Residents of Maningrida, one of the largest remote Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory, are facing increasing food insecurity as rising grocery costs outpace welfare payments. While the federal government is set to introduce subsidies in some remote areas, local initiatives in Maningrida aim to mitigate the crisis.
In Maningrida, where nearly half of the population relies on Centrelink payments, many families struggle to afford basic food items. With grocery prices in remote areas up to double those in urban centres, according to consumer advocacy group Choice, malnourishment and diet-related diseases are on the rise. While the community is calling for government action, local organisations are also stepping in to find sustainable solutions.
The impact of food insecurity on health and families
For many residents, the cost of food directly affects their health. According to Dr Melanie Matthews, a physician at the Mala’la Health Service, the lack of access to affordable, nutritious food is contributing to widespread health issues. “Healthy food is a basic human right and we have very high rates of diabetes, young people in their 30s and 40s having heart attacks, kidney disease and a lot of underweight people because basic nutrition is just not there,” Dr Matthews said.
The economic strain is also having social consequences. According to Charlie Gunabarra, chairman of Mala’la Health, malnourishment is leading to children being placed in the child protection system. “I’m worried that there are a lot of kids taken away because they’re not getting fed because mum is just getting a little bit of money,” he said.
Maningrida residents such as Matthew Marrday and Anita Djorlom say that high prices force them to go without food on some days. According to Marrday, some people simply stop shopping when they run out of money. Others, like security guard Travis Singleton, have witnessed families resorting to begging or stealing in order to eat.
Local initiatives and government response
While the federal government has announced a new subsidy programme for essential grocery items in 76 remote communities from July, it remains unclear whether Maningrida will be included. According to Indigenous Australians Minister Malarndirri McCarthy, the communities selected will be those identified as being in the greatest need.
Meanwhile, local organisations are working to ease the financial burden on residents. The Maningrida Progress Association (MPA), which owns the community’s main food stores, has been subsidising healthy food prices by using profits from non-essential items.
However, the community has faced increasing financial pressure. According to MPA Chief Executive Ian Mclay, rising freight costs—after the closure of a key barge service—have forced the organisation to raise prices.
To counter this, the MPA has secured a 12-month trial partnership with the Indigenous-owned Murin barge company, which offers a cheaper alternative for food transportation. Additionally, a $500,000 federal grant will fund extra cold storage and equipment to reduce handling costs.
Despite these efforts, the financial challenges persist. Valda Bokmakarray, an MPA board member, notes that some residents rely on bush tucker to supplement their diet, but this requires access to transport.
