Park for a Purpose driving change in WA 

Mobile Foodbank. Foodbank WA

Across Western Australia, the demand for food relief continues to rise, with thousands of families going without meals and more people than ever seeking support. 

Increasingly, this includes individuals and families living in cars, caravans, or temporary accommodation – many of whom are unable to access traditional food relief services. 

In response, Foodbank WA is focused on meeting people where they are, with Mobile Foodbanks playing a critical role in delivering essential food directly to those who need it most.

To help expand this vital service, Foodbank is launching Park for a Purpose, a new fundraising experience with a clear goal: to fund another Mobile Foodbank.

Designed to bring together Western Australia’s leaders, decision-makers and community advocates, the event offers a unique opportunity to better understand the realities of food insecurity while taking meaningful, collective action. 

Taking place on Thursday, 10 September at Foodbank WA’s Perth Airport, participants will come together for an overnight, purpose-led experience. Through curated conversations, guided reflection and shared learnings, attendees will gain a deeper and more informed perspective on the challenges facing many Western Australians today. The experience is carefully designed to be respectful and grounded in impact – it is not about simulating hardship, but about building understanding, encouraging leadership, and inspiring action. 

Every dollar raised through Park for a Purpose will support the purchase and operation of a new Mobile Foodbank vehicle, helping extend Foodbank WA’s reach into communities where support is needed most. This means reaching more people, sooner; supporting those who cannot access fixed food relief sites; and helping to prevent hardship from escalating into crisis. 

To mark the launch, an early bird incentive is being offered to encourage participation. Those who register on or before 15 July will go into the draw to win an Alfa Romeo for the weekend and two nights’ accommodation at Quest Kings Park, generously provided by event partners. The winner will be drawn at the event. 

Reflecting on the purpose behind the initiative, Ian Wee from Perth Integrated Events Team shared, “This event is about leadership, understanding and taking meaningful action. It is often said that we see our lives go by as we drive. We miss details, we forgo the scenery, we forget the pause and what matters. This 10 September, let’s change the notion by Parking for a Purpose – reconnecting and building the relevance and connections that matter.” 

The event, proudly delivered in partnership with Perth Airport as the major partner, and presenting partners Brain & Cognitive Function Clinic and Perth Integrated Events Team, promises a meaningful program focused on connection, reflection and impact. A $500 registration fee covers the cost of participation, while all additional fundraising contributions will go directly towards funding the new Mobile Foodbank. 

With places strictly limited to 100 vehicles, this is an opportunity to be part of an experience that not only builds connection and understanding, but also drives real, tangible change. Those ready to step into the challenge and help put another Mobile Foodbank on the road can register now.

By coming together for one night with a shared purpose, participants will help create lasting impact for communities across Western Australia. 

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Media Statement

Immediate Release

Interview Opportunities: Foodbank WA CEO, Kate O’Hara

Driving change – Park for a Purpose shines light on hardship in WA

Foodbank Western Australia is proud to announce the upcoming launch of Park for a Purpose – a powerful new fundraising and advocacy initiative set to roll out in early June.

Park for a Purpose is a unique overnight lived-experience event designed to deepen community understanding of the growing number of Western Australians facing housing and food insecurity. Participants will spend the night in their vehicles as part of a carefully curated experience that builds empathy, connection and awareness, while raising vital funds to support Foodbank WA’s frontline services.

This inaugural campaign brings together a strong network of corporate and community partners whose leadership and commitment have been instrumental in bringing the initiative to life. Foodbank WA extends its sincere gratitude to the organisations that have stepped forward as foundation supporters of Park for a Purpose, including presenting partners Brain and Cognitive Function Clinic and Perth Integrated Events Team, major partner Perth Airport, and supporting partners Kinetic, Brollie Brigade and Infrabuild. 

“Perth Airport is incredibly proud to be supporting Foodbank WA’s inaugural Park for a Purpose event. This important initiative will help raise awareness of housing and food insecurity in our community, while raising vital funds to help deliver food relief where it’s needed most.” Said Jason Waters, CEO, Perth Airport.

These partnerships reflect a shared commitment to raising awareness, driving meaningful impact and creating innovative ways to support Western Australians doing it tough. In particular, the involvement of the Brain and Cognitive Function Clinic and Perth Integrated Events Team will enrich the experience through thought leadership, learning opportunities and meaningful engagement across business and community networks.

