff and volunteers for contributing to this exciting new stage in Foodbank’s strategic direction. Importantly, helping us to meet our vision of ‘ending hunger in South Australia”, Mr Pattinson said.

Foodbank SA Founder, Leigh Royans established ties with the Limestone Coast community over 17.5 years ago with the support and advocacy of the late Barry Maney OAM. The vision was simple, to end food insecurity for those living in the region.

Foodbank Limestone Coast is set to receive an additional $100,000 in funding courtesy of the Federal Government’s Community Development Grants Programme. This sum adds to the $100,000 commitment made by the Federal Government in the lead up to the 2019 Federal election.

“I am so pleased that the Federal Government investment of $200,000 into this project has meant that the Foodbank Limestone Coast Warehouse and Food Hub has been developed into a facility that meets the needs of the Limestone Coast community,” said Federal Member for Barker, Tony Pasin MP.

Mr Pasin said the Australian Government’s investment in this community infrastructure project would provide long-term benefits to the Mount Gambier and wider Limestone Coast.

“What this means for the Limestone Coast community is a larger capacity for the Foodbank warehouse and hub to store up to  85-90,000 kilograms of food at any time for local charities in the Limestone Coast to assist those in need,” Mr Pasin said.

“Foodbank needed to acquire the property to be able to further upgrade the infrastructure to support food security activities.  This funding has helped to make this a reality so the invaluable service can support more people in need.  With the acquisition of the warehouse, development of the cool room and freezer, this investment will support the increased food security to the Limestone Coast region’s vulnerable citizens,” he said.

“Whether it is catastrophic bushfires or the COVID-19 pandemic, Foodbank is always there for people in need and this project will allow for them to expand and help even more Australians.”

“I am also thrilled that we can continue to honour the legacy of the late Barry Maney OAM and his wife Shirley who were instrumental in the establishment of this regional Foodbank by advocating and supporting the cause.” Mr Pasin said.

This property acquisition was made possible courtesy of $200,000 in funding from the Australian Government under the Australian Governments Community Development Grants Programme.  Together with $322,000 in community donations and $29,000 provided by Foodbank South Australia.

Foodbank Limestone Coast Property acquisition and development-valued supporters have included:

• Australian Government
• Government of South Australia, Green Industries SA
• City of Mount Gambier
• District Council of Grant
• Barry Maney Group
• NF McDonnell & Sons
• OG Roberts & Co
• Versace Home Builders
• WIN Network
• CMV Foundation
• Ken & Carol Stafford
• Green Triangle Electronics
• David, Anna and Stefan Millard
• Centacare
• Wendy Hollick
• Uniting Communities
• Gambier Vets
• Rotary Club Mount Gambier Lakes.

For further information contact:

Media Contact: Sarah Davies, Foodbank SA
Sarahd@foodbanksa.org.au