From Journalism to Food Justice – Peta’s Journey

Peta Christensen (Class of 1989), found her way into the world of permaculture and sustainability after studying journalism at university. This path felt natural, allowing her to work hands-on with the connections between planet, food, people, and culture. In 2000, Peta moved to Melbourne and began volunteering with a group focused on growing food across the city, not only for sustainability but also to address social justice issues such as food insecurity. Her passion soon turned into a career, and she dedicated over 20 years to various community food projects. “I feel very lucky to have landed in this kind of work. It has been an absolute joy,” she reflects, describing how the simple acts of planting a garden, sharing meals, and building community resonate deeply with people.

Throughout her career in the community food sector, Peta observed the troubling contradiction of food waste coexisting with hunger. This paradox eventually led her to Open Table, an organisation that perfectly aligns with her values, bringing together her commitment to reducing food insecurity and food waste while creating inclusive spaces for people to connect.

Journey into the Not-for-Profit Sector

Peta’s drive for social justice and community support has been a core part of her career from the start. Her journalism background sharpened her communication skills, but it was her work in permaculture and urban agriculture that ignited her passion for food justice. In 2004, she received a Churchill Fellowship, which allowed her to explore community food projects globally. Inspired by her travels, Peta returned to Melbourne with new ideas, launching initiatives such as a community food centre, a bakery, and composting projects.

When the opportunity arose to lead Open Table, Peta felt it was the perfect fit. “This organisation is grassroots in the best way – it’s all about food, connection, and sustainability,” she shares.

Challenges and Rewards of Running a Charity

Running a charity has its challenges, particularly around securing funding and keeping operations smooth. However, Peta finds immense reward in seeing the community come together. She describes the joy of hearing from individuals who say the communal lunches are the highlight of their week, illustrating the impact of Open Table’s mission to provide nourishing food and a sense of belonging.

Leadership at Open Table

Having connected with Open Table first as a community partner and later as a board member, Peta feels like she’s “coming home” in her current leadership role. Early in the pandemic, she joined forces with Open Table to distribute fresh food bags to those who couldn’t leave their homes. The initiative rapidly grew, delivering 300 bags a week with the help of council staff and volunteers. This experience showcased the resilience and adaptability of the community, a lesson Peta carries into her leadership at Open Table, where she values collaboration and trust.

A Life Outside Work

Outside of her role, Peta enjoys spending time outdoors, whether it is walking with friends, kayaking on the Yarra, or taking a dip in Victoria’s chilly waters. Recently, she’s taken up knitting and is close to completing her first pattern, a vest, which has been both challenging and rewarding. She also finds joy in singing with a choir led by Virginia Bott (1994), another past student from Santa Maria College.

How Santa Maria College Shaped Peta’s Path

Peta’s experiences at Santa Maria College left a lasting impact, instilling values of community, generosity, and service. Activities like Amnesty International’s letter-writing campaigns and tutoring other students taught her the importance of helping others. Teachers like Rosa Speranza, who encouraged a broader worldview, and Sister Gemma, who quietly supported disadvantaged children by selling toffees, showed Peta that small, consistent acts of kindness make a real difference over time.

An Invitation

Santa Maria alumni who find themselves around North Fitzroy or Carlton on a Saturday afternoon are warmly invited to join Peta for a community lunch at Open Table. These gatherings are about much more than food – they are about sharing stories and building connections.

  • AlumniSpotlight, CommunityProjects, Featured, FoodJustice, OpenTable, Permaculture, SocialJustice, Sustainability

Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation.  Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world.  Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD.  We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.

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