Paul Somerville has over 30 years’ experience working as a Chartered Accountant and finance executive in public practice, industry, and the not-for-profit sector and in recent years has embarked upon a new career in the hospitality sector, re-training as a chef.
Paul joined the Bendigo Foodshare Board in October 2021 as the Treasurer, and this role sees him chairing the Finance Audit and Risk Committee (FRAC) which provides strategic oversight in relation to IT systems and capability. His role as Treasurer also involves him advising the Board and CEO on matters of Finance (accounting, fundraising, investing) and Risk (risk appetite and risk management). Paul is an advocate for community-based organisations being locally governed and responsive to the needs of the communities that they serve.
When asked what inspired him to join Bendigo Foodshare, Paul said “I have served on several not-for-profit Boards and worked in the sector for decades, so understand the value that such organisations provide to the community. Food is also close to my heart, so finding a not-for-profit to be part of that works to help address food insecurity was a bonus.”
Working with the people involved with Bendigo Foodshare is an enjoyable aspect of Paul’s volunteering. “The fact that our organisation has such a broad positive impact on the lives of many families keeps me motivated. I also value the opportunity to share the knowledge I’ve gained over the years to support Bendigo Foodshare.”
Paul suggests that anyone who is contemplating volunteering in their community should do some research to find an organisation whose activities are important to them, and whose values align with their own. That way you’ll enjoy what you do while providing much needed support to community organisations.
When asked about his interests away from work, Paul said, “I love live music and have been lucky to see many artists over the years. My first concert at 13 years old was to see Kiss. Some of my favourite gigs include Iggy Pop at Festival Hall, Midnight Oil at the Corner Hotel in Richmond and a real highlight, Neil Young in Hyde Park, London with a special guest appearance by Paul McCartney!”
As well as his enthusiasm for the not-for-profit sector, and his love of music, Paul has had a lifelong passion for good food. Until recently, this passion extended to eating it, however in the past couple of years, Paul has embarked on a career of cooking it and sharing it with others. He undertook a culinary course to become a chef, and started his own business, Italian Test Kitchen. Showcasing his talent for producing wholesome, tasty and creative Italian food cooked with love, not only does Paul love to cook and share his food, he enjoys telling the story behind each dish. Paul said, “When I created Italian Test Kitchen, my passion was to take guests on a journey to Italy; to experience the feelings, the love, the sense of community, bringing people together to share a meal and show gratitude for what they have.”
Paul obviously brings extensive experience in the areas of corporate governance, financial strategy and the not-for-profit sector to the Bendigo Foodshare Board, and combines it with a passion for helping people and for addressing food insecurity in our communities.