 In 2016, a beach on Direction Island was named the best beach in Australia by Brad Farmer, an Aquatic and Coastal Ambassador for Tourism Australia and co-author of "101 Best Beaches 2017".Small local gardens and fishing contribute to the food supply, but most food and most other necessities must be imported from Australia or elsewhere.The Cocos Islands Cooperative Society Ltd. employs construction workers, stevedores, and lighterage worker operations.