On the surface, healthy eating and educating our community on the many benefits of growing your own food and preparing meals using fresh local ingredients, seems to have a decent foothold across Indigo Shire. Could we call it a “local food system” though? 

There are a handful of community gardens, a few primary schools run the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden program or similar, we have some prominent market gardens and retailers who stock local produce. We have monthly farmer’s markets in a few towns. Our neighbourhood houses link with Albury-Wodonga Food Share, of which Indigo Shire Council makes an annual donation.

In this episode of Eye On The Shire, Scott and Sally speak with prominent market gardeners Chris McGorlick of Yackandandah’s “Happy Underground” and Dan Regli from “Chiltern Farm To Plate”. We explore issues around the viability and sustainability of current business models as well as gaps and opportunities when it comes to offering an integrated local food system.

To further explore this topic, please check out the Instagram pages of:

• Diving Beryl Yackandandah
• Goldfields Grocer Beechworth
• Chiltern Farm To Plate
  • Check out their GoFundMe page to raise funds to install a kitchen at Chiltern Farm To Plate to provide a wider range of healthy offerings from soups to smoothies.

All scripts written and authorised by S Landells, PO Box 6, Chiltern Vic 3683

Mental Health has been a focus of Government and their agencies for decades. So after millions of dollars of investment over a few decades, why is mental health still a struggle for so many?

Scott and Sally chat with community member Kate (not her real name) who accesses services within her Indigo Shire community, and Matt Grace, who is a Mental Health Nurse.

Along the way we explore current and potential solutions and delve into some of the recommendations from the recent Mental Health Royal Commission whose final report was tabled in a special sitting of the Victorian Parliament on 2 March 2021.

In our chat with Matt Grace he mentioned the Grit and Resilience Program at Rural City of Wangaratta - click the link for further details

Matt also mentioned Wellways - Mental Health and Wellbeing Local (Walk In Service)

• 1800 000 842
• 5 Victoria Parade, Wangaratta VIC 3677
• Opening Hours
  • 9.00am – 5.00pm Mon, Wed and Fri
  • 12.00pm – 8.00pm Tue and Thu
  • 10.00am – 2.00pm Sat
  • Closed on Sun

Another local service to explore includes:

Gateway Health - Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect Centres

• Access
  • You can access this service if you’re supporting someone who is experiencing mental health and/or substance abuse challenges.
  • This service is currently available over the phone or online by calling 1800 572 129 or you can text 0485 864 597.
  • A booking is not required.
• Locations:
  • Wodonga: 155 High St, Wodonga VIC 3690 (Via Hume Street Carpark by appointment)
  • Wangaratta: 57 Rowan Street, Wangaratta VIC 3672

If you or anyone you know needs help:

• Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
• Headspace on 1800 650 890
• Lifeline on 13 11 14
• Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
• MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
• Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
• ReachOut at au.reachout.com
• Care Leavers Australasia Network (CLAN) on 1800 008 774

All scripts written and authorised by S Landells, PO Box 6, Chiltern Vic 3683

Hey have you heard? There's a bit of a Housing Squeeze sweeping across our cities as well as our regional and rural areas and Indigo Shire is feeling it.

Scott and Sally slip on their rose coloured shades and fill their glasses 3/4 full as they set out to explore potential solutions and opportunities.

Along the way they chat with Jamie Horne from Indigo Real Estate and Sandy Geddes about his small-lot sustainable subdivision in Beechworth.

For further info about CASBE Sustainable Subdivisions click here
For futher info on the scott4indigo2024 campaign - head to the linktree site here
For further info on Glow Well-Being click here

All scripts written and authorised by S Landells, PO Box 6, Chiltern Vic 3683