Meet the people powering Foodbank

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. 

About Foodbank WA

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 food stress.

  • Providing 9.2 million meals last financial year to those who were doing it tough.
  • Distributing food and groceries through 352 frontline charities.
  • Providing breakfast and fruit to over 550 schools feeding almost 26,100 children weekly.
  • Delivering nutrition education 7,092 attendances to children, adults, parents and people with disability.

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. To meet demand, we will also purchase essential food staples to ensure we have enough stock available.

Read our Strategic Plan 2024-2027.

Our purpose is to Feed. Educate. Advocate.

Our values are Respect, Compassion, Integrity, Collaboration and Responsibility.

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Derek La Ferla Foodbank WA Board Chair
Derek La Ferla

Chair

State Board of Directors

Foodbank WA Patsy Mitchell Board of Directors
Patsy Mitchell

Director

State Board of Directors

Anika Sadler Foodbank WA Board Director
Anika Sadler

Director

State Board of Directors

Clint Johnson Foodbank WA Board Director
Clint Johnson

Director

State Board of Directors

Nick Yeo Foodbank WA Board Director
Nick Yeo

Director

State Board of Directors

Steve Harris Foodbank WA Board Director
Steve Harris

Director

State Board of Directors

Christina Pollard Foodbank WA Board Director
Dr Christina Pollard

Director

State Board of Directors

Kate O'Hara
Kate O'Hara

Chief Executive Officer

State Leadership Team

Michael Davidson

Chief Transformation Officer

State Leadership Team

Rene Wang
Rene Wang

Head of Finance

State Leadership Team

Latisha Hoera
Latisha Hoera

Head of Customer & Demand

State Leadership Team

David Warren
David Warren

Head of People and Culture

State Leadership Team

Moira Aynsley in front of Foodbank banner
Moira Aynsley

Head of Strategy, Brand and Technology

State Leadership Team

Ian de Nazareth
Ian de Nazareth

Head of Fundraising and Partnerships

State Leadership Team

Mike McLaren
Mike McLaren

Head of Logistics and Infrastructure

State Leadership Team

Jennifer Tartaglia
Jennifer Tartaglia

Head of Nutrition Education

State Leadership Team

Brianna Casey

Chief Executive Officer – Foodbank Australia

National Leadership Team

Sarah Pennell

Chief Operating Officer – Foodbank Australia

National Leadership Team

Duncan Makeig
Duncan Makeig

Independent Chair of the Foodbank Australia Board

National Board of Directors

Tanya Barden

Independent Director Foodbank Australia Board

National Board of Directors

Mike Hill

Member Representative (QLD) Non-Executive Director Foodbank Australia Board

National Board of Directors

Fiona Simson

Independent Director Foodbank Australia Board

National Board of Directors

Christine Feldmanis

Member Representative (NSW) Non-Executive Director Foodbank Australia Board

National Board of Directors

Jeremy Pettet

Member Representative (Tasmania) Non-Executive Director Foodbank Australia Board

National Board of Directors

Mark Lollback

Independent Director Foodbank Australia Board

National Board of Directors

John Harvey

Member Representative (SA) Non-Executive Director Foodbank Australia Board

National Board of Directors

Derek La Ferla Foodbank WA Board Chair
Derek La Ferla

Member Representative (WA) Non-Executive Director Foodbank Australia Board

National Board of Directors

Angus Laing

General Manager – Information Management – Foodbank Australia

National Leadership Team

Rebecca Collins

General Manager – Marketing and Communications – Foodbank Australia

National Leadership Team

Erica Goldfinch

General Manager – National Supply Chain

National Leadership Team

Brendon Smyth

General Manager – National Partnerships

National Leadership Team

Our Patrons


His Excellency the Honourable
Chris Dawson APM

Governor of Western Australia, Patron

His Excellency the Honourable Chris Dawson APM was sworn in as the 34th Governor of Western Australia on 15 July 2022.

The Dawson family have been part of the early colonial settlers over five generations of farming and law enforcement. The Governor’s great-great-grandparents arrived in the then Swan River colony in Western Australia in 1830.

Christopher John Dawson APM was educated at Perth Modern School before joining the Western Australia Police Force in 1976, going on to provide 46 years of service in Australian law enforcement.

The Governor of Western Australia has been the Patron of Foodbank WA since 2018 following the appointment of Kim Beazley AC KStJ to the role, supporting our food relief efforts and purpose to Feed. Educate. Advocate.



Mrs Darrilyn Dawson

Co-Patron

Coming from a long line of farming families in the South West, Mrs Darrilyn Dawson is a passionate supporter of the diverse contributions the country sector makes to our state.

As an Education Consultant, Mrs Dawson is passionate about early intervention at every opportunity and providing all children with the foundations to be their very best in whatever they aspire to do or be.

The Governor and Mrs Dawson have always supported each other in their respective career choices and aspirations. Mrs Dawson is looking forward to spending more time with her husband as they work together promoting Western Australia, as well as acknowledging the many wonderful people in our community.

Mrs Dawson joined the Governor as Joint Patron in 2023, joining the Governor to advocate more effectively as Joint Patrons.

Our Ambassadors


Alice Murray

Channel 7

Alice Murray is a Senior Reporter with Seven West Media. Alice first came across Foodbank WA while doing a news story on our School Breakfast Program and quickly joined as an Ambassador.

“Foodbank WA is simply an incredible organisation, and I’m so proud to be an ambassador and raise awareness of its work. How Foodbank WA gives back to Western Australians is remarkable, particularly the real charitable value for those wishing to donate funds or food. $1 dollar = 2 meals. What struck me is how everyone at Foodbank WA is united behind a common goal, and the innovative programs that have been created to achieve that goal. Everyone helps, some don’t need a ‘title’ or credit, which I think speaks to the inspiration that Foodbank WA sparks.”



Kerri Buurman

Vitality Finance

Kerri’s career began as a credit manager at one of Australia’s top banks, where she gained invaluable insights into the loan assessment process. This experience has enabled her to work closely with clients to help them achieve their financial goals. Known for her approachable and trustworthy nature, Kerri is also an accomplished public speaker. She uses her platform to educate and inspire, sharing her finance expertise and advocating for causes close to her heart.

“I first became aware of the amazing work Foodbank does for our community through a good friend around 15yrs ago. Throughout this time I have supported Foodbank in various ways including being the MC for the annual “Empty Bowls” event and the Auctioneer at the inaugural Foodbank Ball. Becoming an ambassador further enables me to raise awareness of Foodbank and the difference they make in the lives of Australians battling food insecurity. I look forward to helping Foodbank in the fight against hunger and food waste in Western Australia.”

Join the team

Want to work at Foodbank WA?

We employ people from various backgrounds in various jobs, such as transport, logistics, donor relations, programs, partnerships, fundraising, finance, IT and marketing.

If you’re keen to use your skills to help us fight hunger, check out our vacancies below.

View opportunities

Get involved

Whether you donate to Foodbank WA with funds or food, give your time through volunteering, or simply spread the word, your involvement helps to feed hope and grow more resilient communities. 
No one can do everything–but everyone can do something!

Donate money Donate Food Donate time or services

Individuals, community groups, schools and businesses all get involved raising funds for Foodbank WA. We’d love your help too when it comes to community fundraising for food assistance.

Hold a food drive Start a fundraiser Support a fundraiser

Volunteering with Foodbank WA gives you the chance to directly help people in a fun and flexible way. You could be helping shoppers choose affordable food, assisting in our warehouse, helping at a Mobile Foodbank, in our Community Kitchen preparing delicious meals, at a Foodbank stall or an event.

Individual volunteering Team volunteering Corporate challenges