Doobai Bundjalung Bush Food

ABOUT

Doobai Bundjalung Bush Food

Doobai Bundjalung Bush Food Youth Program is an Indigenous-led program to empower local Indigenous girls (aged 14-18 years) with knowledge and skills in bush foods, culture, community and Country.

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 Program takes Indigenous girls out on Country once a week and provides them with education in culture, bush foods and horticulture skills, re-engaging them with education and future training possibilities. This Program also supports building of confidence and connections in community and could assist in encouraging participants in pursuing all of their studies at school, and connecting them with Indigenous mentors who can help them dream bigger and achieve their future goals.

This program is run in collaboration and partnership with Namabunda Farm, an Indigenous farm owned by Bundjalung Tribal Society.

This program is supported by Waratah Education Foundation and Highways and Byways.