Welcome
The RIG Network project is a cross-sectoral networking initiative that aims to help connect people who have an interest in the social and economic contributions that local food garden projects and small enterprises can make to remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, food security and wellbeing.
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Dr Malcolm Riley, will present on Sept 8 in Darwin as part of the Northern Territory Nutrition & Physical Activity workshop:
- A primary food industry point of view of environmental impact of food activities – followed by a discussion on ‘what should be done’ and ‘what I will do personally or professionally’.
- Foundation diet modelling.
- Food security and environmental impacts on remote communities.
More information download flyer/RSVP details here: 2010 Northern Territory Nutrition & Physical Activity Workshop
The NT Government Department of Resources is progressing development of a a draft Agribusiness Strategy which will be circulated for public comment in coming months. The proposed final Strategy will be considered by the Northern Territory Government towards the end of 2010. An Issues Paper and Options Discussion Paper that are contributing to the Strategy’s development can be found at http://www.nt.gov.au/d/Primary_Industry/index.cfm?header=Agribusiness%20Strategy
Chris Constable has set up a new website to help connect people in and around Darwin who’re interested in permaculture and knowing what’s on and available. See www.permaculturedarwin.net.au or contact Chris by email at chris.constable (at) hotmail.com
Our latest newsletter is at RIG NEWS #8 PDF (and listed under Useful Resources with past newsletters). It’s a new look newsletter and features include:
- Kim Courtenay writes for our new Guest Writers column
- Clair Medhurst provides an update from EON Foundation’s gardens and the great new gardening resources available online at the EON website.
- Marcelle Coakley, Leaping Lizards, Pilbara Health Network, shares the celebration of the Onslow Community Garden launch
- Charlotte McCabe tells us about the first six months of getting a new garden underway at a remote school.
…and there’s more, including information about a great new Social Enterprise research project underway in Central Australia. A very warm thanks to all of our contributors!
If you would like to contribute to the next bi-monthly RIG Newsletter please email rig (at) remoteindigenousgardens.net.
RIG is keen to spread the word that Don Duggan has launched Triodia Consultancy – an NT Aboriginal business that specialises in delivering practical, project based training in remote Aboriginal communities. Don Duggan, principal of Triodia, has over 3 decades of experience in landscaping, horticulture and vegetation management and has been closely involved in the development of Greening Australia’s ALEP Guides. For more information visit the link below, or email don.duggan@triodia.com.au
Triodia Consultancy Services – Don Duggan
Darwin Permaculture Design Course (PDC) - 6th -18th September 2010
This full time two-week (72 hour) intensive course is fully accredited and internationally recognised. The course runs from 9am – 4pm most days though times may depend on activities. The course is brought to you by the Lakeside Drive Community Garden and hosted by the Mulch Pit Community Food Garden.
Cost: $750 inclusive.
More info at the Lakeside Drive Community Garden website - www.cdu.edu.au/ldcg. Full full curriculum online coming soon. For further questions about the course, contact Lachlan McKenzie via email growyourown@y7mail.com or mobile 0407 168 200.
Check out the Links section, “Media Links and Resources” for a number of new items by Josh Byrne and Leonie Norrington – for tips for top end tropical and temperate gardens in remote communities.
RIG News #7 – June 2010: Food gardens: Food security, Health & Wellbeing, is now availablee – see Useful Resources, RIG News
The AMSANT Fresh Food Summit Interim Report is available – see Useful Resources, Conference Papers and Presentations
Check out the report on income management and fresh food purchases by Dr Julie Brimblecombe and Associate Professor David Thomas from the Menzies School of Health Research in Darwin.
To access the report published in the Medical Journal of Australia, view the author’s response to Minister Macklin’s response to the research, and see commentary by diverse contributors on the issues go to:
http://www.crikey.com.au/2010/05/17/income-management-isnt-working-and-macklins-twisting-the-truth/
