The University Department of Rural Health South West (UDRH SW) recently had the pleasure of hosting Edith Cowan University (ECU) Master of Nutrition and Dietetics students, Gabriella (Gabby) Roddy-Clark and Megan Gilbert, in the Bunbury office for a six-week community placement. Supervised by Dr Stephanie Godrich from ECU’s School of Health and Science, the placement saw the students contribute to a meaningful food security project supporting communities across the South West, with a focus on the Shire of Manjimup.
The placement focused on developing a Food Support Practitioner Guide for the South West, bringing together information on food relief services, community gardens, food swaps and markets into an accessible, user-friendly format. The resource aims to strengthen referral pathways for people experiencing food insecurity, while also identifying gaps where access to food may be limited across the region. The project also included a gap analysis highlighting times and locations where food relief services are unavailable, providing valuable insights for future planning and advocacy.
In addition, students collaborated on the development of roadside produce stall maps for Manjimup and Pemberton, promoting access to fresh, locally grown food. Delivered in partnership with the Shire of Manjimup, these maps will be available through the Manjimup Visitor Centre.
The work required extensive research and strong engagement with local organisations, service providers and community groups to ensure the information was accurate, culturally appropriate and practical for those supporting community members in need.
“Researching all the different initiatives, organisations, community gardens and farmers markets in the area formed the foundation of our work,” Gabby said.
Beyond the project itself, the placement provided an opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the South West community and lifestyle. Through initiatives such as Cultural Orientation and connection with fellow students, the experience extended well beyond the workplace.
Reflecting on her time in the region, Gabby shared, “Going to Quack’s farm and cuddling the cows… that was definitely a highlight. We had fun exploring farmers markets and getting to know our housemates as well. That was really great.”
Gabby noted that her experience in the South West “… makes me feel a bit more confident about the possibility of working away from Perth in a rural or regional area.”
This placement highlights the value of supporting students to engage in place-based, community-led projects that translate research into practical outcomes. Place-based approaches improve the relevance and usability of research, helping to turn ideas into real-world solutions that identify service gaps and strengthen community resources across the South West.
Food Community Site: https://foodcommunity.com.au/regional-food-communities/south-west-food-community/
