This year’s Loreto Federation event in October will explore the environment as a social justice issue, including the impacts of climate change on developing nations, aid projects, sustainability, and First Nations peoples.
The theme for the weekend, to be held on October 12 and 13 and Loreto Mandeville Hall, Toorak, will be Environmental Justice – People, Places, and our Shared Future. Among the guest speakers will be Simone Carson AM, a proud alumna of Loreto Mandeville Hall Toorak, the Co-Founder of SecondBite, one of Australia’s largest food rescue organisations.
Simon Carson AM will be guest speaker at the Loreto Foundation event. IMAGE: Loreto website.
“Simone’s journey from a dedicated nurse to a passionate advocate for social and ecological justice exemplifies the Loreto values of compassion, service, and integrity,” the Loreto website says.
Simone’s story began at Loreto Mandeville Hall Toorak, where she studied from Grade 5 in 1973 and graduated in 1980. Her career initially took her to the Intensive Care Unit at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Victoria. Here, over 15 years, she witnessed firsthand the struggles of families who, on top of medical challenges, faced difficulties accessing fresh food. This experience deepened her understanding of the critical link between healthy food and overall wellbeing.
Driven by a belief in the power of community and partnerships, Simone, alongside her husband Ian, founded SecondBite in 2005. What started as a small initiative in Victoria, collecting 600kg of food in its first year, has now grown into a national movement. In 2023 alone, SecondBite distributed over 25 million kg of food, equivalent to 50 million meals, to more than 1,100 charities across Australia.
“As the Co-Founder and current Board Deputy Chair of SecondBite, Simone has been pivotal in advocating for food security and sustainable practices. Her impactful work has earned her recognition: in 2016, she was appointed to the Victorian Honour Roll of Women, and in 2017, she was made a Member of the Order of Australia,” the website says.
“Simone and Ian’s commitment to ending waste and hunger is unwavering. They understand that more than 5 million Australians face severe food insecurity, often skipping meals due to limited access to nutritious food. With an astonishing 7.6 billion kg of food wasted annually in Australia, their mission is more critical than ever.”
On July 1 this year, SecondBite merged with FareShare, creating a powerful organisation dedicated to tackling food security and food waste through both prepared meals and fresh produce. This merger marks a significant step forward in their fight to ensure no Australian goes hungry.
“Simone’s work is a testament to the enduring values instilled by her Loreto education. Her dedication and achievements remind us of the impact we can have when we uphold the principles of justice, mutual respect, and service. Join us at Loreto Federation 2024 to hear Simone’s inspiring story and learn how we can all contribute to a more just and sustainable future.”
Simone Carson is one of the many esteemed presenters speaking at the Federation conference, to access program details and book your ticket, please visit TryBooking.
This article was drawn from information on the Loreto Australia and South East Asia website.