CEO Update
It’s hard to believe that we are already in May
Since January there have been several changes across the business designed to ensure we continue to excite our customers. Some improvements include website enhancements, new advertising creative, the implementation of rotational meals to keep things interesting for our customers and the relaunch of our updated App.
These changes have excited our customers and resulted in a busy start to the calendar year, which is good to see. I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone who has supported the above changes. Change can be difficult; however I am confident that we are on the right track.
We have even more exciting developments planned in the coming months that I look forward to sharing with you.
Whilst we are busy, the recent impacts of world events have started to be felt in various ways. By continuing to work together, we will continue to ensure our team members are supported as we navigate the months ahead with confidence.
Nathan Hayman CEO
Business Updates
A Warm Welcome to Lea Countouris
We are delighted to welcome Lea Countouris as our new Chief Financial Officer. Lea brings over 20 years of proven financial leadership across some of Australia’s most complex manufacturing organisations, including Dyno Nobel, Cement Australia, Australian Country Choice, and Holcim Australia. An MBAqualified, Chartered Accountant, she has built her career at the intersection of finance and operations — translating rigorous financial strategy into real-world outcomes that stick. Lea’s track record is defined by results and systems that last.
Lea is deeply committed to developing the people around her, building high-performing finance teams across multiple sites and functions. She sees finance as a partner to the business — a bridge between the numbers and the decisions that drive performance. Lea is a relentless learner, a precise thinker, a selfproclaimed systems and process tragic and someone who takes accountability seriously. We are thrilled to have her at the helm of our finance function and look forward to the clarity, rigour, and energy she brings to our next chapter.
Lea Countouris CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Welcoming Our New Payroll Manager: Kate Singleton
We’d like to welcome Kate Singleton, our new Payroll Manager, to the Lite n’ Easy team. Kate brings extensive payroll and human resources information system (HRIS) experience across construction, aged care and enterprise software. She spent more than a decade at BESIX Watpac as National Payroll and HRIS Manager, led Payroll Operations at Ozcare, and has also worked with Frontier Software and Automatic Data Processing (ADP) implementing payroll and HR systems for organisations.
She enjoys working collaboratively across teams to deliver projects and seeing how the right systems can make a positive difference across the business.
Outside of work, Kate enjoys the gym, spending time with family, and taking the family dog, Poppy, for regular walks.
Kate Singleton PAYROLL MANAGER
Making a real difference with Foodbank Australia
At Lite n’ Easy, we believe good food should be accessible to everyone — and our partnership with Foodbank Australia continues to make a meaningful difference to communities across the country.
Across Australia, Foodbank was able to source the equivalent of 92 million meals in 2025 for Australians doing it tough. That impact is more important than ever, with 3.5 million households experiencing food insecurity in the past 12 months — a sobering reality in a country that produces more than enough food to feed its population.
Foodbank has shared a National Partner Snapshot that highlights the real impact of this support — numbers that truly represent the difference between hunger and hope.
n’ Easy k you, ou’ve helped us source...
n’ Easy hank you, 2025, you’ve helped us source..
From children starting their day with a nutritious breakfast through Foodbank’s School Breakfast Programs pensioners sharing a hot cuppa from their local food pantry, and families preparing balanced meals using ingredients from Foodbank Food Hubs — these contributions help turn empty plates into full ones.
A heartfelt thank you from the Foodbank Australia team Lite n’ Easy for helping create positive and supporting Australians when they need
64,047 kilograms of food items =
64,047 kilograms of food items
115,399 equivalent in meals for people in need
115,399 equivalent in meals for people in need
“Generous partners like you and your team have enabled Foodbank Australia to support millions of people and families in need over the course of 2025. Your support has literally changed lives, thank you!”
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support, we sourced of 92 million meals ed in 2025. With ting households hard asters devastating hroughout the enerosity has never ortant. We couldn’t without you.
nerous partners like you and your team have enabled Foodbank Australia support millions of people and families in need over the course of 2025 Your support has literally changed lives, thank you!"
tners like you and your team have enabled Foodbank Australia llions of people and families in need over the course of 2025 our support has literally changed lives, thank you!"
Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Chief Executive Officer
Sincerely,
Kylea Tink Chief Executive Officer Foodbank Australia
Kylea Tink Chief Executive Officer Foodbank Aus
People & Culture Grow Program
People & Culture Team Update
Please join us in welcoming Kylie Milton who has joined the team as a People & Culture Business Partner. Kylie will partner with our shared services and national customer support teams — including Contact Centre, Customer Operations, Finance, Digital & Transformation, Marketing, Research & Development and other corporate functions — providing strategic and practical people support to leaders and our teams.
We’re also excited to welcome Clare Bird, who joined us recently as the People & Culture Advisor for Mitchell Quality Foods. Kylie and Clare bring great experience and energy, and we’re looking forward to the support they’ll provide across the business.
We’d also like to congratulate Nat Barbosa on her promotion to People & Culture Business Partner – QLD & NSW, where she will be supporting our Brisbane, Townsville and Sydney Lite n’ Easy sites. Congratulations, Nat — and thank you for the impact you continue to make for our people.
The Lite n’ Easy Grow Program is officially underway, with the first cohort of leaders from across the business coming together in March to start a shared leadership development journey—one that’s focused on growing self-awareness, strengthening how we lead others, and shaping the future of Lite n’ Easy together.
The first sessions created space for honest conversations, new connections and practical tools participants can take straight back to their teams. This program will be rolled out to all people leaders across the business, reflecting the value we place on learning and the way we invest in our people.
We can’t wait to see our people leaders continue to learn, support one another, and bring their insights to life over the coming months
It’s been a great chance to step back, reflect on how I lead, and learn alongside other leaders across the business. I’m already taking small changes back to my team.
~ Grow Program participant
Nat Barbosa
Clare Bird
Kylie Milton
A Big Congratulations to Nat!
We’re delighted to share some wonderful news from within the People & Culture team. Nat Barbosa, our People & Culture Business Partner, recently got engaged to her partner, Lachie, on 1 November 2025
Nat and Lachie are now looking ahead to planning their 2027 wedding and the whole Lite n’ Easy team is thrilled for them as they step into this exciting new chapter.
Please join us in congratulating Nat on this happy milestone.
Recruitment Update
We’re excited to have recently launched our Production Assessment Centre Program within MQF, designed to strengthen how we attract and select the best people for our production teams. The program combines skills-based, technical and behavioural assessments, allowing candidates to demonstrate their capability while helping us make more informed, objective hiring decisions. This structured approach ensures we’re bringing in people who are well-suited to the role and aligned to how we work at Lite n’ Easy
Don’t forget — you can scan the QR codes located on TVs and notice boards or click here to view all current job opportunities available across the Lite n’ Easy Group nationally. And remember, through our Employee Referral Program, you can earn $1,000 by referring a candidate who successfully completes their probation with Lite n’ Easy!
Respect at Work
Respect at Work is about creating a workplace where everyone feels safe, valued and respected — every day. It focuses on preventing and responding to behaviours such as sexual harassment, gender-based harassment, bullying and discrimination, and making sure we all understand what respectful behaviour looks like at Lite n’ Easy
Over the coming months, we’ll be rolling out Respect at Work training across all sites. This training is important because it supports a positive culture, helps us meet our legal “positive duty” to prevent harm, and ensures everyone knows how to speak up and get support if something doesn’t feel right.
What the training will cover:
• What respectful behaviour looks like — and what isn’t OK
• Key definitions and examples
• How to speak up, support others and report concerns
• Leader responsibilities: early intervention, escalation and supporting team members
• Ongoing reinforcement through toolbox talks and site communications
If you have questions at any time, please reach out to your leader or the People & Culture team.
Easter Coffee Cart & Hot Cross Bun Day
The Brisbane staff enjoyed a festive Easter treat recently, with a coffee cart rolling in to serve baristamade coffees alongside a generous spread of hot cross buns.
It was a simple way to pause, connect and celebrate the season together — thank you to everyone who stopped by and helped make the day a great one.
24 Hours of Heroes: Honouring Those Who Serve
On the weekend of 18–19 April 2026, Debbie Osborne took part in 24 Hours of Heroes — a 24hour Cross-Fit challenge and community fundraiser.
Held across Australia and New Zealand, 24 Hours of Heroes honours veterans, first responders, and their families — particularly those impacted by trauma and operational stress injuries (including PTSD). The event builds awareness, strengthens community connections, and raises funds for people doing it tough.
Each workout is dedicated to a specific person who has served — either fallen in the line of duty or lost to mental health. Workouts are scalable and inclusive, so people of all fitness levels can join in, partner up, or adapt movements as needed.
