Kate O’Hara brings decades of leadership experience shaped by community building, strategic communication and her deep commitment to people.

Her background in place making, digital strategy, philanthropy, residential development and community engagement has equipped her with a clear understanding of how systems shape lived experience, especially for women seeking safety and stability.

Since joining Foodbank WA, Kate has focused on strengthening our purpose to feed, educate and advocate. She champions partnerships that lift communities, not just meet their immediate needs. Her approach reflects a belief that fairness must be built intentionally, from the ground up.

“Balance the Scales speaks to the heart of what fairness should look like. Every woman deserves to feel safe, respected and supported when life becomes difficult”, says Kate.

“We meet women every day who show extraordinary strength. Our job is to make sure the systems around them honour that strength, not work against it.”

In her role, Kate continues to build strong relationships with charity partners, corporates and community groups to build long lasting change across Western Australia. She believes that community connection is how we start to Balance the Scales. Not with grand gestures, but with practical support, shared responsibility and a commitment to fairness.

On International Women’s Day, we recognise the women and girls who face barriers in accessing justice, safety and security. We also recognise the leaders who work to change this. “When we create systems that treat all women with dignity, everyone benefits. Balance the Scales is a reminder that equality is not a privilege, it is a right.”, she says.

Kate’s focus on compassion, inclusion and systemic change reminds us that Balance the Scales is not an annual theme. It is a responsibility we carry every day.