Steve began his journey with Bendigo Foodshare as a government stakeholder many moons ago, and when the Covid-19 pandemic hit in 2020 he worked with us during the initial response and relief phase, in which Bendigo Foodshare played a major role in coordinating local support initiatives with partner organisations. Steve enjoyed being part of the Bendigo Foodshare family so much that in 2021 he became an official board member and chair of the Project Control Group, which is currently leading the development of our new home.
When asked what inspired him to join the Bendigo Foodshare Board Steve said “The people involved in the whole organisation and their deep commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable community members”. Steve shares Bendigo Foodshares’ passions for local and sustainable food and eliminating food insecurity; acknowledging that Bendigo Foodshare doesn’t just provide food to families who are doing it tough (with the help of partner organisations) but goes to the root of the problem – assisting our community to grow, cook, share and sell food.
Steve has been involved with food and agriculture since the day he was born; his life began on a free-range piggery in Western Australia, where he spent a good portion of his childhood before his family moved to a small sheep farm in Central Victoria. Steve’s first jobs included fruit picking and working at Bunnings Warehouse. After completing a Bachelor of Urban, Rural, and Environmental Planning, Steve obtained a job in the local government sector where he stayed for 10 years, working in town planning, strategy and policy making, community development, recreation, and corporate performance. After a stint at the Department of Transport and Planning, in 2023 Steve became the General Manager of Strategy and Service Planning at Goulburn Murray Water.
Steve is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has a passion for good governance.
Steve is a man of many talents, and resonates with what Ken Marchingo once said: “Work like a captain, play like a pirate”. This is evident in his love for adventure, travel and physical challenge – including the odd marathon! Steve spends as much of the little spare time he can in nature or in the kitchen. During the Covid-19 lockdowns, when Steve wasn’t able to spend as much time outdoors as he usually would, he became a qualified sommelier and has now commenced studies to become a professional winemaker.
Thanks Steve for all you do for Bendigo Foodshare and our community.
