
We are deeply grateful to our incredible patrons and ambassadors, who dedicate their time, expertise, and networks to champion SecondBite’s vision & purpose. Their support amplifies our reach, helping provide fresh, nutritious food to those in need.
Our Patron
Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC

Professor Margaret Gardner was the 9th and first woman President and Vice-Chancellor of Monash University from 1 September 2014 until 4 August 2023.
Prior to joining Monash, Professor Gardner was Vice-Chancellor and President of RMIT from April 2005 until August 2014. She has extensive academic experience, having held various leadership positions in Australian universities throughout her career, including at the University of Queensland and Griffith University.
She attained a first-class honours degree in Economics and a PhD from the University of Sydney. In 1988, she was a Fulbright Postdoctoral Fellow, spending time at MIT, Cornell and Berkley. In 2018, she was elected a Fellow of the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia.
Professor Gardner was Chair of the Group of Eight Universities in Australia from 2020 to 2023. She was also a Director of Infrastructure Victoria from 2015 to 2023, the Australia and New Zealand School of Government (ANZSOG) from 2015 to 2023 and Chair of CASE Asia-Pacific Regional Council from 2019 to 2023.
Professor Gardner was Chair of Universities Australia from 2017 to 2019 and Museum Victoria from 2008 to 2016 and chaired the Strategic Advisory Committee and the Expert Panel of the Office of Learning and Teaching (Federal Government Department of Education and Training). She has also been a member of various other boards and committees, including the Australian-American Fulbright Commission, the ANZAC Centenary Advisory Board and the International Education Advisory Committee, which led to the Chaney Report.
In 2007, Professor Gardner was made an Officer of the Order of Australia in recognition of service to tertiary education, particularly in the areas of university governance and gender equity, and to industrial relations in Queensland. Subsequently in January 2020, Professor Gardner was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for her eminent service to tertiary education through leadership and innovation in teaching and learning, research and financial sustainability.
Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC was inaugurated as the 30th Governor of Victoria on 9 August 2023.
Our Ambassadors

Matt Preston
Matt Preston is one of Australia’s most beloved food personalities, known for his work as a journalist, best-selling cookbook author, and radio and television host. He shares his stories in Stellar, delicious and taste.com.au. Matt was a host and judge on MasterChef Australia for 11 seasons and has appeared on many other TV shows including MKR, taste race, Dancing Wth The Stars and Celebrity Googlebox. Over the last 15 years Matt has been a regular co-host and presenter on many shows including ABC Radio, Smooth FM, Nova, the Hit Network and Triple MMM.
A best-selling author of eight cookbooks, Matt’s memoir Big Mouth was released in 2023. With a significant social media following of over 1 million across platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram, Matt continues to inspire and engage audiences with his passion for food and storytelling.
Matt is a passionate advocate for ending hunger and proud to serve as an ambassador for SecondBite, a leading food rescue organisation. Through his involvement Matt is dedicated to helping feed vulnerable Australians and reduce food waste in communities across the country.

Tobie Puttock
Tobie Puttock is a celebrated Australian chef and sustainability advocate, who has spent over two decades promoting ethical eating and reducing food waste. With a career that spans restaurants in Melbourne, Italy, and the UK, Tobie’s culinary journey has shaped his strong commitment to sustainability. As an ambassador for SecondBite, Australia’s leading food rescue organisation, Tobie plays a vital role in helping to tackle food insecurity.
Tobie’s connection to SecondBite is deeply personal. Having witnessed the scale of food waste in kitchens worldwide, he recognises the importance of rescuing edible food and redistributing it to those in need. He has long been a vocal advocate for seasonal, organic, and ethical food practices, which are reflected in his own ventures, such as his plant-based ready meal brand Made by Tobie. Through his ambassadorship, Tobie encourages others to reduce food waste and support food relief initiatives, further solidifying his role as a leader in the Australian food sustainability movement.
We truly value authentic, passionate individuals who can champion SecondBite’s vision and purpose to reduce food waste and support communities in need.
If you’re interested in becoming a spokesperson or representative for our organisation, we’d love to hear from you! Please reach out to us at commnications@secondbite.org.