About Me - My Biography

Miranda has been working in the Melbourne food industry for 25 years. Her extensive career as a chef, in catering and food journalism formed the background to the establishment of Melbourne’s first farmers markets in the Collingwood Children’s Farm in 2002.

When she was a food journalist, Miranda kept finding herself wondering when the bubble would burst, because she wasn’t a journalist by training. Instead, she found that her practical, firsthand experience in the food industry was very well received. She found that she loved being a conduit between food processors and the public – a love that she eventually channelled into the work she does today at Melbourne Farmers Markets.

Miranda was one of the six to be awarded the status of Melbourne Food & Wine Festival Legend in 2015.

Her Story

Juggling a young family, a freelance career and a blur to Victoria, she started organising the monthly meetup and one quickly multiplied into three.

Today, Melbourne Farmers Markets is a not-for-profit company with a voluntary board of directors. The company has seven accredited farmers markets, two of which run every week. Miranda is as hands-on as ever, but also employs a small specialist team of management, communications and business development.

Miranda is especially proud of all the hundreds of small regional farming businesses that have benefitted from the opportunities that Melbourne Farmers Markets presents.

She is currently seeking to diversify into a network of services to assist in the growth and sustainability of the local food system. She is driven by her belief in the work she does and that she can make an increasing impact for Victorian farmers.

“Without the farmers, the rest isn’t possible.”

Strategies for Success

  • Being a consultative thinker. A business has many complexities and the capacity to listen, observe, and consider before acting is pivotal to good decision-making.
  • Being a doer. Jumping in to contribute as a valuable member of the team is a vital means of staying respected and connected with the team, plus the interface of the business.
  • Being firm about your convictions. As the team leader, and with the whole vision of the organisation, being strong and decisive is essential.
  • Being a good employer. Creating an environment that values its team with clear expectations, a degree of workability, personal satisfaction and an enjoyable workplace.
  • Recognizing and responding to natural evolution of a business. Recognizing when things need to change and adapt.