A two decade partnership diverting food waste to animals in need

Nestled on 10 acres just outside Virginia, in the Northern Territory, you’ll find Colliwobble Farm, where both animals and humans find solace and second chances. 

The farm is owned and tended by Barb and Herb Backers and serves as a living testament to their dedication to wildlife. For almost three decades, Barb and Herb have poured their hearts into creating a haven for creatures big and small. They’ve become local heroes for their work under Wildcare, a volunteer-run, non-profit wildlife care and rescue organisation in Darwin and Katherine.

“It’s paradise,” Barb says of the farm, where peacocks, emus and wallabies can also be seen roaming free. 

Work on the farm begins each day before sunrise, with Herb making his familiar trek to the Coolalinga Woolworths store. For 23 years, Woolworths has partnered with the Backers, providing surplus food that Herb collects six days a week. This food, redirected from potential waste, helps feed countless animals at Colliwobble.

“There's no stress with the animals here whatsoever,” says Herb, who credits Woolworths for their healthy fruit and vegetable diet. “Our vet bills are pretty non-existent, really. So, we're very lucky.”

The community bond between Herb, Barb and the Woolworths team is not just one of convenience, it’s a genuine connection forged over years of shared purpose. “There are some fantastic staff at Coolalinga Woolworths,” says Herb.

Beyond feeding and sheltering animals, Barb and Herb’s work has nurtured a community centred on wildlife. Barb, with her infectious warmth, often takes animals to church with her, including a joey named Biscuit who had no fur and needed regular feeding and moisturising. 

“I take Biscuit to church and feed her a couple of times. If I’m speaking, usually someone in the congregation will babysit her,” says Barb, who’s been known to take possums with her as well. The kids at church are always delighted to see who Barb has brought along, and this is the effect Barb and Herb always hoped to see in their community. “It’s all about compassion for animals,” says Herb. “I don't think you can ask for any more than that, as long as people learn to treat animals properly.”

As Woolworths celebrates its 100-year anniversary, the Backers are filled with gratitude for their shared values and the support the partnership has allowed them. “Without the food we've been collecting, we couldn't have provided a sanctuary for so many animals over the years,” says Barb. They provide an idyllic life for animals, where every creature is valued, every connection is cherished, and every day is another opportunity to make the world a little bit better, and wilder.

She is also deeply involved with Anglicare’s food diversion program, which repurposes surplus food from the Gove store. A daily highlight for Amy is when Gabby, a volunteer from Anglicare, collects food to prepare meals for homeless people and those experiencing food insecurity.

“Whatever food we’re diverting to her, she goes and makes meals for the homeless and anybody who's hungry,” Amy says. “Gabby is fantastic. It means a lot to me to be making a real difference in somebody’s life.”

Bradley recognises Amy’s commitment to the community as vital to the store’s growth. “I’m uplifted by my team,” he explains. “In a community-based town like Gove, it’s people like Amy who make all the difference. I’ve never been to a sausage sizzle where I’m the only one behind the barbecue.”

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