Our Impact

DELIVERING REAL OUTCOMES ACROSS COMMUNITIES

EON’s Thriving Communities Program delivers measurable, outcomes-based results across schools and communities in Western Australia and the Northern Territory.

Using a clear Program Guide and monitoring and evaluation framework, we track progress and demonstrate real improvements in knowledge, behaviour, health and local employment.

By combining practical learning with long-term guidance, the program is strengthening communities, building local capacity and fostering lasting improvements in health and wellbeing.

Thriving Communities

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

THE YEAR IN NUMBERS (2023/2024)

24 community gardens

726 edible garden classes

745 healthy eating classes

13,400 nutritious meals delivered

60% Aboriginal employment rate

550 days spent in community

HEALTH AND BEHAVIOURAL OUTCOMES

CHILDREN’S HEALTH & ENGAGEMENT

Our reporting suggests that within five years, communities report improvements in diet, cooking practices and food consumption. Teachers observe Increased energy levels, faster recovery from illness and greater focus and engagement at school. Experiential, hands-on learning is particularly effective for students with trauma, language barriers, or complex home circumstances.

Survey highlights from 10 communities include:

96% of principals and teachers report positive changes in student attitudes and behaviours
83% of principals and teachers use the EON program as a basis for lessons in other subjects
65% of principals and teachers have seen improvements in student health
88% of students can identify the link between nutritious food and physical health
91% of students say EON is their main source of learning about health and nutrition
91% of students enjoy growing fruits and vegetables and learning to cook healthy meals

Skills development and local employment

Every community participating in the Thriving Communities Program employs at least one Community Assistant, providing hands-on training and ongoing employment. Around 50% of assistants continue working beyond their EON roles, supporting local economic growth and building lasting skills.

High school participants also benefit from practical experience, with many moving into careers in aged care, retail, and other local industries, helping to strengthen workforce pathways and create opportunities within their communities.

HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES

Disease prevention & long-term health

Our program is helping turn the tide on preventable chronic diseases in remote Aboriginal communities. Data from six Northern Territory sites shows clear results: type 2 diabetes prevalence declined in four communities compared with predicted rates, resulting in fewer cases than expected across the population. Improved nutrition is linked to fewer chronic illnesses and faster recovery times.

Our work directly reduces long-term government health and welfare costs: for every $1 spent on prevention, $14.30 is saved in healthcare and other costs. By strengthening nutrition, food security and health literacy now, this program will save millions in future health spending, while improving quality of life and economic participation.

VOICES FROM THE COMMUNITY

Here’s what teachers, principals, project managers, and independent evaluators say about the impact of our Thriving Communities Program.

“You can visually see an impact on people’s health.”

EON Project Manager

“The students have definitely grown in their knowledge and even excitement just around food and where it’s come from, around healthy eating, and being able to discuss healthy choices – from preschool all the way up to our senior years.”

Principal

“It has been very important for the children. Now they are able to relate vegetables to being healthy. They are more open to trying what they don’t know. We don’t have a market here – so now they can see different vegetables in their garden and I hope that when they go shopping with their parents they can identify the vegetables and fruits and say, ‘I have grown this at school, we can eat this’.”

Local Teacher

“The evidence is strong that there has been a demonstrable improvement in the horticultural and healthy eating knowledge and skills of children. Engagement levels with children are strong across all year levels and this is recognised to have had an impact on knowledge and skills transfer. Through the provision of one-on-one support to participants with home gardens, EON has also contributed to a progressive strengthening of the horticultural knowledge and skills of interested adults and women participating in Healthy Eating workshops have reported positive learning outcomes.”

KPMG Eon Foundation Evaluation Report

“The program helps with attendance because children know when they come to school they will get a nutritious, healthy meal.”

EON Annual Report

“Communities report ‘major improvements in the health of our students’.”

EON Annual Report

“[My favourite memory from EON class is] planting the leaves and seeing them grow up.”

Kalkaringi Student

“We walk down to the gardens with our kids and pick food to add to our dinner.”

Frog Hollow Community Elder

“The EON program is changing things.”

Community Member

“Eon’s ability to bring people together – students, staff, parents and elders – makes it far more than just a school program; it is a true community asset.”

Yarralin School Principal