Queensland

This year, team Queensland were able to make a significant shift from vans to trucks, increasing capacity and reliability, to put more food on the table for people in need across Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Cairns. Thanks to a grant-funded 6-pallet truck, a new bulk run found its rhythm, growing steadily with a sharper focus on nutrient-dense kilos and we added new Warehouse Coordinators in Brisbane and Gold Coast to the team.

It wasn’t without its challenges. A rain event in Cairns and Townsville was followed by a cyclone that swept through the south-east, affecting every remaining site. The team responded with weekend collections in Brisbane and Gold Coast, turning disruption into opportunity. Alongside this, Queensland undertook what may have been its biggest ever recruitment drive, seeking drivers across Brisbane, Townsville, Toowoomba, Gold Coast and Cairns. The Sunshine Coast team consolidated its hybrid model of paid and volunteer drivers growing local operations.

Inspiring change

In 2025, Queensland’s education programs reached further than ever before. FEAST was delivered to 255 schools, while NEST welcomed 526 participants across the state, its biggest year of growth yet, with a landmark expansion onto the Gold Coast and a deepening presence in Sunshine Coast and Brisbane, enabling 51 programs in total.

A FEAST highlight was seeing St Ita’s Catholic Primary School in Dutton Park, Grade 3 students mark the end of their 10-week FEAST journey with a parent long lunch, preparing vibrant dishes, sharing favourite recipes, and reflecting on what it means to waste less.

Connecting people to our cause

We welcomed many corporate groups into the kitchen for Cooking for a Cause, creating over 16,000 meals made with love. Kids Cooking for a Cause landed with impact! In Brisbane, the launch session was a hit!

Thanks to incredible support from ABC Radio across the state for bringing our message far and wide during their ABC Gives appeal. And to Pub Choir for connecting their passionate audience to our cause!

Bringing CEO CookOff to life at Brisbane’s Powerhouse was a true highlight. With the help of some incredible business leaders and celebrity chefs, we created a night to remember for special guests from the charities we support, whilst raising crucial funds to keep our wheels turning.