Meet the team

Michelle Murphy

Chief Executive Officer

Michelle has over 30 years experience leading innovation and development in the not-for-profit sector (including across family services, women’s health and family violence services). She holds a Master of Business Administration and has highly developed skills in leadership, community engagement, program design, strategy and operations. Michelle is a proud Bendigonian and is excited to be leading Bendigo Foodshare; helping get food to those who need it, and piloting innovative new initiatives for social change and more resilient families and communities.

Contact: ceo@bendigofoodshare.org.au

Bridget Bentley

Community Engagement Manager (part-time)

After managing Bendigo Foodshare for two years during the pandemic and at a time of growth for the organisation, Bridget now has a focus on leading the development and expansion of community programs to increase food skills, particularly in vulnerable communities. Bridget has extensive knowledge and experience in food systems, holding a Bachelor of Agriculture and 17 years of experience in the agricultural, natural resource management, sustainability and emergency management sectors, across disciplines including social and market research, behaviour change, stakeholder engagement, marketing and business strategy, and project management. With a focus on collaboration and extensive connections across Central Victoria, Bridget has successfully developed and implemented innovative local solutions to building food security that involve a broad cross-section of the community.

Contact: bridget@bendigofoodshare.org.au

Emma Bourke

Community Relations Manager (part-time)

Emma is a media and communications specialist with over 15 years’ experience across local and state government, and the not-for-profit sector. She joined Bendigo Foodshare in 2022 and now leads the organisation’s marketing, fundraising, communications, and sponsorship as Community Relations Manager. With a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations, Emma brings deep expertise in media relations, community engagement, and crisis communication—skills she’s used to deliver impactful awareness and fundraising campaigns that connect communities and drive change. 

Contact: emma@bendigofoodshare.org.au

Christine Pilbeam

Manger Operations – People & Safety (part-time)

Christine joined Bendigo Foodshare in 2024 after having recently moved to Bendigo. Initially looking to volunteer, when the role arose, she was excited to support the organisation in a more in-depth way.
Bringing over 30 years of experience in all aspects of Business Services including finance, HR, risk management and governance, Christine has spent the last 10 years as the General Manager for a major Japanese company. In addition to this, she has over 13 years’ experience on the Board of a Not for Profit in Melbourne where she has held the role of Chair for the last 2 years.
Christine is passionate about supporting organisations that help people to have the opportunity to take control of their own lives, including access to healthy food, education and training.

Contact: christine@bendigofoodshare.org.au

Annie Constable

Finance & Business Support Officer (part-time)

Annie was a contract bookkeeper before commencing at Bendigo Foodshare, with 25 years of experience gathered across a diverse range of fields, including accounting, allied health, beauty, and construction. Looking to reengage with the community after a break from work, she began volunteering. Bendigo Foodshare has given her a purpose and an opportunity to contribute back to the community, first as a volunteer and now, as our Finance and Warehouse Support. This role has provided her with some of the most stimulating challenges of her working life and has been her most rewarding endeavour so far.

Contact: accounts@bendigofoodshare.org.au

Kaye Lehmann

Procurement & Logistics Coordinator (part-time)

Kaye joined Bendigo Foodshare at the end of 2022 to assist in our warehouse operations, purchasing food and to help with disaster recovery efforts. She brings a wealth of experience to the role having worked over a long period in her family’s business involving food warehousing and logistics; as well as in the social services sector.

Contact: kaye@bendigofoodshare.org.au

Joe Deane

Warehouse Coordinator

Joe started volunteering with Bendigo Foodshare in early 2022 as a way to connect and contribute to his new community after moving to Bendigo from his home town in Tasmania. Recognising his many talents, Joe was brought onto the team as a Business Trainee through Westvic Staffing Solutions.  After a 12 month traineeship, Joe is now in an ongoing full-time role coordinating our warehouse operations and the first contact for our warehouse volunteers and 90+ food partners.

Contact: warehouse@bendigofoodshare.org.au

Georgia Kochar

Senior Communications Officer (part-time)

Having spent 20 years in the fashion retail industry, Georgia transitioned into a new role at Bendigo Foodshare in 2024, where she is responsible for managing fundraising and marketing campaigns and events. Having moved to Bendigo with her young family 5 years ago, she is passionate about building connections and promoting the incredible work of Bendigo Foodshare within a community she loves. This shift to regional living has reignited her passion for meaningful impact, and she’s excited to leverage her creative skills through design and innovation in support of a cause she truly believes in—ensuring that no one in our community goes hungry.

Contact: georgiak@bendigofoodshare.org.au

Grace Ip

Community Relations Officer (part-time)

Before joining Bendigo Foodshare in late 2025, Grace spent seven years working across events, programming, marketing, and community engagement in the arts sector. She has always seen food as a powerful way to bring community together and is excited to contribute to Bendigo Foodshare’s incredible work and foster new meaningful connections. Outside of work, Grace enjoys learning to grow her own food, attempting to surf and spending time with her furry family.

Contact: grace@bendigofoodshare.org.au 

Paw Bleh

Youth Project Officer (part-time)

Paw Bleh started with Bendigo Foodshare at the beginning of 2026 as our Youth Officer, bringing warmth, leadership, and a strong belief in the potential of young people to her role. Her lived experience as a young person from a refugee background shapes her deep commitment to giving back and empowering others to thrive. Prior to working at Bendigo Foodshare, Paw Bleh co‑founded Bendigo’s first Karen restaurant with her sister, proudly sharing Karen culture and cuisine with the wider community. 

Contact: PawBleh@bendigofoodshare.org.au

Chloe Bradsworth

Urban Farm Coordinator (part-time)

Chloe has grown up being surrounded by nature, farms and the outdoors. Holding a Bachelor of Outdoor Education and Masters of Environment and Sustainability, over the last 10 years Chloe has worked for various companies, schools and non for profit organisations in outdoor education, bush regeneration, and sustainable community hubs. In the last 3 years, Chloe has found a passion for small scale market gardening, and loves the feeling of growing and selling food, and connecting to the earth and community. She is excited to contribute to Golden Gums Farm and the Bendigo Foodshare community.

Contact: chloe@bendigofoodshare.org.au

Meg Last

Grow Cook Share Food Hub Officer

Growing up on a farm Meg had access to homegrown produce and continues to express her creativity through developing nourishing food and sharing this with others. Meg joined Bendigo Foodshare in late 2023 and has a passion for supporting local businesses and creating a sustainable, inspiring local food system. Upon discovering it was not the right time to pursue study of nursing and business, Meg traveled, both overseas and in Australia, completed 200-hours of Yoga training and provided social support for members of her community. Meg is grateful to be part of the Grow Cook Share Food Hub, to spend time immersed in nature at Golden Gums farm and in the community, evolving from a place of connection to create positive change.

Contact: meg@bendigofoodshare.org.au

Hailey l’Anson

Trainee (part-time)

Raised in Bendigo, with time spent on her dad’s farm in Tooleybuc, Hailey brings a strong connection to both the local community and the land. Her early experiences helping on the farm sparked a love for hands-on work and caring for animals. Now stepping into her traineeship at Bendigo Foodshare, she’s excited to learn all aspects of food relief – from growing fresh produce to supporting warehouse operations and admin. With a passion for helping others and a keen interest in animal care, Hailey is looking forward to building a meaningful future through her role.

Contact: hailey@bendigofoodshare.org.au