Friday 19 June 2026
Community Food Hub named Dhelkunya Balak meaning Nourishing Community, in local language
Bendigo Foodshare, together with DJAARA, has officially named Bendigo’s Community Food Hub Dhelkunya Balak, which means ‘nourishing community’ in Dja Dja Wurrung language.
The naming marks an important milestone for the two-hectare site in Golden Square, home to Bendigo Foodshare and the Bendigo Community Farmers Market.
The name was unveiled alongside a new Dja Dja Wurrung-branded sign, designed by Djaara and Yorta Yorta woman Melissa Taylor.
The artwork celebrates the traditional foods found on Djaara Country, honouring a deep connection to Country and a long-standing commitment to sustainable living. Featured are the native plants chocolate lilies, yam daisy, quandong fruit, cherry ballart, and golden wattle seeds and flowers; foods once gathered and shared across the seasons.
Bendigo Foodshare Board Chair Sue Clarke said we are proud of our enduring partnership with DJAARA.
“Dhelkunya Balak, meaning ‘nourishing community’, beautifully captures what this space represents and what it will become. A masterplan is guiding our development of the site as a place where people can connect, celebrate and share food —our model for regional food resilience.”
Artist Melissa Taylor said the artwork reflects the enduring cultural significance of food and community on Country.
“The plants included in the artwork represent more than nourishment; they tell stories of Culture, resilience, and community. Food sharing is ancient on this Country, and this artwork is a tribute to that spirit.”
Dja Dja Wurrung Group Interim CEO Cassandra Lewis welcomed Bendigo Foodshare’s naming of the Community Food Hub in Dja Dja Wurrung language.
“Dhelkunya Balak – nourishing community – is a literal description of Bendigo Foodshare’s important work, and the name is also nourishing community in a cultural sense,” Ms Lewis said.
“For Dja Dja Wurrung People, seeing our language, and Melissa’s beautiful artwork, is affirming. We are proud to share our language and culture with the wider community – I hope it is as enriching and nourishing for everyone.
“DJAARA looks forward to our continued partnership with Bendigo Foodshare – and wishes them every success with the development of the Dhelkunya Balak Community Food Hub,” Ms Lewis said.
Community members wanting to find out more about the plans for the Dhelkunya Balak Community Food Hub can view the masterplan at bendigofoodshare.org.au/foodhub.
