Meet the New Manly Food Co-op Board Members – 2021
The last two years has taken a lot out of us. The experienced board members that kept the shop going through the tough times were not impervious to the chaos. Keeping a Co-op running with viruses, mask mandates, going cashless, click and collect, and lockdowns is enough to make anyone throw their hands up and call it a day. Luckily for the new board members that isn’t happening. With plans in place for a smooth transition and new procedures these brave souls are taking the ball and running with it. The future of the Manly Food Co-op is in passionate hands and we all are eager to see what they can accomplish now that life is beginning to settle.
Gerrica Hightower
“The MFC is and environmental hub of zero-waste ideas and information that the new board can build upon and expand. I want to invest my time helping my community learn why reducing plastic and being an eco conscious consumer makes a real difference.”
Gerrica has been volunteering her graphic design services for over 2 years and you would have seen some of her signs around the shop. She also contributes her time in her community by hosting clothing swaps and is the volunteer manager with Pittwater Eco Adventures who runs beach cleans at Manly Cove on the first Sunday of the month.
Also known as Eco Tipsy G, she can be found on instagram sharing tips on how to be more environmentally friendly.
Melanie Neuer
“I want to help people discover the Co-op and realise that shopping zero waste doesn’t necessarily mean spending more time, effort or money. I’m joining the board to continue the process of making plastic reduction and living more sustainably more accessible to our community, while supporting local and organic businesses and producers.”
Melanie has been taking care of the social media for the MFC for 2 years and is a senior volunteer with Pittwater Eco Adventures helping spread awareness and keep our beaches clean.
Dee Davidian
“Looking forward to growing connections and championing affordable, sustainable and ethical produce and products for the local community.”
“I’ve always loved cooperatives and what goes on behind the scenes. They provide an amazing opportunity to work together to make ethical and responsible food and products both affordable and accessible whilst strengthening the community around them. I get very passionate about sustainable supply chains, and love how food co-ops have a long history of tackling complex issues in our food system. I have a constellation of experience that includes managing an array of projects related to resource recovery and sustainability, with some related tangents along the way. Outside of work you can find me trying to stand up on a surf board or playing jazz piano. “
Tom Wilson
“I am keen to join the MFC Board to assist in continuing the great work done by previous Board members, volunteers and paid staff, to ensure it keeps growing and thriving in the community. I have been involved with MFC in various roles since 2013 and understand the values that need to continue, while respecting that as the world changes then MFC will need to adapt too. I’m excited to offer my services, specifically in the areas of sustainability, community and strategy.”
Tom’s background covers community development, sustainability and design. He’s passionate about environmental issues, in particular, materials and consumer behaviours, and their impact on the natural environment. Tom currently splits his time between non-profit Wave Changer and a creative role at a sustainable packaging business, with a bit of freelance design work on the side.
Manuela Crouch
I’ve been an active member in MFC for over 15 years volunteering in shop, working bees and laundry roster. I’ve watched the Co-op go from strength to strength and acknowledge the contribution so many have made. It’s my turn to step up and take on a role through the Board.
I’m a HR practitioner with a background in facilitation, mediation and “making stuff happen”.
We want to hear your suggestions. Send us an email to let us know what you want to see happen in the future. This is your community food co-op.
Retiring Board
After a cumulative 75 years of experience with your Manly Food Co-op, Keelah, Sarah, Emmanuelle, Libby and Victoria bid Farewell this year.
You will still see their smiling faces around the shop helping customers and the new board figure things out. This is what community is all about.
