Our Stories
Kate Shelton – Peace Meals Founder, Board member
Kate Shelton’s relationship with food, originated within a large family on an isolated, largely self-sufficient working property on northern NSW.
Having grown in a caring ‘bush’ community, including Indigenous families, then a city education, some years on a Greek island, and extensive travel, Kate has a broad experience and understanding of diverse cultural and socioeconomic groups.
After studying Art at ANU, Kate has pursued many creative and business ventures involving food, art and design. She published Love of a Laminex Table – a sustainable food journey in 2012.
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“This book is about the inheritance we owe to those who nourish our lives. It documents a process in Australia beyond colonial traditions towards an invitation to a feast enriched by many cultures” – Tommy Murphy
Her business, community and sustainable practices in Queanbeyan and Canberra, resulted in a nomination for ‘Australian of the Year’ award.
During her ‘challenging’ relocation to Melbourne, Kate initiated PeaceMeals as a counteractivity to the xenophobia presented in the media.
Kate still lives to create and always invites a community to share at her table.
Saleha Singh – Director
Saleha Singh first attended a Peace Meals dinner in 2017 and immediately fell in love with the concept. Promoting social equity and harmony; eliminating discrimination; reducing conflict between different races, religions and beliefs; and breaking bread with refugees and new Australians are beliefs she holds dear.
A communications professional who spends her spare time doing community work Saleha is currently a Board member at IndianCare, a not-for-profit organisation. She also uses her voice to bring to the forefront community issues through her bi-weekly webcast, Chai, Chat & Community.
Since her school days, Saleha has been involved in community work – travelling 20 kms by bus to teach underprivileged children. Later she volunteered at Mother Teresa’s home for orphans in Kolkata, India. In Australia she volunteered with the Brotherhood of St Lawrence, helping refugees navigate the governmental system.
As a Board member of Peace Meals, Saleha is optimistic. Along with her Board colleagues she hopes to provide employment and training to refugees and new migrants; promote multiculturism and tolerance; and encourage more people to attend Peace Meals dinners and break bread with refugees and new migrants and to know and appreciate them.
Mary Stephen
“Working in the Pro Bono group at Lander & Rogers I was aware of how many people come to live in our community but felt disconnected, in need of company and friendship. At work I knew people keen to connect, offer friendship and assistance. So when I met Kate and heard about PeaceMeals I loved the idea of bringing people together, to meet and share stories, and connect over a meal.
You can walk in the door at a PeaceMeals dinner feeling slightly apprehensive, and a couple hours later – following a delicious meal and good company and conversation – you leave with your head full of ideas and your phone loaded with new contacts. A PeaceMeals evening is an uplifting experience where people are invited to share stories of resilience and enterprise triumphing over adversity and loss and by so doing, lightening their load and inviting us into their worlds. Peacemeals has truly enriched my life and the lives of my family.”
Hugh Lyons
When Hugh worked at Melbourne law firm Lander & Rogers, he took PeaceMeals on as a pro bono client and assisted with the formal establishment of PeaceMeals Inc , including registration as an official charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission.
“I got involved with PeaceMeals because I deeply believe in PeaceMeal’s mission to celebrate the diversity in our community and to build a socially cohesive Australia. I love the dinners that PeaceMeals hold – they are a terrific chance to expand your network, to meet people from all different backgrounds and to hear their stories”
Miryam Gutierrez
Miryam came from Colombia, South America 20 years ago, to learn English and do her Masters Degree.
When she arrived in Melbourne, she could not speak a word in English but has now completed her Diploma and Masters Degree.
She relied on the Spanish community for friendship and to gain advice on work and how-to live-in Australia.
“The reason because I am volunteering for PeaceMeals is because I would like to help people who come to Australia without any contacts and want to start a new life in this country. PeaceMeals is working on important issues such as integration, culture awareness, equality and mutual respect.”
Awar Kuol
Awar Kuol is a practising Solicitor who specialises in Family and Relationship Law at Lander & Rogers. She and her family arrived as Sudanese refugees from Egypt and settled in Melbourne late 2003 at the age of 9 and began learning English at primary school.
Awar first attended PeaceMeals in 2018 and was instantly drawn to the inviting atmosphere and wholesome conversations. Along with PeaceMeals, Awar is involved in organisations and social enterprises like the South Sudanese Youth United (SSAYU), the Incubate Foundation, A Look Into African Society – La Trobe (ALIAS) and the African Australian Legal Network (AALN) – where she has held leadership and membership positions.
Awar strives to be a voice for young African Australians and hopes to support and guide them achieve their professional dreams and aspirations.