Shepparton Foodshare welcomes its new Executive Officer
By Natasha Fujimoto
A VITAL community organisation, Shepparton Foodshare has redistributed over 4.8M kilograms of food since its inception in 2012. Now, the organisation has entered an exciting new chapter with the appointment of Dione (Dee) Healey as Executive Officer. With a wealth of experience in the housing, homelessness, and family violence sectors, Dee steps into the role with purpose, passion, and a clear vision for the future.
A proud local, Dee was raised and educated in the region before building a career in both Australia and the UK. Her previous leadership roles include managing crisis accommodation services at Launch Housing in Melbourne and serving as General Manager at Wintringham, Community Housing and national specialist aged care provider supporting those experiencing, or at risk of homelessness.
Dee returned to the Goulburn Valley just over a year ago to be closer to family, settling in Tatura and quickly reconnecting with her community. When the opportunity at Shepparton Foodshare arose, she knew it was the right fit.
“This is an incredibly amazing organisation which is led by the community, for the community. To be at this point in Foodshare’s journey, with a beautiful new purpose-built facility and a growing team, is both exciting and humbling,” Dee said.
Shepparton Foodshare collects and redistributes surplus food to local agencies, schools, and community groups across the Goulburn Valley, ensuring people in need can access nutritious and culturally appropriate food. On average, the organisation distributes 390,000 kilograms of food annually, supporting families, children, multicultural communities, and individuals experiencing homelessness or financial hardship.
While food relief remains central to its mission, the focus is shifting toward growth, innovation, and inclusion. Dee will lead the delivery of a new strategic plan to expand services and reach more people who may not currently be accessing support.
“We know demand is growing. At the end of last year, we saw a 30 per cent increase in food distributed, yet we still can’t meet all the need,” Dee said.
“More people are doing it tough due to cost-of-living pressures and are experiencing food and housing instability for the first time. We’re exploring new models so those who need support can access it, regardless of barriers.”
Dee is especially inspired by Foodshare’s new $3 million purpose-built facility, funded by the Federal and State Governments, generous local agencies and community members, and built on land donated by the Andreadis family. With expanded warehousing, a commercial kitchen to minimise waste and maximise food use, larger cooling and freezer rooms, and forklift-friendly access points to reduce manual handling, Dee’s arrival is opportune.
The recent $6 million funding commitment from the Victorian Government, to be shared among six regional Foodshares over two years, will help sustain and possibly grow operations in the years ahead.
But it’s the incredible generosity of monthly supporters, donors, food partners, and volunteers that Dee is most proud of and grateful for.
Speaking the day after Foodshare’s annual fundraiser dinner, Make a Meal of June, Dee was jubilant about the community’s support.
“We raised $110,000 thanks to our amazing donors and monthly partners. As demand grows, so must we. We’re thrilled with the success of Make a Meal of June and truly grateful to all our supporters,” Dee said.
At the heart of Foodshare are its volunteers. Around 30 locals power the warehouse and distribution efforts, many of whom attend daily.
“I’m absolutely blown away by their generosity. They work in the cold, show up without fail, and have built a wonderful camaraderie. We couldn’t do what we do without them.”
If you too would like to support Shepparton Foodshare’s invaluable work, head to its website to find out how at https://www.sheppartonfoodshare.org.au/ and don’t forget to follow the organisation on Instagram and Facebook.
