Pictured: Julie-Ann Campbell (Federal Member for Moreton) and Leah Sanderson (Community Food Program, NCQ) at Sherwood Neighbourhood Centre.
In the leafy green courtyard of the Sherwood Neighbourhood Centre, the smell of a barbecue cooking away is soundtracked by the chitter chatter of people meeting and greeting one another.
Kirsty, Michele, Jess and the Sherwood team had invited some local folks and representatives around to launch their Community Food Project – “Nourish Brisbane Southwestern Suburbs”, which will be looking into community solutions for local people facing food insecurity.
They are calling for collaborators in a sustainable, whole-of-community approach, focusing on the corridor from Oxley to Indooroopilly – to map and connect what exists in the area, and to identity where extra supports might be necessary.
As I arrived, I was struck by how familiar the Neighbourhood Centre felt, despite personally not having visited before. Kind, welcoming people – interesting and interested – there for community connections and creative solutions.
A tap on the shoulder and I turned to see the newly elected Federal Member for Moreton, Julie-Ann Campbell smiling back at me, who I went to university with 20 years ago! Across the room was Rev’d Sue Grimmett, who I worked with a while back, the current parish priest of St Andrews Indooroopilly and co-host (with Dean Peter Catt) of the “On The Way” podcast. A lovely bloke named Grant Gehrke of the Riverlife Baptist Church in Seventeen Mile Rocks and I spoke of working with heart, and of mutual friends (shout-out to the NBHD crew in Ipswich / Tulmur!) Coleen from Brisbane City Council said hello, and Trish from Belong – Acacia Ridge Community Centre was excited to begin their Community Food Project soon as well.
All of this was a wonderful reminder that community weaves together threads over time and place, and is overflowing with good folks keen to improve life in little and big ways for and with everyone.
Warm thanks to Sherwood Neighbourhood Centre for having us, and for the invitation to engage in their exciting Community Food Project. If you’re in Brisbane’s Southwestern Suburbs (Oxley to Indro) and are keen to get involved, please reach out to Kirsty Martin on 3379 6963 or email .
For more information on the Community Food Program in other areas of Queensland, I’d love to hear from you: .
Written by: Leah Sanderson
Published: July 2025