Foodbank is proud to be launching Park for a Purpose alongside such a committed group of partners and supporters.

“This experience initiative goes far beyond fundraising,” said Foodbank WA CEO Kate O’Hara. “For a growing number of Western Australians, spending a night in a car isn’t a choice – it’s their reality. Park for a Purpose challenges us to confront that reality, to step outside our comfort zones and truly understand what hardship in our community looks and feels like.

When people come together in this way, it builds awareness and drives action. And that action is critical if we’re going to reach more people, earlier, and stop families from slipping into crisis.

We want to help to keep people in their homes.”

Park for a Purpose has been designed as a respectful, purpose-led experience that brings together business leaders, partners and community members to encourage reflection, learning and action. Rather than attempting to replicate hardship, the event offers a considered glimpse into lived experience, helping participants better understand the realities faced by many individuals and families across the state.

At its core, Park for a Purpose has a clear and urgent goal: to put another Mobile Foodbank on the road. Funds raised through the initiative will directly support Foodbank WA in expanding its mobile food relief services, reaching people experiencing food insecurity who are unable to access traditional distribution points – including those living in vehicles, caravans or temporary accommodation. 

As demand continues to rise across Western Australia, an additional Mobile Foodbank will enable Foodbank WA to deliver food directly into communities, reach more people sooner, and help prevent individuals and families from reaching crisis point.


Find out more



Media contact: 
Kath Robinson | Brand and Engagement Manager
kath.robinson@foodbankwa.org.au 


About Foodbank WA 

Hello, we’re Foodbank WA. We believe everyone should have access to healthy food. There are Western Australians going without every day, and we are working hard to change that.

We provide food and groceries to those who struggle to afford them. We also deliver nutrition education to promote healthy eating and advocate on behalf of people that experience hunger and food insecurity.

We are here to support Western Australians in times of need. We do this through:

  • Providing 9.3 million meals last financial year to those who were doing it tough
  • Distributing food and groceries through 550 frontline charities
  • Providing breakfast and fruit to 550 schools feeding 27,300 children weekly
  • Delivering nutrition education attendances to over 6,546 children, adults and parents 

We work with farmers, wholesalers, manufactures and retailers who donate and redirect surplus product to us. This also plays a vital role in tackling food waste and positively contributes to climate change by reducing CO2 emissions arising from landfill.

Our purpose is to Feed. Educate. Advocate.

Foodbank Dalyellup Public Artwork Project


Expression of Interest
for Artists

Facade of the new Foodbank Dalyellup building.

Foodbank WA is inviting Noongar Artists connected to Wardandi Country,   

to contribute their creativity, cultural knowledge and storytelling to our new, purpose-built Foodbank Dalyellup site.

We are seeking expressions of interest for three exciting creative projects: 


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Always something new to discover 

Cabanossi snacks donation.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we’re able to offer an incredible and ever-changing range of products – often with a few unexpected surprises along the way.

We recently had some delicious and extra special wild smoked salmon, cabanossi snacks, lasagne pasta sheets and high-protein ravioli – just to name a few.

This variety plays an important role in the support we provide, bringing both nourishment and a sense of excitement to the communities we serve. It ensures there is always something new to discover, helping to create positive food experiences alongside essential support. 

So, watch this space – you never know what might arrive next. 

Together, we can help ensure more people have access to the food they need. Thank you for partnering with us as we work towards our vision of healthy food for all, because access to food is a basic human right. 

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Ingham’s ongoing support 

MADE Meals prepared in Foodbank WA Community Kitchen.

We are incredibly fortunate to receive daily pallet donations from Ingham, a partnership that continues to make a meaningful difference across our network. 

Ingham has been a longstanding and generous supporter of Foodbank WA.

In 2025 alone, they donated an impressive 236,285 kilograms of chicken in a range of cuts. 

Their generosity has continued into 2026, with 119,214 kilograms already received to date. 

Notably, donation volumes have increased over the past five to six months, further strengthening our ability to support those in need. 

These contributions play a vital role in our operations. Our Head Chef, Mel, regularly incorporates Ingham’s chicken into nutritious, high-quality meals prepared in our community kitchen. At the same time, their products are distributed across our six branches, ensuring our charity partners and the communities they serve have reliable access to essential food supplies. 

