2024 Food Educator Karen Dack, Kalkaringi School, EON Aboriginal Foundation, NT

The work Karen does is incredible. She feels passionately about educating the students of Kalkaringi School and the local community on how to grow and cook fresh ingredients, so they can lead happier, healthier lives.

As the Project Manager at Kalkaringi, she’s inspired so many people to grow their own food, which in turn supplements their weekly shop. And she’s getting people to eat more veg, prioritising their health. 

And it’s working! The EON Foundation has found that there’s been a decline in Type-2 diabetes among the communities that fully participate. 

At Kalkaringi School, she goes above and beyond to show people how easy it can be to eat deliciously healthy food by growing, harvesting and cooking homegrown food. In fact, she often converts those students who, at first, refused to eat healthy food into people who can’t wait to eat her food and learn more from her. 

Karen has fostered wonderful connections with students, ranging from

preschool to Year 12, as well as adults through her cooking classes. During the two years she taught at Minyerri School, attendance increased by 15%, demonstrating her ability to inspire and engage students. And in the town of Minyerri itself, she’s established beautiful orchards and edible gardens, teaching the community about the importance of healthy food. 

Her engaging approach has even led to the community dog being named Broccoli! 

“Miss Karen makes gardening lots of fun! I enjoy harvesting and using the food we grow to cook nutritious meals. Miss Karen always teaches us about healthy eating.” – Year 5 student

“Miss helps us to grow food in our garden. I love working in the garden with Miss Karen.” – Year 4 student

“The food we grow in our garden is really yummy!” – Year 1 student