Food support and connection through new Possum Pantry

10 September 2026

Bundaberg food pantry launch organisers — CQUniversity, Feeding Kids Queensland and Wide Bay Kids Community Inc. representatives celebrate the launch of the new Possum Pantry at the Bundaberg campus.   Five people stand in front of a newly installed Possum Pantry at CQUniversity's Bundaberg campus. The pantry consists of two green storage units stocked with food items. A Possum Pantry sign is displayed above the units, and several participants are wearing R U OK? Day shirts as they pose for a group photo in the campus kitchenette area.

Students at CQUniversity Bundaberg now have easier access to food support following the launch of the region's first Possum Pantry, creating a welcoming space where practical assistance and community connection go hand in hand.

Officially opened during a community picnic on Wednesday, 10 September, the pantry is the first of four Possum Pantries to be established across the Bundaberg region through FOOD: Help Happens Here, a community-led initiative coordinated by Wide Bay Kids Community Inc. The program aims to improve food equity and reduce food insecurity through local partnerships and place-based solutions.

Located in the campus refectory kitchenette, the new pantry was made possible through funding from FOOD: Help Happens Here and the Feeding Queensland Kids initiative. Feeding Queensland Kids is a collaborative initiative delivered by Foodbank Queensland (Foodbank), SecondBite | FareShare and OzHarvest and is supported by the Queensland Government. The funding enabled CQUniversity to install and stock two pantry units to support students who may need a helping hand, with the initiative delivered locally in partnership with IMPACT Community Services, River Nations and the Bundaberg Regional Council Education Precinct.

Students described the refectory as a welcoming and safe space where they spend time between classes, connect with peers and feel part of the university community. They said locating the Possum Pantry in a familiar environment helps normalise seeking support and encourages students to look out for one another.

Wide Bay Kids Community Program Officer Renee Bock said the Possum Pantry model was designed to respond to local needs while fostering community ownership.

"The Possum Pantries are about creating practical food support in places where people already connect, learn and belong," Ms Bock said.

"The new pantry at Bundaberg CQUniversity is a wonderful example of that. We’re not just putting food on a shelf – we’re working with each pantry community to understand what they need, build local ownership and learn what can create longer-term change."

“FOOD: Help Happens Here is ultimately about bringing our community together to make access to good food easier and more equitable across Bundaberg.”

The pantry operates on a simple principle of community care, reflected in the message displayed on the units:

"Take what you need, just what is right
A little help, a spark of light
And if you can, leave something too
A kindness shared comes back to you."

The approach encourages students to access support when needed while fostering a culture of generosity, respect and shared responsibility across the campus community.

Carla Sutton, CQUniversity Project Officer, Student Health Promotion and Connection, said feeling connected to others was one of the strongest protective factors for mental health.

"R U OK? Day and the launch of the Possum Pantry remind us that small acts of connection, care and support can make a real difference in someone's life. These initiatives align closely with CQUniversity's Mental Health and Wellbeing Plan, which aims to create a university community where people feel seen, valued and supported."

To celebrate the launch, CQUniversity partnered with Wide Bay Kids to host a community picnic focused on connection, wellbeing and belonging. Students and staff enjoyed live music by Abigail Williams, lawn games, craft activities, a food pantry donation station and a free community lunch.

Gooreng Gooreng Dancers — Gooreng Gooreng dancers perform at the R U OK day and Possum Pantry launch held at CQUniversity's Bundaberg campus.

Attendees were welcomed with a smoking ceremony, where participants were invited to use the smoke to cleanse negative energy, thoughts and feelings, promoting wellbeing and goodwill. The Gooreng Gooreng Dance Company also shared song and dance performances that highlighted the message behind FOOD: Help Happens Here.

Throughout the event, students learnt about seeking support when needed, checking in on others and ways they could contribute to the pantry through food donations and acts of kindness.

Students reflected on the importance of initiatives such as the Possum Pantry and R U OK? Day in creating opportunities for meaningful interaction, encouraging people to connect, support one another and demonstrate empathy within their community.

The launch was intentionally aligned with Which Way? and R U OK? Day, reinforcing the importance of creating supportive communities where help happens here.
More information about FOOD: Help Happens Here is available at www.widebaykids.com.au/food-help-happens-here.