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 office 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.
Mia Cox
Consulting & Engagement Manager
Mia 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).
Emily Johnston
AFN & 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.
Megan Hanlon
Finance Manager
Megan brings more than 15 years’ experience in senior finance roles across the not-for-profit sector. A qualified CPA, Megan has strong expertise in financial management, payroll, compliance and governance, and is known for her clear, practical approach to budgeting and reporting.
Megan’s career has focused on organisations supporting young people, justice-involved communities and people with diverse needs, and her values strongly align with Sustain’s mission. Outside of work, Megan runs her own small business, Soul Intent, and spends time gardening in Coburg with her partner and two children.
Dr Rachael Walshe
Communications & Relationships
Coordinator
Rachael is all things relationships and communications at Sustain with ten years’ experience in food systems work. 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).
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.
Michelle Ellis
Treasurer
Michelle is a commercially minded finance leader with extensive experience in financial planning, analysis, reporting and business partnering across agriculture, communications, FMCG, SaaS, tertiary education and utilities. She is a FCPA and holds an MBA (Adv.), BCom and Undergraduate Certificate in Agribusiness and is nearing completion of a Master of Agriculture. Reflecting her strong commitment to community involvement, Michelle has served as Treasurer and Secretary of the Spring Hill Country Fire Authority for many years. She is passionate about sustainable, regenerative agriculture and food systems and is excited to be part of Sustain’s vision for positive, lasting 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.
Linda Glucina
Director
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.
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.
Amy Rudolph
Director
Amy is an experienced lawyer whose career in both the UK and Australia has focused on regulation, with the last ten years in liquor and gambling regulation.
She is committed to fairness, equality and good governance and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).
Amy believes in the power of food in bringing community together and the importance of equitable and sustainable food systems and is excited to be a part of Sustain’s important vision for change.