Celebrating the women who strengthen our impact

Why International Women’s Day matters to Foodbank NSW & ACT.

International Women’s Day is a moment to recognise the women who give so much of themselves to ensure no one in NSW & the ACT goes hungry.

This year’s theme, Give to Gain, reflects a truth we see every day: when women are supported, included and empowered, our entire organisation becomes stronger, more resilient and more capable of serving our communities.

Foodbank NSW & ACT continues to grow as an organisation, where women choose to build their careers. Representation of women has increased from 54.1% in 2024 to 57.2% today, reflecting our commitment to inclusion, flexibility and creating pathways for women across all roles.

Women now make up 75% of our Executive Leadership Team, a milestone that reflects our commitment to ensuring leadership reflects the strength and talent across our organisation.

While women form the majority of our executive leadership, we recognise that strengthening representation at all levels remains an ongoing priority. Continued progress requires long‑term commitment, intentional development and sustained investment in leadership pathways for everyone at Foodbank NSW & ACT.

What ‘Give to Gain’ means to Foodbank NSW & ACT

Foodbank NSW & ACT’s work is built on giving so others can gain, and we rely on collaboration across teams, partners and communities. Our Head of Partnerships and Philanthropy, Lauren Kara-George, who leads an all-female team, highlights how working in food relief has shaped her own leadership and offers advice to emerging female leaders.

“I try to instil this mindset in the teams I lead by encouraging women to step forward, try new things, and back themselves, even if it feels a little outside of their comfort zone.

Working in food relief is deeply personal to me. I grew up in a single‑parent family on a council estate in the UK, where my mum worked three jobs and money was incredibly tight. That upbringing shapes how I lead today. I try to pass that mindset on to the women I lead by creating a culture where they feel supported, trusted and so very capable.”

Lauren Kara-George

Head of Partnerships and Philanthropy

Our International Women’s Day

To celebrate, we welcomed retired NSW Police Force Detective Superintendent, Deborah Wallace. Highlighting leadership, resilience and community impact, Deb shared inspiring stories from her remarkable career, many of which brought our staff and volunteers to tears.