Michelle is the Gastronomy Project Officer at the City of Greater Bendigo. She has a passion for food in all its forms and 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 in tourism and hospitality.
When asked what inspired her to become involved with Bendigo Foodshare, Michelle said, “having worked in the industry previously, I have seen first-hand how vital food relief is to the community and how feeding people is a very real and tangible way to help others”.
Michelle explained that she is drawn to food and loves nothing more than baking for those doing it tough. “Feeding people is what I do, so working with Foodshare aligns with the values I live and breathe every day,” she said.
When asked what keeps her coming back to Foodshare, Michelle said, “the value that Bendigo Foodshare brings to our community cannot be underestimated. To feed almost 13,000 people a week and work with up to 80 partners is a big undertaking. The organisation plays such an important role in our community.”
She suggests people who are considering volunteering should find an organisation that aligns with their values and volunteer today! Bendigo Foodshare offers so many volunteer opportunities ranging from the warehouse, to driving to even working on the farm. There is something for everyone.
Never one to sit back and take it easy, in 2019 Michelle created a community nourishment project called 52 Gifts. During that year, she cooked a two-course meal for a different family in her town each week. She said, “the project made me realise that there are many reasons people need a meal: illness, a death in the family, unexpected unemployment, mental health challenges. We all need to lean on others sometimes.”
Michelle said her career has influenced her role at Bendigo Foodshare as food and cooking for others has always been a staple in her life. “During COVID-19 I worked for Australia’s largest food relief organisation and saw first-hand what a difference it makes when you can provide food to those doing it tough. I have known of the good work Bendigo Foodshare have been doing for many years so when the opportunity to join the board arose in January 2024, I wanted to be a part of it.”
Clearly, Michelle 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.
