In recognition of Foodbank Victoria and their ongoing efforts towards food relief, we’re donating $30,000 to assist with their efforts in providing for those suffering from food insecurity over the holiday period. We also chatted with a pair of Foodbank volunteers, Kylie Mackinlay and Andy Knauth, about why they joined, their experience during the pandemic, and the impact of their work.
KYLIE MACKINLAY –FOOD PROGRAMS COORDINATOR
Q: How did you begin working/ volunteering at Foodbank VIC?
A: I come from a café hospitality background, so my focus has always been about food and people. I’ve followed (stalked!) Foodbank Victoria for a couple of years and have always been impressed by the impact they have. The pandemic hit the hospitality industry hard and triggered a lot of self-reflection on where I wanted to be—and what I wanted to be doing—then this role popped up, ticking all the boxes!
Q: What is your favourite aspect of working with Foodbank VIC?
A: Working with a great team that makes a difference—ensuring families have food on their tables. What’s your most memorable moment working/volunteering at Foodbank? It would have to be a tie between watching Virginia Trioli broadcast live from the Greenspace (warehouse) and Steve’s infamous homemade cheesecake!
Q: Do you have to be a food connoisseur to work/volunteer at Foodbank?
A: No, there are so many different roles within Foodbank, from operations and logistics to marketing and fundraising. I’d say the majority in my team are foodies though!
Q: What’s it like to work/volunteer for the Foodbank “family”?
A: It’s heartwarming to see people’s appreciation and feel a positive contribution to the community. I love the diversity of people I get to meet and the diversity of the projects that we get to deliver.
Q: How has the pandemic impacted the demand for food?
A: Many people who've never dreamed of needing food relief services, have come forward. The pandemic has delivered a huge surge in demand, the extra cost of living pressures, highlighting the already significant inequalities when it comes to access to food.
Q: How did Foodbank need to adjust to the impact of the pandemic (i.e., restrictions, delivery of programs etc.)?
A: Like so many other organisations, we’ve had to adjust to working from home, and zoom meetings etc. Covid has added a layer of logistic difficulties for such a large team, that travels to so many people. But we’ve also started new programs. For instance, we opened an International Pop Up Store in response to the lack of support for our international students. And we’ve also adapted existing programs, like when we switched our Farms to Families 'farmers style market’ to a hamper drive through. And last but not least, the School Breakfast Club now delivers online cooking classes.
ANDY KNAUTH –VOLUNTEER
Q: How did you begin working/volunteering at Foodbank VIC?
A: A lovely local friend told me that Foodbank were looking for a few more volunteers to help out before Christmas. I jumped at the opportunity. I called straight away and started the very next week. It’s now been 5 weeks and I’m loving every day I’m there.
Q: Why did you decide to work/ volunteer at Foodbank VIC?
A: I’ve been wanting to volunteer at Foodbank for the past 18 months, but due to the pandemic and lockdowns they were not taking on new people. I live locally, within walking distance to the Foodbank warehouse. I’ve been involved in the hospitality industry for a long time and have seen firsthand how much food goes to waste. Getting involved with Foodbank is my way of becoming part of the solution to food waste. There are people who have it tough, so for me to help with my time and energy is the least I can do. It feels good to give back.
Q: What is your favourite aspect of working with Foodbank VIC?
A: My favourite part of the day is picking the bulk food orders that go out to all the varied different charities, especially picking in the cold room on hot days.
Q: What’s your most memorable moment working/volunteering at Foodbank?
A: Walking in on my first day and being so warmly welcomed by Louise (one of the volunteer coordinators). I was so impressed at how the generous spirt of the Foodbank was on display everywhere.
Q: Do you have to be a food connoisseur to work/volunteer at Foodbank?
A: Definitely not. If anything, you need to be fit. I enjoy cooking myself and seeing all the different types of fresh produce and the packaged goods has motivated me to get cracking in the kitchen again. I’ve heard there are even Foodbank recipe cards available to inspire people to get cooking.
Q: What’s it like to work/volunteer for the Foodbank “family”?
A: It’s still early days but I already feel part of the Foodbank family and I have made some great friends. Everyone is respectful and friendly. I’m looking forward to learning new skills in other areas of the Foodbank group and meeting more of the family.
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present, and emerging.
NAIDOC Week is a celebration of the history, culture and achievements of the First Nations people. This year's theme is a call to recognise, protect, and maintain their heritage. We talked to Rona Ngamperle Glynn-Mcdonald, founder of Common Ground. This First Nations-led not-for-profit works to amplify the knowledge, cultures and stories of the First Nations people.
Q: WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT IS YOUR STORY?
