Food Connections Gathering: Placing Food at the Heart of Community
The VACCHO Food Connections Gathering will be a statewide 2-day event bringing together Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) to lead conversations, share knowledge, and strengthen action on food security and food sovereignty.
We invite all VACCHO Members into this space to celebrate and profile Aboriginal-led food solutions across Victoria, foster Community capacity, learning and leadership, and serve as a platform to influence food systems policy through the work and our Community’s voices.
This gathering is perfect for:
- ACCO staff running community gardens, food and cooking programs, or in-home support, youth, early years and justice services, on country programs
- ACCO staff working in or interested in health promotion, nutrition and food knowledge, or community engagement
- Elders, youth, and Community members passionate about food, health, and culture
The running times for this year’s forum are as follows:
- Tuesday, 25 November – Day 1 of Gathering – 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
- Tuesday, 25 November – Networking Event (all attendees are welcome) – Evening
- Wednesday, 26 November – Day 2 of Gathering – 9:00 am – 2:30 pm
We have a packed agenda scheduled with many exciting opportunities to celebrate, collaborate, share and learn, including the below:
- Guest speakers discussing food sovereignty
- Yarning circles discussing food as connection, food as healing, food security and more
- Panel discussions
- Breakfast, morning tea, lunch and afternoon teas at the gathering
- Two nights’ accommodation including buffet breakfast for ACCOs*
- Networking event after the forum on Tuesday, 25 November
*Limited spaces for accommodation, priority will be given to ACCO Members travelling regionally.
Members will need to provide travel and any other incidentals for staff who are attending.
Final agenda coming soon.
REGISTRATIONS CLOSE MONDAY, 17 NOVEMBER 2025
If you have any questions or would like to present at this forum, please contact the VACCHO Healthy Communities Team healthycommunities@vaccho.org.au
We look forward to welcoming you to the 2025 Food Connections Gathering!