Healthy food for better outcomes

The Willowra School Nutrition Program (SNP) in the Northern Territory is delivered by Wirliyajarrayi Aboriginal Corporation, supported by Outback Stores and provides nutritious meals to students in the Wirliyajarrayi School. The program is funded through a partnership approach, between the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) supporting local employment and program delivery, and the Granites Mine Affected Area Aboriginal Corporation (GMAAAC), funding the food component through Wirliyajarrayi School.  

The SNP is designed to address the high cost of food in remote communities which is linked to high levels of food insecurity and preventable nutrition-related diseases in remote communities.

Macharios is a locally engaged staff member working in the SNP in the Willowra community. His reliability, work ethic, and positive attitude have made a positive difference to the program.

Macharios shares, “I'm happy to help my community and the kids at the school. Most of them are family anyway, so it's important to give back and support the next generation.”

“The only person who can tell you no is yourself. If you're willing to have a go and work hard, there are opportunities for you.”

Macharios consistently supports the preparation and delivery of meals, helping to ensure students in the community are receiving regular, nutritious food that supports their health, wellbeing, and engagement at school.

“I've learnt to block out the negatives and stay true to myself. Finishing my hospitality training showed me what I can achieve when I stick with it,” shares Macharios.

“If I can do it, then other young people can do it too. The kids see what's possible and know they have a chance to break the cycle and do something different.”

Macharios recently completed his studies in hospitality and cooking at Yulara. His achievement reflects a strong personal commitment to skill development and has strengthened his skills in food preparation, kitchen operations, and maintaining high-quality food preparation standards. Macharios brings these practical skills directly into his role with the SNP, helping to lift the overall delivery and consistency of the program.

Community members and local providers have shared positive feedback about the SNP, celebrating Macharios’s contribution to the program. Supported by nutrition, school attendance has improved in the past 12 months highlighting the impact of the program.

Macharios’ contribution and story is a strong example of the impact of local employment and training pathways. His involvement not only supports service delivery but also demonstrates the value of investing in local people to build sustainable capability in remote communities.

Programs like the SNP are most effective when they are supported by community members who understand local needs and bring both cultural and practical knowledge to their work. Macharios exemplifies this approach, contributing not just as an employee, but as a skilled and motivated local participant in a program that benefits Willowra’s young people.

The continued success of the Willowra SNP reflects a combination of strong partnerships, effective program settings, and dedicated individuals like Macharios. His contribution is a clear example of how local training, employment, and leadership can drive positive outcomes and support the long-term sustainability of essential community services.

For more information

For more information about the program visit: Health and nutrition | NIAA.