New community space at Medibank

Local corporate Medibank last month launched a unique facility for both its workers and the Docklands community.

Inspired by the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden program, Medibank has launched its own kitchen and garden at its Docklands headquarters.

The kitchen garden program forms part of the curriculum in 730 schools across Australia and Ms Alexander officially opened the new facilities, alongside a group of enthusiastic students from Elwood Primary School.

“The opportunity to improve the health of community, be encouraging children to understand more about what they eat, and to give it a go themselves, is what the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program is all about.”

“This is the same ethos Medibank is pursuing: inspiring employees to explore food and healthy living right here in the workplace.”

“It’s really investing in the health of the staff who work here, and I hope the kitchen is well-used and enjoyed by employees and the various external groups who have the opportunity to access it,” Ms Alexander said.

According to Medibank executive Kylie Bishop, Medibank staff will be able to visit the garden to recharge or even bring their work and meetings outside.

“It also presents opportunities for them to volunteer to care for the garden itself,” Ms Bishop said.

The kitchen and garden space will also benefit the local community, with a public program to be rolled out next year.

“In 2015 a public program will be announced aimed at providing opportunities for sectors of the wider community to access and use the Medibank Kitchen and Garden spaces for healthy living programs.”

“Medibank plans to use its new kitchen and garden to support external community programs such as STREAT – providing opportunities for people involved in these programs to come together to learn new skills and support one another,” Ms Bishop said.