Sustain is a health promotion charity and accredited social enterprise where policy experts, citizen farmers, community connectors and researchers stand side-by-side, working together to transform food systems.
From our urban farm in Northern Melbourne (Naarm), we work at the systems level to shape government policy, generate impactful research and gather food system champions together. At the grassroots, we nurture human and ecological wellbeing across our community farm collective, support local food projects to form and invite all Australians to step-into a better food system through our range of events.
This is the team that makes the mission happen.
Staff
Nick Rose
Co-founder & Executive Director
Nick is a visionary leader dedicated to transforming food systems. As a food systems educator, a Churchill Fellow, editor of two food movement anthologies and established researcher, Nick brings a wealth of knowledge to Sustain. Recognised as one of Australia’s leading champions of sustainable food systems, Nick’s expertise has been a driving force behind Sustain’s impactful initiatives, positioning it at the forefront of food system innovation and sustainability.
Sibilla Foxton
General Manager
A ‘country girl’ originally from Central Queensland (Baradha Country), Sibilla’s project management and community engagement career has seen her work and study around the globe. Following an undergraduate degree in Creative Industries and a Master of International Relations, Sibilla has pulled together global FMCG launch events all over Europe, undertaken small business consulting in Ireland, run marketing workshops and training for an NGO in the Philippines, set up a successful hospitality business in NSW, and most recently worked alongside Australian First Nations communities in native food programs.
Daniel Eb
Strategic Communications Manager
A Nuffield Scholar and Social Impact Hub Fellow, Daniel champions farmers as key in the transition to a just and regenerative food system. He applies his expertise as a farming impact project founder, for-purpose marketer and writer to Sustain’s communications.
Mia Cox
Senior Project Officer
Mia is the Senior Projects Officer at Sustain and has 12 years’ experience working in community development in both not-for-profit and local government settings. Mia brings skills in community and stakeholder engagemet, place-based community building, sector development, strategic planning and policy development. She has a Bachelor of Development Studies and Indonesian Language & Studies (UNSW).
Dr Rachael Walshe
Senior Research Officer
Rachael is a Senior Research Officer at Sustain with ten years’ experience in food systems work. Rachael is a human geographer who understands the power of place in responding to complex global challenges. They are a multi-award-winning researcher who has particular expertise in school and community gardens, spatial analysis, qualitative and quantitative research and feasibility modelling. Rachael holds a PhD in Society and Culture from James Cook University, a certificate in Transforming Food Retail Environments from Monash University, a Bachelor of Arts in Human Geography (James Cook University) and a Bachelor of Environmental Management, Sustainability Major (University of the Sunshine Coast).
Emily Johnston
Communications Manager
Emily is a strategic communications and capacity building specialist who led marketing and communications for the social enterprise she co-founded in Germany. She has designed and facilitated leadership programs, workshops, team retreats and events for dozens of organisations across the sustainability and international development sectors. In a past life, she was a wilderness guide who walked the Overland Track more than 40 times! Her passion for transforming food systems was sparked during her Bachelor of Social Science (Environment) at RMIT.
Elke Johnson
Project Officer
Elke is passionate about all things food systems. Growing up on Dja Dja Wurrung country with Italian family everything was about growing, eating and celebrating culture through food. Elke started at Sustain in a volunteer role and now works as a project officer. She holds a Bachelor of International Studies from RMIT where she specialised in Indigenous Studies and Food Politics.
Jesse Redlich
Urban Farm Co-ordinator
Jesse is a queer farmer and parent living and working on Wurundjeri-Woiwurrung Country. Jesse brings many years’ experience in urban horticulture and youth work to the work of building community through growing food. Jesse has a Masters of Art Therapy.
Hugh Simpson
Advocacy Officer
Hugh is passionate about advocacy, community development and policymaking to affect change across the food system. He holds Master of International Development Practice and Bachelor of Health Science.
Jemma Stefanou
Urban Farm Co-ordinator
Jemma is a settler-migrant, queer and disabled person living and working on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country. They work as an urban farmer and community connector with a focus on identity, healing and learning through food growing and sharing, respectfully, on stolen land. They hold a Bachelor of Agriculture.
Board
Kelly Donati
Co-Founder
Kelly believes in the power of food to create nourishing, convivial and equitable communities. Having developed Australia’s only Bachelor of Food Studies at William Angliss Institute, Kelly has significantly advanced food systems education. A recipient of a prestigious Rachel Carson fellowship in Munich, she is now a RMIT Vice-Chancellor’s Research Fellow. Kelly’s contributions to Sustain’s research and policy work help us build the evidence base for meaningful change in food system policy and practice.
Niki Ford
Chair
Niki is the CEO of AgForce Queensland and former CEO of Australian Organic Ltd. She has held senior executive roles with EcoFarms, Kadac, and Heineken Lion. She is also a graduate of the Australian Rural Leadership Program and a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Niki is a values-driven leader with deep experience across agriculture, food, and consumer industries, who is committed to ensuring the voices of producers and communities shape the future of Australia’s food landscape.
Linda Glucina
Treasurer
Linda is Head of Solution Consulting at MYOB. Linda drives innovative solutions and is a seasoned finance, IT and governance expert with an MBA, FCPA, GAICD, and Chartered Secretary designations. She boasts a strong record on non-profit boards and is passionate about Sustain’s vision for systemic change.
Elisa Monagle
Secretary
Elisa is a strategic communications and brand specialist with extensive experience across the non-profit, social enterprise and consulting sectors. She is the founder of Story Consulting and has held executive leadership roles in national charities. She has a strong background in governance, organisational strategy, and community-led initiatives.
Eamonn Moran PSM KC
Director
Eamonn not only has extensive experience as a lawyer but also governance, management and operational experience as the head of two public sector entities in Victoria and one in Hong Kong. He has also headed up a community organisation in Australia focused on effective communication and an international body focused on clear legal language.