The funding is being delivered under Round 1 of the Growing Regions Program, which is providing around $207 million to fund 40 new local priority infrastructure projects across the country.

The project will include the installation of refrigeration and storage facilities, solar panels, water tanks and charging stations, commercial kitchen fit-out and epoxy floor finish to the newly constructed food warehouse.

This project, to be led by Bendigo Foodshare, will significantly enhance Bendigo Foodshare’s capacity to serve the local community and address the escalating demand for food assistance across the region.

Providing funding of between $500,000 and $15 million, the Growing Regions Program will support local government entities and incorporated not-for-profit organisations to deliver capital works projects in regional and rural Australia.


QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO INFRASTRUCTURE, TRANSPORT, REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT MINISTER CATHERINE KING:

“The Albanese Government is committed to investing in regional Australia to create jobs, build opportunity and unlock economic growth and productivity – making sure our regions remain great places to live, work and play.

“Our Growing Regions Program forms a key part of this commitment, by investing in critical community and economic infrastructure across regional and rural areas, in a fair and transparent way.

“I look forward to seeing the successful projects roll out across the nation, supporting employment, stimulating economies and strengthening communities.”


QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO FEDERAL MEMBER FOR BENDIGO, LISA CHESTERS MP:

“I know there are people in the community doing it tough, and the team at Bendigo Foodshare do an amazing job to support those in the community facing food insecurity.
"That’s why I am so pleased to announce this funding as part of the Federal Labor Government’s Growing Regions Program.

“This funding will provide Bendigo Foodshare with the necessary resources to complete the fit out for their new Community Food Hub, which will expand their services to help even more Bendigo residents.”


QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO BENDIGO FOODSHARE CEO, MICHELLE MURPHY:

"We are so grateful to the Federal government for recognising the critical role Bendigo Foodshare have in providing food relief across Central Victoria.

“This significant injection of funds provides the final piece in our funding puzzle, enabling us to complete the fit-out of our new warehouse. The new facility will increase our capacity to rescue, store and distribute food and couldn’t come at a more critical time when many people in regional areas are experiencing incredibly challenging times that sadly are pushing them into food poverty.”