Doobai Bundjalung Bush Food
Programs
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ABOUT
Doobai Bundjalung Bush Food
Doobai Bundjalung Bush Food Youth Program is an Indigenous-led program to empower local Indigenous girls (aged 13-17 years) by strengthening connections to community, culture, Country and native plants.
Studies show that gardening helps us to cope with the usual stressors of life and can reduce symptoms of common mental health problems. Tending to plants can give us time out from worries and help us to feel more relaxed, all helping us to keep a healthy headspace. Putting our hands in the soil releases serotonin in our bodies, a natural anti-depressant. Research also shows that having access to traditional foods leads to substantial improvements in health outcomes and wellbeing for Indigenous Australians.
Over 8 weeks, the girls learn a variety of skills in harvesting, DIY skincare, fibre processing and weaving, bee keeping, soil keeping and cooking with native foods. The Program was built to re-engage students with learning and future possibilities, encouraging them to see where these skills can take them.
By linking participants with Indigenous mentors, the program inspires them to dream big and believe in what is possible for their future.
This program is run in collaboration and partnership with Namabunda Farm, an Indigenous farm owned by Bundjalung Tribal Society and the Mullumbimby Community Gardens.
The 2025 Doobai program is supported by Australian Government Department of Social Services Strong and Resilient Communities – Inclusive Communities Grant and NSW Government Department of Communities & Justice Youth Opportunities Program.
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Testimonal
The Bush Food Program on Bundjalung Tribal Society land could not be more highly recommended. Ella and Flavia, alongside other experts in their fields, led the young girls through a hands-on transformative culture and knowledge revitalisation journey. Students designed and grew their own native farm, inoculated mushrooms, started a compost, created natural beauty products and discovered the magic of bees. Watching the girls grow, thrive, and connect through this program was the highlight of my teaching year. The girls cannot wait to return.
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SUPPORT OUR INDIGENOUS GIRLS TO THRIVE
We welcome contributions, big and small, to support this Indigenous-led local program to take our girls back on Country and connect them local bush foods.
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