About

The Remote Indigenous Gardens Network – RIG Network

RIG Network is a networking, advocacy and capacity building initiative that aims to foster and support sustainable food production activities in and by remote communities.

RIG Network facilitates information sharing, new conversations and cross-sectoral partnerships. We work with stakeholders to develop capacity building resources and community based programs targeted to the specific needs of people who live and work in remote communities.

RIG delivers the above activities through two core program areas:

1. Network communications and information sharing

Activities that build cross sectoral links for better practice and peer support include the RIG website, the bi-monthly RIG News newsletter, stakeholder workshops, email based networking support.

2. Strategic research, advocacy, and partnership projects

Activities to help identify and address capacity building needs via advocacy and place based projects include stakeholder research, policy submissions, project development and the preparation of funding submissions with partner organisations.

Local food production can help to address food insecurity and the high levels of chronic disease experienced by many people in remote Indigenous communities. RIG programs aim to support community members and stakeholders to build better practice, in culturally engaging ways, so that the diverse benefits of growing, harvesting and eating your own food can be enjoyed by more people.

Local food projects and enterprises are an important part of the mix of building community resilience and independence, and of creating pathways to better health, wealth and wellbeing.

Community capacity building takes time and involves diverse stakeholders – community leaders and organizations, health agencies, CDEP programs, primary industries, ranger programs and economic development agencies. A spectrum of different types and scales of garden/farm/on country activities, project and enterprise types, skills and developmental timeframes are integral to long term capacity building and inform RIG’s approach.

Who ‘is’ RIG Network and how does it work?

RIG Network is a project initiative of Southern Exchange. More importantly, the network is a broad ‘community’ of interested people who are drawn from across Australia, many of whom come from, or live and work in, remote and rural Australia.

The RIG Network project was established in 2009 with grant support for one year from the Commonwealth’s Enterprise Connect program. Anthea Fawcett is the Founder of RIG Network and Director of Southern Exchange. She manages and facilitates RIG’s core programs with input and support from Network participants, Advisory Group members, Sponsors and Partner organisations.

Everyone is welcome to participate in or contribute to RIG Network communications, projects and activities. There are various ways that individuals and organisations can and do get involved:

Subscribe to join the Network: sign up via the RIG website to receive RIG News and Updates, and use the email news services to distribute information or seek support from people in your region.

Become a Partner Organisation: express support for RIG’s core programs, work with us to develop/augment programs & projects.

Sponsor RIG Network: provide financial support to help us deliver RIG core programs, and/or a targeted project.

Become an Individual Supporter: express your support and link with other people and projects in your area.

The RIG Advisory Group: express interest in joining the group, or send suggestions/proposals for the groups consideration.

Consultancy work: find local experts and expertise in your region; commission Anthea and/or other Network members to undertake specific work for you, your community or organisation.

Email rig@remoteindigenousgardens.net: to seek contacts, information and suggestions or to distribute information to RIG subscribers

Facebook – Remote Indigenous Gardens Network: visit RIG’s Facebook page via the RIG website homepage for informal discussion

The RIG Network Advisory Group is comprised of highly professional, experienced Indigenous and non-indigenous people, most of whom live and work in central and top end Australia. The group draws on the cross-sectoral skills and networks of representatives who are from industry, health, health promotion, vocational education, community development and research organisations. The Advisory Group provides a forum for members to guide RIG’s research, communications and outreach activities and to initiate targeted projects that they, their organisations and communities are interested in.

Since 2009, RIG Network programs have been made possible by in-kind and other support from Network members, partner organizations and sponsors. Anthea’s contribution to RIG Network is largely pro-bono, although she does undertake consulting work in areas that relate to RIG constituent interests.

Sponsor contributions to RIG Network are managed through a dedicated business account and are used to cover travel and other costs associated with RIG Network communications, meetings and programs.

RIG Network – Why?

Food security, more affordable & accessible fresh food – health & nutrition – sustainable livelihoods, better resource use & lower food miles – ‘fusion’ gardens, bush foods, fruit & veg & other food production – enterprise development & employment  -  life skills & skills for employment – caring for culture & country, capacity building & cultural respect.

RIG Network – How?

New partnerships & practical projects – Mentoring & network support to people & communities – Strategic research & policy advocacy – Communications activities  to share useful information & resources, case studies, contacts – New cross-sectoral conversations & partnerships – Industry & community linkages for better practice & to learn from past projects – Advocacy, applied research & outreach.