A: I am a proud Kaytetye woman from Central Australia. My work focuses on creating spaces for First Nations People centred on storytelling. Since finishing high school in 2013, I have worked across the not-for-profit sector with First Nations and non-Indigenous organisations. I've also founded a not-for-profit called Common Ground and a First Nations consulting practice at YLab.
Q: HOW DID YOU COME TO START COMMON GROUND?
A: Growing up in Mparntwe (Alice Springs), I saw how the colonial systems we live within impacted (and continue to impact) my community in unique and dangerous ways. After attending university, I began to realise the extent to which colonialism permeates all areas of our society, perpetuated by the narratives we've been sharing as a nation since colonisation. As a result, I founded Common Ground in 2018 to create spaces where First Nations individuals and communities could share their perspectives, voices and knowledge.
Q: WHAT DOES NAIDOC WEEK MEAN TO YOU?
A: For me, it's a week to reflect and celebrate the achievements and resilience of First Nations People and communities. I walk with a deep listening of the voices of my Ancestors and leaders in my community every day. So having a week dedicated to honouring them while giving space to appreciate the richness and strength of our communities is always special.
Q: WHY IS STORYTELLING IMPORTANT?
A: First Nations people are the original storytellers—inherent to First Nations storytelling is truth-telling. Both are at the centre of Country, Law, culture and language. It's how we organise knowledge and how we continue to pass on this knowledge for the generations to come. It's what keeps our communities strong.
TO MAKE SURE THESE STORIES LIVE ON
We donated $20,000 AUD to Common Ground—a First Nations-led not-for-profit that works to amplify the knowledge, cultures and stories of the First Nations people
We’re proud of (and have so much love for) our LGBTQIA+ squad. To close out Pride Month we talked to members of Quay’s internal team for a short conversation on why love is key and how you can be an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community beyond Pride Month.
RACHEL, SHE/THEY WHAT DOES SELF-LOVE MEAN TO YOU?Being able to express who you are. WHAT DOES ALLYSHIP LOOK LIKE TO YOU?For me, allyship looks like a friend who stand with you through everything, no matter what they are going through.
JAVON, SHE/HER WHAT DOES SELF-LOVE MEAN TO YOU?Always putting yourself first and ensuring that you are always priority no matter what anyone's opinion is. WHAT DOES ALLYSHIP LOOK LIKE TO YOU?For me, allyship is fighting for the rights of others and giving a voice to those who are constantly silenced.
MATTHEW, HE/HIM WHAT DOES SELF-LOVE MEAN TO YOU?Being authentically me and not apologizing for it. WHAT DOES ALLYSHIP LOOK LIKE TO YOU?For me, allyship is always practising social justice, no matter how big or small it is.
JAZ, SHE/HER WHAT DOES SELF-LOVE MEAN TO YOU?Expressing yourself. WHAT DOES ALLYSHIP LOOK LIKE TO YOU?For me, allyship is being included.
JAMES, HE/HIM WHAT DOES SELF-LOVE MEAN TO YOU?Creating space for me time, which is time spent doing anything that recharges or fulfils me. WHAT DOES ALLYSHIP LOOK LIKE TO YOU?For me, allyship is reminding yourself that you must always uplift + include others without judgment.
PATTY, SHE/HER WHAT DOES SELF-LOVE MEAN TO YOU?Loving yourself despite of your faults. WHAT DOES ALLYSHIP LOOK LIKE TO YOU?For me, allyship is accepting everyone no matter their background or creed and advocating for their well-being when it matters.
ROW, SHE/HER WHAT DOES SELF-LOVE MEAN TO YOU?Acceptance of my truth and bringing that truth to the forefront. WHAT DOES ALLYSHIP LOOK LIKE TO YOU?For me, allyship is the privileged lending their voices to amplify those from unheard groups.
JARAD, HE/HIM WHAT DOES SELF-LOVE MEAN TO YOU?Putting yourself first. Being your true self. WHAT DOES ALLYSHIP LOOK LIKE TO YOU?For me, allyship is peace and love.
BROOKE, SHE/HER WHAT DOES SELF-LOVE MEAN TO YOU?Putting yourself first. WHAT DOES ALLYSHIP LOOK LIKE TO YOU?For me, allyship is standing and supporting others 100%.
JEREMY, HE/HIM WHAT DOES SELF-LOVE MEAN TO YOU?It’s more than just loving yourself; it means embracing your true inner beauty without holding back and limiting your potential to fit societal standards. WHAT DOES ALLYSHIP LOOK LIKE TO YOU?For me, allyship is celebrating not only each other but support for one another.
