People

Dr Kelly Donati developed and lectures in Australia’s first Bachelor of Food Studies and Master of Food Systems and Gastronomy in the Faculty of Higher Education at William Angliss Institute. Her doctoral research developed the concept of multispecies gastronomy which explores the convivial and lively co-productive collaborations between humans and nonhumans in small-scale farming practice. She has published widely in the areas of multispecies gastronomy, community gardens, farmers markets, t...

Michelle has 17 years of experience working in the Not For Profit sector. From her experience, including her role as the National General Manager for the Planning Institute of Australia, she brings strategic, financial & governance experience to her Board role at Sustain. Michelle’s background in urban & regional planning has always focused her on our communities needs with a strong interest in food security. Michelle is also a keen grower of food & volunteers at her local food bank with a bel...

Linda is a Fellow CPA, Chartered Secretary and graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. For over 35 years Linda has worked in Information Technology in senior end user, system integrator and vendor roles. Linda has worked across the JAPAC region and is now focused on the ANZ market working strategically with customers to achieve their maximum potential through leading edge technologies and services. Linda believes it is important to invest in organisations that deliver s...

Tom has nearly 30 years’ experience as a barrister at the Victorian Bar. In 1984 he was appointed Assistant Director of Policy and Research for the Victorian Attorney General. In September 1989 he was appointed a Crown Prosecutor, and in that role prosecuted major criminal trials and appeared in about 1800 appeals in the Court of Appeal and about 60 in the High Court. He took Silk in 2011. His areas of practice include Appeals, criminal trials, OH&S, Confiscations, Administrative Law, Cont...

Ruth Kharis is a sustainable food policy expert with extensive experience of working with First Nations and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities in public health nutrition and health promotion. Early in her 33-year career as an Accredited Practising Dietitian, she developed a passion for sustainable food systems. Ruth has achieved further qualifications and training, by completing a Master of Environmental Planning and being a PhD candidate for nine years at the Australian Natio...

Associate professor in Strategy and International Business at Warwick Business School, with research interests in negotiation, art in management education. Work experience in the social action sector, management consultancy with a range of organisations.

Katherine Utry joins the Sustain board with over 25 years’ experience across the public sector as a health professional in health service and government settings. Over the past 10 years she has held a range of senior leadership and executive roles, with a particular focus on policy and strategy. In previous professional roles, Katherine has worked in the field of population health and prevention; working with Victorian government departments, local government, NGOs and other organisations t...