Scaling Local Food Hubs Across Australia

Key Messages:

  • Food Connect Shed is a Brisbane success story, now sharing insights and knowledge with communities across Australia
  • Their 20+ years of evidence shows how regional food hubs can transform their own regional food communities and become self sufficient and secure
  • Includes an investment framework showing how to replicate
  • Aligns with Queensland's 2050 Prosper blueprint
  • A timely and helpful report that can guide the new Australian Food Council in shaping the national food strategy

A new report from the Food Connect Foundation in Brisbane demonstrates how community-owned food hubs can be replicated around Australia. Featuring Food Connect Shed as the case study, it provides practical pathways including the investment structure and community ownership, as well as how to build networks between food producers and eaters.

The Food Connect Shed model addresses the nation's food security challenges while supporting farmers and building climate resilience.

'Regenerating the Regions: How Food Hubs Can Build Resilience' co-authored by Robert Pekin and Emma-Kate Rose, draws on Food Connect Foundation's 20+ years of operations to show how regional food hubs can transform local food systems. 

The intention is to encourage other communities to establish their own regional food hub.

Robert Pekin, co-CEO at Food Connect Foundation, said: “As a former farmer I know the challenges faced in growing sustainable food for a market that’s dominated by supermarkets and fast food. Regional food hubs give food growers a way to sell to directly to consumers and quality restaurants and bars, as well as public institutions. That means they can grow in the ways they know are best for nature, the climate and human health. Because their buyers share these values.”

Emma-Kate Rose, co-CEO says “For over two decades, we've demonstrated that community-led food solutions work - for farmers, for consumers, for communities, and for the planet. This research captures what we've learned and provides a practical roadmap for scaling regenerative food systems across Australia. We're showing how to rebuild a food system that works for everyone.'"

Anne Yan, Innovation Specialist at WWF Australia, said: “Food Connect's model represents exactly the kind of transformational, community-led solution the Innovate to Regenerate program was designed to support. We're proud to fund research that can help scale this innovative approach and accelerate Australia's transition to a regenerative economy.'"

National Online Launch

  • Date: Thursday, 27 November 2025
  • Time: 11.30am (Qld time)
  • Platform: [Zoom]
  • Details: Virtual presentation with Q&A session, accessible to stakeholders and interested parties nationwide
  • Registration: Click here
  • Interview opportunities with Robert Pekin, Emma-Kate Rose, participating farmers, and research partners are available.

Contact: emma-kate@fcf.org.au or 0411 595 831