The Co-op Board consists of up to seven voluntary directors who are active members of the Co-op. Election of directors occurs at the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
The board meets monthly and is always keen to hear from members. If you would like to share feedback, raise a question or concern please contact us at hello@bmfoodcoop.org.au
To be able to attend a board meeting you must be a current paid member and advise your attendance by email 24 hours before the scheduled date of the meeting to hello@bmfoodcoop.org.au
Susan has lived on Gundungurra and Darug country in Katoomba for the last twenty three years and has been a member of the Co-op for all of those years. She worked as a volunteer at the Co-op prior to being employed between 2001 and 2011 working on the shop floor, as the Donations Coordinator, and also serving as a staff representative to the Board for a period of time. Susan has served on two other voluntary Boards/Management Committees of community organisations and has an understanding of the workings of a Board and the responsibilities of a Board member. Susan is currently employed as a library assistant at Blue Mountains Library and is a member of Blue Mountains Together for Timor and Trek for Timor voluntary committees. She has also worked variously as a stage manager, actor, research assistant, secretary and marketing assistant at a music company and also at the Commonwealth Employment Service.
As an accountant Leonie’s earliest involvement with social enterprise was as a junior auditor working with clients such as legal centres and co-operatives. She has been a company director for more than 20 years, and has acted in an honorary capacity for various community organisations. Leonie has been a Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer, and has experience in HR, technology, customer experience, professional services, finance and compliance. Leonie aims to be a better gardener, and to complete a long list of unfinished handicrafts.
Cecilia Hung is a social worker and a freelance journalist. She was born and raised in Taiwan and moved to the Blue Mountains in 2018. Her journalist work focuses on the topic of migration, gender issues, sustainable development and climate change. Her social work emphasises community development and environmental issues. She also serves as a committee member of Mountains Outreach Community Services and NBMLHD Multicultural Health Governance Committee. Her passion for social justice and inclusion has been the central value of her work.
Elizabeth joined the Co-op about 15 years ago – she was delighted to find a place where all her favourite foods were readily available at a reasonable price. She has a passion for natural health and has been actively involved with the Natural Health Society of Australia for fifty years. She has been a member of the management teams of a number of other community organisations, as well as running her own business for the last 35 years. Elizabeth believes strongly in the ethos of the Blue Mountains Food Co-op and is excited to be working with a dynamic and committed Board.
Leanne is a registered nurse who is passionate about health, believing the food we eat should nurture and protect the earth and connect our community. Leanne has been involved with the Co-op in a variety of ways since she moved to the mountains almost 11 years ago – as shop staff, office co-ordinator, newsletter editor, and also with the Board as staff representative. Prior to becoming a nurse she worked in law and was also a retail manager for a multi-national corporation where she learned the fundamentals of strong leadership with a focus on personal development and awareness.
Rachel believes that we all have a responsibility to actively support and volunteer in our local communities and wants to hold herself to account for her own social values. She has seen first-hand how food insecurity plays out and how collective models drive real and practical change. Rachel has over 20 years’ experience in governance, advocacy, social outcomes and ‘getting things done’ within government, and currently leads strategy and business planning in one of the biggest government departments in NSW. She is passionate about embracing new technologies to improve accessibility and customer experience.
Candace is the founder of Wild Health Hub and an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach with over 30 years of experience in holistic living, fermentation, and culinary nutrition. She combines her wellness expertise with over 20 years of corporate project management, bringing strategic leadership and operational efficiency to the Co-Op. Candace also serves on the board of the Natural Health Society of Australia and supports women entrepreneurs as a team leader for Women With Altitude. She is passionate about promoting sustainable practices and empowering individuals to take control of their health through food and lifestyle choices.
The board of the Blue Mountains Food Co-op, in consultation with management, is responsible for the delivery of the Co-op’s aims, to set its strategic direction, and to uphold its values.
Download a Directors Nomination Kit here.
The Co-op Story
From humble beginnings in a garage some 40 years ago, Blue Mountains Food Co-op has grown to be the largest food co-op in Australia with over 2,500 members.
The original aims of those pioneering members remain the same today: to provide quality organic food at affordable prices and support the environment and local community.
Open seven days a week in the heart of Katoomba, the Co-op sells fresh organic fruit and vegetables, locally grown produce, a wide selection of bulk wholefoods and packaged groceries, organic dairy products, environmentally friendly bulk cleaning and personal care items, and much more.
The Co-op is committed to supporting environmental, social justice, and food security causes. We donate 10% of our annual surplus earnings to charities and community organisations, and facilitate outreach initiatives including food making and growing workshops and events. Every Wednesday seniors and concession card holders can shop at member prices.
Read The Rules of the Co-op here.