Meat is often one of the most expensive components of a meal, and unfortunately, it is also one of the first items families remove from their grocery lists when budgets are tight. Thanks to Ingham’s ongoing support, we are able to help ensure our clients continue to access a range of fresh chicken – supporting both health and wellbeing during challenging times. 

Together, we are helping ensure communities have access to the balanced, nutritious diets they deserve and we are incredibly grateful to Ingham for their continued generosity and partnership in making this possible.

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Enhancing safety
 at our Perth branch 

Safety signs in place at Foodbank Perth.

Safety is at the heart of everything we do at Foodbank WA. 

Whether it’s supporting our clients, empowering our volunteers, or ensuring a secure environment for our staff, we are continually looking for ways to strengthen safety across our operations.

With this commitment in mind, we recently installed new walk-through barriers at our Perth branch. This enhancement is an important step in improving the overall flow of people through our facilities, helping to create a more organised, controlled, and secure environment for everyone on site. 

The barriers are designed to support safer movement within the space, particularly during busy periods, by clearly guiding entry and exit points. This not only reduces congestion but also helps our team better manage foot traffic, ensuring that everyone can access our services in a calm and respectful setting. 

For our volunteers and staff, these improvements provide greater reassurance and allow them to focus on what matters most – supporting the community. For our clients, it means a smoother, safer experience when accessing essential food and services. 

This upgrade is just one example of our ongoing efforts to prioritise safety and wellbeing across all areas of our work. As demand for our services continues to grow, we remain committed to investing in practical solutions that protect and support everyone who walks through our doors.

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Strengthening community
impact through partnership 

Chef Roland from Compass Group working with volunteers in the kitchen at Foodbank Perth.

Foodbank WA and Compass Group Australia (CGA) have been working together since August 2024 through a Purpose Partnership designed to support and strengthen our community impact through a range of collaborative initiatives.

A key element of this partnership has been the 12-month secondment of CGA Chef Roland Drollett to our Community Kitchen. 

This hands-on contribution has played a significant role in enhancing both the capacity and capability of the kitchen’s operations.

Our Community Kitchen produces approximately 2,500 meals each week, using donated ingredients and the support of dedicated volunteers. 

With the addition of Chef Roland, weekly production has increased by more than 1,000 meals, even up to 4,000 meals per week – significantly expanding our ability to support vulnerable communities across Western Australia. 

Beyond the increase in meal output, the value of an additional chef of Roland’s expertise has been substantial. He plays an important role in guiding volunteers on safe food handling, as well as effective cutting and preparation techniques. This support not only helps maintain high standards of food safety and quality but also builds the skills and confidence of volunteers. 

Working alongside Head Chef Melissa, Roland has also helped to ease the day-to-day operational demands of a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen. His presence provides vital support during busy production periods, and as Chef Mel puts it, “an extra set of hands has made all the difference.” 

The collaboration has also enhanced creativity in the kitchen. With donated and surplus ingredients changing week to week, adaptability is essential. Chef Mel notes that “two heads are better than one,” particularly when developing nutritious and varied recipes from unpredictable supplies. Together, the chefs are able to innovate and ensure meals remain both appealing and nourishing. 

In addition to supporting operations, the secondment has provided a valuable professional development opportunity for Chef Roland. Working in a community kitchen environment has broadened his experience – from mentoring volunteers of all skill levels to responding creatively to ever-changing ingredients – while contributing to a meaningful social impact. 

The Purpose Partnership between Foodbank WA and Compass Group Australia highlights the power of collaboration in addressing food insecurity. By combining expertise, resources and shared purpose, the partnership is not only increasing the reach of Foodbank’s services, but also strengthening skills, building capacity and delivering lasting benefits to the community.

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Supporting our ACCO Partners for
NAIDOC Week

Shelves stocked with staple foods at Foodbank Perth.

As NAIDOC Week approaches, we honour the strength, culture and leadership of the Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) 

within our charity partner network and reaffirm our commitment to walking alongside you in supporting your communities during this important time.

We know how much care and effort goes into planning NAIDOC Week events – bringing people together to celebrate culture, history and community.

To help make things a little easier, Foodbank is here to support you with practical, flexible food solutions that can reduce both cost and coordination pressures.