NYDIA YAMANAKA, SHE/HER WHAT DOES SELF-LOVE MEAN TO YOU?Self-acceptance. Loving myself flaws and all. We are perfectly imperfect and that's more than ok. WHAT DOES ALLYSHIP LOOK LIKE TO YOU?For me, an ally listens, an ally celebrates, an ally rallies.
MICHELLE, SHE/HER WHAT DOES SELF-LOVE MEAN TO YOU?Putting myself in situations that serves me, paying attention to my wants and needs, and taking care of myself even if it's by shopping or simply relaxing. WHAT DOES ALLYSHIP LOOK LIKE TO YOU?For me, allyship involves supporting others for being themselves.
KAYLEY, SHE/HER WHAT DOES SELF-LOVE MEAN TO YOU?Being satisfied with who you are despite your flaws/weaknesses and showing as your genuine self, regardless of what others may think is self-love for me. WHAT DOES ALLYSHIP LOOK LIKE TO YOU?For me, allyship is showing up for the people in my life who are part of a marginalized group and reaching out to others to advocate for them.In honour of Pride Month, we also proudly donated to the following organisations:
In the US, we donated $100K USD to The Trevor Project—the world's largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organisation for LGBTQ young people under 25.
In Australia, we’re donating 100% of proceeds, up to $20K AUD, in the month of June to support Minus18—an organisation that champions for LGBTQIA+ youth through events, education and campaigns.
In the UK, we’re donating £5,000+ GBP to Mermaids—UK’s leading LGBTQ+ charity supporting trans kids + their families.
It's easy to express your selfie when you've got the perfect shades.Quay’s trendy sunglasses come in a wide range of styles for all face shapes and fashion statements, so there's no need to settle for just one pair. Today, we’ll break down the iciest sunnies that enhance your face and your fit. Let's run through the staple sunglasses shapes and see how they can be tailored to your vibe.
AVIATOR SUNGLASSES
Developed for pilots and popular in the ‘70s, the aviator never goes out of style. You'll recognise this retro shape by its definitive brow bar and inverted teardrop lenses. It'll give whatever you're wearing a throwback touch, especially if you’re all about that HIGH KEY life. The black fades are the OG bestselling pair and the luxe metal frame is gorg, plus HIGH KEY comes in different styles. Feeling extra? Get edgy with a shield or navigator pair, then throw on vintage T’s and 501s or your go-to streetwear for the perfect retro-mod vibe.
CAT EYE SUNGLASSES
We’re suckers forcat eyesand we aren’t sorry. These retro cool sunglasses were popular in the '60s and they remain universally flattering today. Their signature feline flick adds a distinguished pop to your look, equal parts hipster and hell yes. Pair your purr-fect black cat eye sunglasses with pearls and a little black dress for understated elegance or embrace simplicity with a neutral colour palette up top and timeless denim below. Keep your winged cat eye snatched inNOOSAwith a bold injection frame orCOME THRUand show out in these fan fave sunnies.
SHIELD SUNGLASSES
Haters, be gone. Block out the noise with shields. Instead of the standard lens-and-bridge deal, these sunnies wrap around your face for full panoramic vision (in 4K, not just HD). Shields are loud and tend to suit your inner boss lady, especially when paired with your fave puffer or athleisure. A little sporty, with no reason to say sorry—that’s the shield vibe. Make an entrance with a shield styled the way you want it. For a classic shield look, pop on HINDSIGHT for sport and spice and everything nice, oversized and savage.
SQUARE SUNGLASSES
Few shapes highlight your angles like square sunglasses. This style is straight-up universal—ideal for quick errands when you’d rather be undercover and even better when you want to be seen. Want to go big? Opt for AFTER HOURS and blow a kiss to your Quay-approved reflection. For slightly scaled-down sunnies, HARDWIRE your day with a classic injection frame that makes WFH an occasion. Bonus: HARDWIRE is a pair of polarised sunglasses that helps reduce glare, from poolside outing to desert road trips. Seems like a pretty bright idea, agreed?
CIRCLE SUNGLASSES
Circle sunglasses are Quay to the festival-ready aesthetic we’ve always dug. Their shape is iconic and timeless, as common on 60s’ icons as they are on TikTok celebs. For a more modern mood, grab FARRAH, a frameless happy medium with metal studs. For a sleeker look drenched in flower child vibes, spring for JEZABELL, a slightly oversized take on the round. Browse through Quay's iconic sunglasses collection for a sleek pair of shades that feel just right. To see if you've got the perfect fit, play around with our Virtual Try-On Tool!
MATTHEW, HE/HIM
MICHELLE, SHE/HER
