Our Board

Sue Clarke AM, Chair

FAICD, ANZSoG Fellow, Grad Dip (Business), Grad Dip (Social Science CD)

Sue has held senior positions in health and community services for over 40 years including community health, local government, state government and the private sector. Sue’s experience extends across primary healthcare, philanthropy, governance and community engagement. She has a strong interest and experience in clinical governance and consumer and community engagement. Sue has previously held Board Director positions with Bendigo Health, Murray PHN, Ambulance Victoria, and was the Chair of Haven; Home Safe, and Patron of the Community Foundation for Bendigo and Central Victoria.
Sue joined the Board of Bendigo United Friendly Societies Pharmacies Ltd in July 2019 and Central Victorian United Friendly Society Limited in September 2019 and is the Chair of the Quality, Safety and Risk Committee and a member of the Member and Community Committee.

Contact: [email protected]

Steven Abbott, Deputy Chair

GAICD, BUR&EP

Steven Abbott is a forward-thinking leader with expertise in all aspects of urban, rural and environmental planning, corporate governance, strategic leadership, organisational performance, policy development and community engagement.
He joined the board in 2021 bringing extensive public sector experience across local and state government. Steven also brings experience in the development of small businesses, community organisations and residential and commercial property development.
Steven enjoys engaging with people to understand community needs and aspirations, supporting fit-for-purpose and equitable services in varied situations, and leading change that delivers tangible positive outcomes within the community.

Paul Somerville, Treasurer

MAICD, FCA, BCom Melb

Paul has had over 30 years’ experience working as a Chartered Accountant and finance executive in public practice, industry, and the not-for-profit sector. Paul has held various Board roles and has had extensive experience in the areas of corporate governance, financial strategy and the not-for-profit sector generally.
He has recently embarked upon a new career in the hospitality sector. Paul is an advocate for community-based organisations being locally governed and responsive to the needs of the communities that they serve.

Margaret Keech OAM

BScApp (Physio), GradDip SpSc

Margaret Keech joined the Board in 2019, bringing with her a wealth of experience in the health, sporting and community sectors. A retired physiotherapist, working in the public and private sectors, Margaret has worked with sportspeople across Australia and is currently the immediate past Chair of the Board of the Bendigo Academy of Sport. Margaret’s not for profit sector committee experience includes much committee work at Girton Grammar in the past, including President of the Parents & Friends Association; is a Leader of both youth and adults locally in the 1st Strathfieldsaye Scout Group, Bendigo District Scouts, as well as at a State level. Margaret greatly enjoys her role as manager for the Forever Young Rock Choir and also sits on the Board of the Ulumbarra Foundation. Margaret is also an active member of Dragons Abreast Bendigo.

Vicky Mason

MPH, MBA, GAICD

Vicky joined the Board in early 2023, and brings significant experience from senior leadership roles across the public health, community, state and local government sectors. In her previous role at the City of Greater Bendigo as Director, Health & Wellbeing she worked closely with Bendigo Foodshare across a variety of projects and therefore has a strong understanding of the organisation’s purpose and objectives. She is passionate about the role of food in supporting good health and wellbeing and has a strong commitment to social justice and supporting members of the community who are socio-economically disadvantaged. Vicky has held many Board roles including at Castlemaine Health and is also currently on the board of LEAD Loddon Murray.

Michelle Symes

BBUS (mktg)

Michelle is the Gastronomy Project Officer at the City of Greater Bendigo. She has a passion for food in all of its forms and in particular, seeks to work on initiatives that will provide access to healthy, fresh food for all.

Michelle is a marketing specialist with extensive experience across sectors, including food relief and cancer research in the not for profit sector, as well as tourism and hospitality. She brings a wealth of hands-on practical knowledge across marketing, fundraising and event management to our Board and her expertise will assist Bendigo Foodshare as we continue to grow into the future.

David McKinnis

David has enjoyed a 40-year professional career in corporate life; working in banking, running his own small retail business in the Mallee, and for most of his career, undertaking senior roles at companies in the insurance industry. David first connected with Bendigo Foodshare in 2021 when he volunteered in the warehouse and as a driver assistant, before he joined the Board late in 2023, bringing with him invaluable insight resulting from his passion for volunteering.

His previous experience sitting on several boards and industry committees brings to the Bendigo Foodshare Board a deep understanding of effective corporate planning, risk and compliance requirements, as well as an ability to build relationships with people at all levels.