Community Impact Award

Dismayed by the dearth of ideas to reduce food waste in Australia – currently estimated at an unappetising $36 billion per annum – David distilled his diverse experience into what would become Feedback Organic, a not for profit initially converting food waste into food via urban farms.

The concept began modestly enough in suburban Newcastle, where David established a household food waste collection system and ran community workshops on composting and food management.

Eleven years later, Feedback Organic is a beacon of circular urban agriculture and food education. Since 2013, the group has:

• produced more than 40 tonnes of urban-grown and sustainable organic food, the equivalent of more than 500,000 servings of vegetables
• prevented more than 2 million litres of food waste going to landfill
• created the One Hour Farmer program to engage the urban population in the farming experience and reconnect people with food systems
• engaged more than 2000 community volunteers, employed 20 young farmers, interacted with schools and helped establish three farms

Thanks to these and ongoing programs, David is the recipient of the Community Impact Award as part of the 2024 Southern Cross University Alumni Impact Awards.

“The idea for Feedback Organic started when I was working in hospitality,” says David, who graduated from Southern Cross University with a Bachelor of Business (Hotel Management) in 2004.

“I grew up on a farm, so you gain a strong appreciation of food production – its need, its purpose, its obstacles. You appreciate its value to your family, the community and beyond. 

“It was different when I was in hospitality, because what I saw was a lack of appreciation exemplified by the sheer volume of food waste. 

“Perhaps it was my farming background aligning with my business degree, but I began to think about how these scraps and spoilage might be collected, turned into compost to condition the soil and grow new produce – a circular process that overturned this increasingly wasteful practice.”

Statistics affirm the reality of the crisis. However, the task of turning today’s ideas into tomorrow’s action is a different kettle of yesterday’s leftover fish.

“As much as it is gratifying to see our programs demonstrating what is possible, we have a long way to go,” says David.

“So much more is possible to shift from being part of the food waste problem to being part of its solution; to changing behaviour and building a better food system.

“We need regulatory levers around food systems and waste. Corporations need to report waste. We need a strong selection of stakeholders from business, government, industry and education to invite ideas and drive reform. And we need funding to make that happen.”

Already a recipient of the University of Newcastle’s Student Entrepreneur of the Year Award, David sees validation and inspiration in the Southern Cross University Community Impact Award. He is quick to share the honour with the entire Feedback Organic team.

“As we go forward, I am constantly guided by what I have learned,” he says. “Southern Cross University played a crucial part in my life, and I continue to find insight and direction in its content and its lessons.”