From Paddock to Plate: The Story of the Bass Coast South Gippsland Food System Alliance

So, how did we get here?

The Fertile Ground: Why Here?

The seeds for the Alliance were sown in the region's unique characteristics. Bass Coast and South Gippsland and have long been recognised as one of the "food bowls" of Victoria, boasting rich, soil, a temperate climate, and a diverse agricultural sector. From dairy and beef to berries, vegetables, and world-class wines, the potential for a resilient local food economy is immense. Yet, like many regions, it faces challenges. A heavy reliance on global supply chains, the distancing of consumers from producers, and the vulnerability of small-scale farmers threatened the stability of this local bounty. There is a growing sense that while the region *produces* an abundance of food, the community's direct access to it and control over it could be stronger.

The Catalyst: A Crisis That Forged Unity

While the idea had been percolating for years, it was the unprecedented crises of the early 2020s that provided the crucial catalyst. The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns ripped back the curtain on the fragility of long, complex supply chains. Supermarket shelves were stripped bare, yet farmers were sometimes forced to dump milk and plough produce back into the soil due to logistics breakdowns.

This paradox was impossible to ignore. Suddenly, "food security" wasn't a term for developing nations; it was a pressing issue for every household. The community looked locally for solutions, and a powerful question emerged: How can we better connect the incredible food being produced on our doorstep with the people living right here?

This shared urgency brought key players to the table. Local governments (Bass Coast Shire Council and South Gippsland Shire Council), health providers (Bass Coast Health and South

Gippsland Hospital), educational institutions (TAFE Gippsland), community groups, and, most importantly, the farmers and producers themselves.

The Genesis: A Formal Alliance is Born

Out of these conversations, the Bass Coast South Gippsland Food System Alliance was formally established. It wasn't meant to be a new bureaucracy, but a backbone organisation—a collaborative network designed to facilitate, support, and amplify existing efforts.

The founding vision was clear and powerful: To create a connected, resilient, and healthy food system for everyone in Bass Coast and South Gippsland.

This wasn't just about economics; it was a holistic view that encompasses

• Health: Improving community access to fresh, nutritious food.

•  Economy: Strengthening local businesses and creating circular economies where money stays within the community.

• Environment: Promoting sustainable growing practices that care for the land.

•  Social Connection: Rebuilding the relationship between consumers and producers, fostering a true sense of "food community."

The Journey: From Vision to Action

The Alliance is moving quickly from talking to doing. Its strength has always lain in its four grass roots collaborative projects, which are tangible and impactful. The Mobile Grocer, To

Market - To Market, Preserve & Thrive and Healthy Soil Healthy People are already underway.

Where We Are Today

Today, the Bass Coast South Gippsland Food System Alliance is forging ahead to create a model of what is possible when a community comes together around food. It’s a testament to the power of partnership—where local government, health, education, and agriculture break down silos to work towards a common goal. The journey is just beginning and we’ve a long

way to go. Challenges like climate change, cost-of-living pressures, and generational farming transitions remain. But the Alliance has created something invaluable: a resilient and adaptable network. It has built the relationships and the infrastructure to face these challenges together.

The genesis of the Alliance was born from a crisis, but its future is being written by a community that now values its food system not just as an industry, but as a cornerstone of its health, culture, and identity.

It’s a story that continues to be written with every meal shared, every vegetable planted, and every connection made between a producer and a consumer.

It’s the story of a region taking back its plate, and ensuring its future is delicious, secure, and deeply connected.