Leadership Transition Support

Grant Amount: $30,000

Region: Mildura, Victoria

Delivered by: Food Next Door Co-op

Year funded: 2022

Project status: Complete

The Challenge

Community food enterprises often thrive on the passion and dedication of one or two key individuals who drive their mission forward. However, challenges can arise when these founders wish to step back, as the organisation's sustainability heavily relies on their personal networks, knowledge, and connections. Without proper processes and structures in place to facilitate a smooth leadership transition, these enterprises can struggle to maintain their operations. The lack of documented procedures and a broader base of shared responsibilities often leads to the organisation's decline, highlighting the critical need for robust succession planning and the establishment of resilient, inclusive governance frameworks.

The Innovation

Food Next Door Co-op is a vital organisation in the Sunraysia region, addressing both social and environmental issues through innovative approaches to farming and community building. The region, which has been significantly affected by drought, sees about 25% of its farmland lying vacant. Food Next Door aims to transform this under-utilised land by empowering skilled, landless farmers, many of whom are former refugees from East Africa, to establish small-scale farming enterprises. This initiative not only enhances local food production but also integrates these farmers into the community, fostering economic self-sufficiency and cultural exchange.

With their founder, Deborah Bogenhuber, stepping away, Sustainable Table has funded Food Next Door to hire a consultant to support the leadership transition. This funding aims to ensure the continuity and stability of the co-op's critical work in the community.

Why did Sustainable Table fund this project?

Sustainable Table recognised the impactful work of Food Next Door Co-op in supporting newly arrived migrants and refugees in Sunraysia by offering them opportunities to engage in farming and grow traditional foods. As the organisation looked to expand its reach and effectiveness, it was evident that additional expertise and structured support were needed. By funding Food Next Door, Sustainable Table aimed to help the organisation build its capacity and further its mission of increasing the region's ability to produce its own food.

The funding was complemented by the Mildura Community Water Bank project, ensuring access to essential water resources for the farmers involved. Moreover, Food Next Door was developing a unique farmer training program tailored to the needs of new migrant farmers, incorporating small-scale regenerative farming practices and local market access, thus addressing a critical gap in resources for the Sunraysia region.

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