Partnership between Aboriginal corporation & Perth business to help ease cost of living pressure in Roebourne

A memorandum of understanding signed between a Pilbara Aboriginal organisation and a major Perth business is hoping to ease the cost of living pressures in Roebourne. The longstanding partnership between the Ngarluma and Yindjibarndi Foundation and Sodexo was bolstered during NAIDOC week. Through the new memorandum, Sodexo commits to supporting the local Indigenous community by providing new training and employment initiatives. Through their partnership, Sodexo transports goods from Perth free of charge to the Roebourne general store (Ieramugadu Store Maya). Ngarluma leader Josie Samson said the support Sodexo provided the store helped many community members who were in need. “Our Aboriginal community of Ieramagadu (Roebourne) experiences significant challenges as a remote community in Australia,” she said. “Many of our families struggle to access food and good nutrition. “So, we’re so proud that we’ve turned our little shop into a not-for-profit supermarket. “It helps (the) local mob get good food and our Elders can come in and get a feed for themselves and their mungurla (children).” The Ieramugadu Store Maya addresses food insecurity in Roebourne by providing cheap and free food to the community. NYFL chief executive Sean-Paul Stephens said that the strengthened partnership would further ease the cost of living pressures for people living in Roebourne. “As the cost-of-living increases pressure on the most vulnerable in our community, we’ve seen an increase in the number of people needing to access food through the Ieramagadu Store Maya,” he said. “The supply of quality food to our supermarket along with a commitment to training is something we place great value on given our remote location. “This, along with Sodexo’s assistance with Ieramugadu Elders’ Birthday, community events, a community garden, and funding initiatives, will provide vital support for local Indigenous women and families.