Meet The Board

Rob CookChairman / President

Rob has been involved with One Meal since 2016 where he was Area Coordinator for Sutherland Shire before joining the Management Committee. Over the years Rob has been instrumental in establishing a number of new service areas including Riverwood, Blacktown and additional services within the Sutherland Shire, as well as fostering many links with businesses and the community to ensure a sustainable operational and funding model for the charity.

Rob holds post graduate qualifications in Human Factors and Safety Management Systems and Diplomas in Quality Auditing and Occupational Health and Safety. He has a history in aviation with extensive experience in the development, implementation and management of quality and safety systems. Rob is also experienced in driving organisational change and can comfortably communicate with stakeholders at all organisational levels.

Brenda TrippVice-President

Brenda is a dedicated champion for marginalised, disadvantaged and vulnerable people, particularly in relation to their right to food, shelter and safety, and to be treated with dignity and compassion.
Brenda has 30 years of business experience as a management consultant, the last 12 as CEO of Asia Pacific operations for a multinational firm. Brenda has a Bachelor of Business Science (B.Bus.Sci) from Cape Town University and Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from Massey University.

Specialising in strategic planning, general management, marketing and customer engagement, Brenda has been working and volunteering in the not-for-profit sector since 2015, with particular focus on food security, housing, education and employment pathways to effect sustainable change for disenfranchised communities.

Robert McLachlanSecretary

Rob is an experienced Chairman, Director and Company Secretary with a background working in Professional, Commercial and NFP Organisations. He has expertise in Finance, Corporate Governance, Risk Management, Operations, and Marketing.

Rob has volunteered with One Meal’s Northern Beaches service area since 2020 and has been a key part of the local management committee.

Rob brings a wealth of expertise to the One Meal Board having served as Chairman, CFO and COO of several Major Marketing and communications Companies across Australia and NZ over a 35 year period. He holds a Degree in Accounting and is a member of the Institute of Company Directors, and former Chairman Fellow of Company Secretaries Australia.

Christine RobbinsTreasurer

After retiring from being Chief Accountant of a multinational company for 25 years, Christine has fulfilled her desire to help vulnerable people by using her love for cooking.
Chris has volunteered with various community kitchens and meal services since 2015, and became one of the founding members of our Northern Beaches service area since its inception in 2020. Chris coordinates the Hot Meal program, looks after incoming food donations to ensure quality and freshness, and oversees a weekly One Meal open pantry held at the local RSL for Veterans.

Since joining the board as Treasurer Chris has initiated and completed a comprehensive update of our accounts and financial reporting to ensure we are in line with recognized accounting standards and industry best practice.

Matt HarwardBoard Member

Matt has been volunteering with One Meal since 2015, starting at the City services, and then being instrumental in founding the Sutherland Shire service in July/August 2016.
Matt’s contribution to the community was recognised as he became 2018 SutherlandShire Citizen of the Year.

Matt is an advocate for people having a good support network and works tirelessly to meet that need in our local community.

Matt’s active community presence is directly responsible for many of our wonderful Shire sponsors.

Martin TalackoBoard Member

Martin has been on the Board of One Meal since 2016. He has extensive experience in marketing research having graduated with a degree from the University of Technology Sydney and having held senior positions in Australia and South East Asia at AC Nielsen, Survey Research Group (SRG) and IAMS (Mars Inc). He is the founder and Managing Director of SalDoce Fine Foods, a health food manufacturing company in Sydney, and owner of My Wellness retail shops.

Martin has vast experience in business management & development, marketing and sales.

Joanne OliverBoard Member

Joanne has been volunteering at One Meal Blacktown since 2018 and is the Area Coordinator for the Blacktown service. Joanne was instrumental in establishing a wonderful collaboration with StreetSide Medics to provide GP led medical support to patrons at our Blacktown meal services.

Joanne has extensive experience with over 20 years in Administration at an accounting firm, but her real passion lies in nursing and community support where she works part-time in Aged Care and Disability.

Joanne has lived in the Blacktown area all of her life, and is passionate about helping homeless and disadvantaged members of the community. Joanne’s husband, children and grandchildren are all active volunteers and helper at meal services.

Lee DuffyBoard Member

Diana ProudFounding Member

Diana is the co-founder of One Meal and an active advocate for the homeless. Over the years since that first Christmas meal in December 2014, she has been pivotal in developing the operational side of the charity and expanding its presence to various areas.

Diana was nominated and unanimously voted to be a Life Member at the One Meal AGM held on 9 August 2022.