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...

Lynn Richardson brings a wealth of food industry experience, academic research and business acumen to help realise the Sustain mission. A lecturer in Finance, Strategy, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Lynn is deeply committed to progressing fair food systems. Lynn’s contribution as Treasurer blends a 20-year hospitality career with extensive business management expertise. A graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Lynn holds an MBA from the Australian Graduate School of E...

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...

Izo Lourival is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in business development, stakeholder and relationship management, industry and business engagement with the Victorian Government and large higher education institutions. In his most recent role as Investment Manager at the Victorian Government, Izo led business engagement activities and facilitated private sector investments in several of Victoria’s key sectors including food and fibre, renewable energy, international educa...

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...

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...