After four years of living and working in East Arnhem Land, Community Nutritionist Sarah Funston is finishing up her time with ALPA. She is off to explore South America before deciding on her next career move.

During her time with ALPA, Sarah delivered valuable nutrition and health initiatives, built strong connections with the communities she worked with, and had utmost respect and admiration for the ALPA Board of Directors.

Sarah has left a lasting impact on ALPA and our communities. She will be greatly missed!

“It has been an honour and privilege to work beside Yolŋu who have taught me part of their culture and language. I have learnt to hold new perspectives in the world and appreciate that we all see things in a different way. I will forever cherish the relationships I have made and thank my Yolŋu family for the way they have supported me throughout my time in Galiwin’ku.”

“It has also been a pleasure to work with the dedicated store managers who are extremely hard working and caring about the communities in which they work and strive to improve the food environment when implementing the ALPA Health and Nutrition Strategy. Without the ALPA Board, store managers and the local team there would be no stores” said Sarah. 

Sarah achieved many things in her time with ALPA, including the Flinders University student supervisor Territory Ambassador Award in 2022, the development of the Good Food People training program, the roll out of the Good Food Strong Bodies health promotion signage within East Arnhem Land and building deep relationships with community members of Galiwin’ku, Milingimbi, Ramingining, Gapuwiyak and Minjilang.

We wish Sarah all the best in her travels and hope to see her again soon!