We are so grateful to have had Janine join our team as a Board Advisor in January of this year. In this post we learn more about Janine by asking her a few questions about her work, how she came to join our team through the Westpac Board Observership Program, and in true TCG nature, a bit about her favourite foods. If you would like to learn more about the other amazing members of our Board, head to our Board Members page.
What is it about The Community Grocer that made you want to join the team?
It is really important for my engagement to be passionate about what I am doing. The Community Grocer absolutely ticked all the boxes for me. It is a tremendous organisation with great impact, proven by world class research that is really making a difference and I see great potential regarding expansion and future impact. The basic need for accessibility to healthy and affordable food and the community connectivity it brings is so simple and yet so important and powerful and the team are amazing!
You have a very impressive background - how do you imagine you will contribute to TCG’s strategy?
I am a Chartered Accountant by trade and have broad experience across large Financial Services organisations. In terms of application to The Community Grocer, I bring strong experience across finance, risk, governance and delivery which is important in a growing organisation such as TCG. Through this experience, I feel that I can contribute to the sustainability of TCG which is a key strategic pillar and in particular helping to establish and mature the Governance, Risk & Finance Sub-Committee as a key sub-committee to support the Board.
Can you tell us a little more about the Westpac Board Observership Program?
The Board Observership Program is a Westpac Foundaton run program in partnership with Minter Ellison. It is a 12 month program that aims to provide talent, new skills and fresh perspectives into not for profit organisations with participants attending Board meetings in an observer / advisor capacity. For me, I was keen to do more than observe and it has been great that the Board have adopted me in and treat me absolutely as an equal (albeit without voting rights!)
What is your favourite dish?
That is a hard one, as I love so many dishes. I always say however that if there was just one dish that I had to eat at every meal for the rest of my life it would have to be Nasi Goreng (with extra chilli, a stick or two of chicken satay and of course a fried egg on top!) It is such a simple yet tasty dish that works for breakfast, lunch or dinner!
What is something you ate a lot growing up?
I grew up in Yorkshire in the UK and my Grandad was a butcher. I have very fond memories of eating his award winning pork pies that were made with love. Also my Mum’s Sunday roast beef and of course Yorkshire pudding.
What is your go-to recipe?
I always have lots of fresh veggies in the house which I love to roast. So easy and versatile to have with pasta, salad, protein, frittata and is my go to foundation for many meals.
Is there a food you love that other people find a little odd?
I love BBQ’d prawns. Nothing too unusual about that I guess, however I especially love eating the crispy bits (including the head, legs and tail) which completely freaks my husband out! I do the same with crispy fried chicken wings, often there is not much left on my plate apart from the non-crispy bones when I am done. Finger licking good I say!
We know those in the hospitality sector are having an incredibly difficult time; when things open back up, what local eatery do you recommend everyone try, and why?
I am based in Sydney and my favourite place to hang-out is a tiny Boho type café / bar called the Belgrave Cartel in Manly. Nothing flash but it’s one of those great little places where none of the furniture matches and is great anytime, be it for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks or drinks (I go a lot!) The owners are of Italian Heritage and have poured blood sweat and tears into this place. They have rooftop bees making Belgrave Cartel Honey and the best meatballs with Nonna’s tomato sauce!
COVID has been a huge challenge for everyone - what have you done to keep positive when things are really tough?
For me, exercise is the key ingredient for mental wellbeing. I love to run and run most days when I can, preferably with my dog @bommiethevizsla
TCG is all about people so it is great to share the stories of some of our team! Keep an eye for more in the future, and in the meantime check out Janine's dog's antics at @bommiethevizsla.
To find out more about the Westpac Board Observership Program or the delicious Belgrave Cartel just click their green links!