Our pantry range offers a broad selection of everyday essentials designed to keep things simple while still delivering quality and variety. From protein options such as kangaroo and kangaroo tail, lamb and sausages, to sauces, seasonal fruit and vegetables, fresh bread, snacks and drinks – we can help you shape an order that suits your event, whether it’s a small gathering or a large community celebration. 

We also understand that every dollar counts. To further support your NAIDOC Week planning, we’re pleased to offer all ACCO partners a 10% discount on orders for the occasion. We hope this helps you stretch your budget further and maximise the impact of your celebrations. 

If you’re currently planning your NAIDOC Week activities, we encourage you to reach out to Cassandra Martin, our new Agency and Mobile Network Manager: cassandra.martin@foodbankwa.org.au to discuss your needs. Our team is here to work with you, ensuring you have the right mix of products to bring your event together smoothly. 

Thank you for the vital role you play in supporting your communities. We’re proud to stand alongside you – not just during NAIDOC Week, but all year round.

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Build your
Foodbank Pantry 

Amanda standing in front of the staple food shelves at Foodbank Perth.

The Western Australian Government has announced targeted funding to support food relief services across the state, with a strong focus on regional and remote communities.

As part of this commitment, $2 million has been allocated to help charities manage rising food supply costs, including fuel. The funding is being administered by WACOSS, with an online application portal now open for eligible community organisations to apply for grants of up to $10,000.

As a valued Foodbank WA Charity Partner, we wanted to provide you with an early heads-up about this opportunity. 

Foodbank WA is encouraging partners to consider how this funding could support and strengthen local food relief efforts. One option to explore is the Foodbank Pantry – a flexible, community-led model designed to complement and enhance existing services. 

If your organisation has previously delivered food relief and is interested in establishing a pantry, our team can work with you to determine whether this model would suit your community. We currently support more than 100 Charity Partners across Western Australia with pantry services, spanning metropolitan Perth through to regional and remote locations. 

This funding could provide the initial support needed to establish or enhance a food relief pantry, helping you meet immediate community needs while building a more sustainable service for the future. Foodbank WA also offers workshops, briefings and peer support to help you confidently set up and operate a food relief service tailored to your community. 

Further information, including the Food Relief Grants Program Guidelines and application portal, is now available. 

If you would like to discuss this opportunity or explore how a Foodbank Pantry could work for your organisation, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. 

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We say thank you from our Perth branch

Thank You Event at Foodbank Perth.

Last month in Perth, we proudly hosted a special event to thank our valued partners for their ongoing support. 

The evening brought together an esteemed group of guests, including Government Ministers, Federal Senators and senior departmental leaders.

It was a meaningful opportunity to recognise the many ways our partners contribute – whether through funding critical projects, donating food, or providing long-term corporate volunteering support. 

Their collective efforts are vital to helping us deliver on our mission. 

While the event took place at Foodbank Perth, the impact of these partnerships reaches far beyond the city. In his address, the Minister highlighted the remarkable Bunbury build project, a powerful example of what collaboration can achieve. We were also honoured to host supporters whose contributions strengthen communities across our state, including resource companies and organisations whose operations intersect with the regions we serve. 

We are deeply grateful for the strong turnout and the shared commitment to our cause. The presence and enthusiasm of our partners reflect a growing momentum to continue making a difference together. 

Bronwyn and Chris on the stage at the Thank You Event.

Among the evening’s most powerful moments was the story shared by Bronwyn and Chris, featured in the first of the accompanying photos. Their courage in speaking openly about their circumstances provided a moving reminder of the reality many face.

Living in a leaking caravan down a bush track, without running water and relying on a fuel generator for limited electricity, Bronwyn and Chris are representative of a growing number of people doing it tough. Their situation began after the closure of their employer’s mine, which led to the loss of their FIFO roles and a cascade of challenges, including losing their home.   

Today, like many others, they are living in a van, striving to stay safe and rebuild their lives. The support they receive from Foodbank plays a crucial role in helping them get by and maintain hope during this difficult period. 

Their story is both confronting and inspiring. It was a stark reminder of the real and immediate impact our work has and the difference we can make together. Encouragingly, several supporters in the room were able to offer assistance on the spot, providing help that will go a long way in restoring Bronwyn and Chris’s confidence and stability. 

Thank you to Arnya, Emma and our army of volunteers and staff who made the evening possible. Events like this reaffirm the power of partnership and the importance of community. 

Together, we can continue to change lives. 

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