Media Statement

Immediate Release

Interview Opportunities: Foodbank WA CEO, Kate O’Hara


Foodbank WA and Glencore’s – Murrin Murrin Operations partner to strengthen food relief in Leonora 

Foodbank WA is proud to announce a new partnership with Glencore’s – Murrin Murrin Operations, marking a significant milestone in collaborative food relief efforts across Western Australia’s Goldfields region. 

The Glencore partnership is the result of extensive collaboration, shared commitment and sustained effort between multiple organisations, coming together to deliver a long‑term, sustainable emergency food solution for the Leonora community. Murrin Murrin Operations General Manager Adrian Herbert said “We are pleased to partner with Foodbank WA to support improved food security for the Leonora community. Establishing the Leonora emergency food pantry aligns with our focus on supporting practical, community‑driven initiatives in our host communities. This project has been made possible through strong collaboration, and we recognise the efforts of all organisations involved.” 

The first official Foodbank WA delivery has now arrived in Leonora, with the emergency food pantry securing a permanent home at Waalitj’s Leonora Hub. This locally based model ensures food relief is accessible, community-focused and embedded where it is needed most. 

In addition to the assistance from Glencore, an important part of the initiative has been Genesis, who have generously stepped in to freight all food supplies to Leonora. Their support enables regular deliveries to an otherwise logistically challenging, remote region, ensuring continuity and reliability of food supply. Add in Genesis Quote Genesis Minerals CEO Matt Nixon says “We are proud to support the community of Leonora and Foodbank with this initiative. This delivery seeks to ensure no family in Leonora will go without access to something to eat when they need it the most” .

“This partnership is a powerful example of what’s possible when organisations come together with a shared commitment to community,” said Foodbank WA CEO Kate O’Hara. “The establishment of apermanent emergency food pantry in Leonora means local families have reliable access to food support close to home, delivered in a way that respects and reflects the community. We are deeply grateful to Glencore’s – Murrin Murrin Operations, Genesis and Waalitj Foundation for their collaboration and leadership in helping make this sustainable solution a reality.” 

Lisa Cunningham, CEO Waalitj Foundation echoed the sentiment saying, “Waalitj Foundation has been part of the Leonora community since 2019, and during this time we have seen first‑hand how food insecurity and unaffordability impacts community wellbeing. 

We are proud to partner with Foodbank WA to deliver sustainable, locally based support and help alleviate some of the unique pressures faced by remote residents.” 

The initiative will support individuals and families across the region, alongside complementary programs including Foodbank WA’s School Breakfast Program, which currently supports the School Breakfast Program for the region at Leonora District High School who have 70 students registered for the Program five days a week – an increase of 130% in the last five years.   

Socio economic disadvantage is a defining feature across this region. With limited access to education, employment, food security, income, housing, and other essential services that underpin community wellbeing, which is where the collaboration with Waalitj Foundation and the services they provide will further strengthen local impact. 

Foodbank WA has been overwhelmed by the level of goodwill, collaboration and shared purpose shown by all partners involved in bringing this initiative to life. 

Following the successful establishment of the emergency food pantry in Laverton, which after one year is now firmly embedded within the community, Foodbank WA looks forward to seeing the same long‑term impact and community ownership develop in Leonora. 


Media contact:  
Kath Robinson | Brand and Engagement Manager 
kath.robinson@foodbankwa.org.au | 08 9463 3806 | 0414 558 957


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.