Bangarra and OzHarvest announce new healthy eating partnership

Bangarra Dance Theatre and OzHarvest are delighted to announce a new healthy eating partnership.

Forged by a mutual vision of creating positive change to health and nutrition in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, the partnership was launched in Yirrkala in North East Arnhem Land, during Bangarra’s return to Country visit last week.

Before a performance by Bangarra’s dance ensemble to a crowd of 450 locals, the OzHarvest team led by Wild Kitchen chef Clayton Donovan, shared information on how to prepare a nutritious meal at minimal cost that was then served to all community members who attend the Bangarra performance. Local produce was sourced locally, with OzHarvest’s principal partner Woolworths providing additional fresh food. Eight of Bangarra’s Board of Directors served the healthy and delicious fare to the large crowd.

It is envisaged that Bangarra’s strong relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, combined with OzHarvest’s knowledge in the areas of nutrition and education, will lead to long lasting positive outcomes for communities.

Bangarra’s Artistic Director Stephen Page said the partnership was a meaningful one.

“It was such a beautiful experience to get together with the community for a feed prior to our live performance in Nhulunbuy, North East Arnhem Land. Hunting, preparing and sharing food is a meaningful ritual in communities and on this trip the company was able to engage even further with our families up North. The cultural practice that came with this special gathering brought us stronger together for a continued positive future,” said Page.

Bangarra’s Executive Director Philippe Magid said the collaboration was born from mutual values.

“Our values are about connection to, and care for Country, respect, reciprocity and mutual obligation, which we feel OzHarvest share. This visit is the first step in working with communities to see how we can best develop the partnership to bring the most benefits,” said Magid.

OzHarvest CEO Ronni Kahn said the two organisations working together will make an important difference.

“Nutrition education is one of the key pillars in OzHarvest’s range of programs. We feel so proud to be partnering with Bangarra to highlight the importance of healthy eating and to present a nutritious and delicious menu made using local ingredients and produce to the community. We know that this is only the beginning of an important partnership that will create long-lasting impact on the communities we reach.”

About OzHarvest

OzHarvest is the first perishable food rescue organisation in Australia collecting quality excess food from commercial outlets and delivering it, direct and free of charge, to 800 charities providing much needed assistance to vulnerable men, women and children across Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Newcastle and Perth. Founded by Ronni Kahn in 2004, OzHarvest is the only food rescue organisation in Australia collecting surplus food from all types of food providers.

About Bangarra

Bangarra is an Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander organisation and one of Australia’s leading performing arts companies, widely acclaimed nationally and around the world for powerful dancing, distinctive theatrical voice and utterly unique soundscapes, music and design. Led by Artistic Director Stephen Page, their dance technique is forged from over 40,000 years of culture, infused with contemporary movement. Their relationships with Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander communities are the heart of the company, with repertoire created on Country and stories gathered from respected community Elders.