Cook Government and partners support Bunbury Foodbank build

Construction has commenced on a brand new, purpose-built Foodbank facility in Dalyellup, made possible through a collaborative funding effort led by the Cook Government. The $8.25 million project will deliver a modern, accessible hub for food relief, designed to better support families experiencing
  • The Cook Government is contributing nearly $5 million towards the construction of Foodbank's new South West facility
  • The new facility will be located close to public transport and will include co-located mental health and financial counselling support
  • Cook Government contribution adds to more than $2.7 million provided in support of food relief services since 2024
  • Cook Government committed to delivering the services Western Australians need, no matter where they live

Construction has commenced on a brand new, purpose-built Foodbank facility in Dalyellup, made possible through a collaborative funding effort led by the Cook Government. The $8.25 million project will deliver a modern, accessible hub for food relief, designed to better support families experiencing hardship across the South West.

The new site will also include wrap-around services, with Youth Focus providing mental health support and the Financial Wellbeing Collective offering financial counselling on-site.

The project is being delivered through almost $5 million in State Government funding - including $1.5 million from Lotterywest, $1.4 million from the Department of Communities, and a $2 million State Government grant - alongside a $1 million donation from Minderoo Foundation (via Telethon).

More than $1.35 million was additionally contributed by Foodbank's corporate and philanthropic partners, including:

  • Stan Perron Charitable Foundation
  • Mineral Resources
  • Belarusian Association
  • Southern Ports
  • Shire of Capel

Foodbank will also contribute $1 million toward the new facility.

The Cook Government's investment builds on more than $2.7 million already delivered to strengthen food relief services for vulnerable Western Australians since 2024.

Comments attributed to Community Services Minister Matthew Swinbourn:

"Foodbank does remarkable work day in, day out providing groceries and meals to those Western Australians doing it tough.

"The Cook Labor Government is proud to be able to contribute to this new chapter in their more than 20-year history servicing the South West region.

"They are the State's busiest regional provider and last year distributed over 647,093 kilos of food equating to around a million meals across the South West.

"Our funding contribution adds to the many ways that the State Government is working with the community to provide cost-of-living relief for Western Australians facing hardship.

"When Foodbank came to us earlier this year and told us their Bunbury building had been sold and they desperately needed new digs or else shut up shop it was looking dire.

"This project is a great example of the magic that happens when non-government organisations, philanthropic and corporate sector all pull together towards a common goal."

Comments attributed to Bunbury MLA Don Punch:

"This new Foodbank facility will be a game-changer for Bunbury.

"It means more support for locals, delivered close to home.

"By bringing food relief together with mental health and financial counselling, we're giving people not just a meal, but the tools to get back on their feet.

"I'm proud the State Government is backing this project, and I encourage anyone who can, to lend a hand this festive season and support Foodbank's vital work in our community."

Comment attributed to Foodbank WA CEO Kate O'Hara:

"We are deeply grateful to the Department of Communities and Lotterywest for their incredible contributions to the new Foodbank Dalyellup branch.

"The overall State Government support amounts to some 60 per cent of the total budget. It's just incredible that we can now create a purpose-built premises that will deliver an improved South West regional food relief service.

"That will mean so much for the many people in the region struggling with a budget.

"Today is the start of creating a new benchmark for our State-wide support, where public transport is close, other care services are literally at arm's length and the stigma of assistance is minimised."

Comment attributed to Minderoo Foundation CEO John Hartman:

"Minderoo's $1 million contribution to the new Foodbank facility in Dalyellup is part of our $2 million donation to Telethon this year. This investment will help address food insecurity and improve outcomes for children and families in the South West.

"This facility will be a vital lifeline for those facing hardship and reflects Minderoo and Telethon's shared commitment to supporting children and communities across Western Australia, particularly in regional areas.

"By bringing food relief, mental health support, and financial counselling together under one roof, this hub will give people the tools to navigate tough times and build a stronger future.

"We're proud to work alongside the Cook Government, Foodbank, and all partners to make this vision a reality for our community."