Great Southern Bushfood in Albany
Merentj Kaartdijin Bushfood Forum
South Coast Natural Resource Management (NRM) held the inaugural Merentj Kaartdijin Bushfood Forum in November 2019 at the Albany Conference Centre to explore three key themes in this emergent sector:
• Intellectual Property
• Cultural Renewal
• Production and Market Innovation
Our journey shared
One of the highlights was Business Development Manager, Julie Hayden's address abiut the journey of Badgebup Aboriginal Corporations since 2012 and how a strong vision and the appointment of a new Board turned around an organisation by using land-based enterprises to build capacity and achieve culturally secure outcomes.
Through the lens of BAC's bushfood brand, Merentj, Julie spoke passionately about the need for Noongar people to fight for their rights to bushfoods, because it it is not only food to the Noongar people but also medicine and we have a right to access the plants for medicinal purposes. The BAC is in the process of developing a business plan around the Merentj Bushfoods Program which will provide training and employment on-country to strengthen culture and connection to country.
"Merentj Bushfoods is a vehicle to use our culture, knowledge and skills to create work opportunities which generate renewed pride in our culture and heritage.
Through partnering with people with shared values we are expanding these enterprises tand positive contribution they make to the Great Southern region."
Peter Twig: Culture Heritage Project Officer, South Coast NRM.
Catherine MacDougal from Prepare Produce Provide.
Prepare Produce Provide Students.
From collaboration to qualification
The recent graduation of 6 Aboriginal students with a Cert II qualification in Horticultural studies in Kataning in 2019 as a result of BAC's partnerships with Great Southern Tafe represents a strong example of BAC's approach to the delivery of social outcomes from strategic partnership development.
The graduates are now working across BAC enterprises to bring together other partners across the Great Southern to build both capacity and outcomes together.
Facing challenges head on
Julie noted that this journey has not been without issues, particularly in the areas of mutually equitable partnership building and the maintenance of cultural security.
The forum's presentation on intellectual property rights by solicitors Terry Janke and associates, was particularly relevant to BAC's experiences to establish Merentj bushfoods in the region. The networking opportunities offered by the event also proved an excellent opportunity to discuss support options with other attendees and provided great opportunities to facilitate BAC's Go-To-Market strategy with community and government stakeholders.
BAC would like to thank Peter Twig and everyone involved for the opportunity to contribute to a wonderful event.
The presentation from the day can be viewed and downloaded here.
The forum was arranged by South Coast Natural Resource Management, through funding from the Australian Governments' National Landcare Program in partnership with Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and Kinjarling Djinda Ngardak and supported by Katanning Landcare, Great Southern Development Commission, City of Albany, and the Albany Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
If you would like to know more about Merentj bushfood please contact us using the form below.