How it works
• Teams of six rotate through 24 “Hero” workouts — one at the top of every hour for 24 hours.
• Before each workout, participants hear the hero’s story — their service and sacrifice.
• Participants stay on site for the full duration — resting when they can and supporting each other through the challenge.
• At sunrise, a Reveille is played, followed by a minute’s silence to remember those honoured.
The event was a powerful reminder of the resilience shown by those honoured — and while there was some soreness afterwards, Debbie was proud to be part of it.
Food Safety
Food Safety Begins at Home!
Food Safety Tips — Here are the top five KITCHEN FAILS
leading to food-borne illness:
1. Improper Handwashing
• People FAIL to wash hands for 20 seconds with soap and water before preparing food!
• Especially important after touching raw meat, your phone, changing nappies, touching your face, having a toilet break, etc.
• Germs on hands = germs in food!
2. Cross-Contamination (Cutting Boards & Utensils)
• Do NOT use a cutting board covered in raw chicken to then go chop up a fresh salad!
• Using same cutting board / knife for raw meat, then for vegetables or bread, without first washing in hot water & detergent and air-drying, is BAD NEWS!
• Bacteria from raw meat can easily transfer to ready-to-eat foods.
3. Washing Raw Meat or Poultry
• Big No No! Washing chicken, raw meat, or raw eggshells under the tap is a dangerous mistake!
• It does not kill bacteria, but instead, it scatters them all around the sink, countertops, and onto nearby food.
• Raw chicken goes straight into the oven with minimal spillage of juices. Mop up any raw drips with paper towel and disinfectant.
4. Bad Thawing Practices
• Leaving frozen food to thaw on the kitchen counter all day allows bacteria to multiply quickly on the surface, while the centre stays frozen!
• The safest way to thaw food is in the refrigerator, or rapidly in the microwave, with mixing if required.
5. Leaving Food in the Warm “Danger” Zone
• Leftovers and cooked food should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours (or one hour if very hot outside).
• Bacteria thrive at room temperature and body temperature.
• Cooked food should be eaten immediately and any leftovers refrigerated promptly.
• Do NOT reheat that Chinese takeaway food you accidentally left under the couch, or in the back seat of the car… and think it’s OK just cos I made it hot again!
• If in doubt, throw it out… it’s better than throwing UP!
If in doubt, throw it out... it’s better than getting sick!
Training & Compliance/Safety
Keeping Our Workplace Safe
Safety Message: Knife & Blade Safety
Knives and cutting tools are used in many areas across MQF and Lite n’ Easy. While their use in offices may be limited, everyday items such as box cutters, scissors and utility blades can still cause serious injury if not handled correctly.
Knife & Blade Safety – What You Need to Know
1. Use cutting tools only for their intended purpose
2. Only use knives and blades provided by MQF or Lite n’ Easy — never bring them from home
3. Always wear approved cut-resistant personal protective equipment (PPE) gloves before handling knives or blades
4. Cut away from your body and keep fingers clear of the blade
5. Use a stable surface when cutting packaging or materials
6. Never use damaged, blunt or broken knives or blades
7. Store knives, cutters and scissors safely when not in use
8. Dispose of blades in designated sharps containers — never in general waste
9. Stay focused and alert when using any sharp object
10. Immediately report injuries, near misses or damaged tools via WHS Monitor (our Work Health and Safety reporting system)
Your awareness and safe handling of knives and blades help prevent unnecessary injuries and keep our workplace safe for everyone.
Strengthening Partnerships for Future Growth
In January, the Training & Compliance team visited ASTRA Group Services (registered training organisation (RTO) 31544), catching up with Managing Director Ben Jones and his team.
It was a great opportunity to put faces to names and strengthen our relationship with a partner that continues to support Lite n’ Easy with our compliance training needs.
Ben and Matt also discussed future training opportunities and explored additional ways ASTRA Group Services can support us moving forward. We’re looking forward to what we can achieve together.
Around the Country Adelaide
The year is certainly flying by here in Adelaide, and the team has already achieved so much in a short space of time. It’s an absolute pleasure working alongside such a committed, supportive and high-performing group of people.
Across all areas of the business, teams have continued to maintain a consistently high standard — and this is clearly reflected in the strong customer orders coming through
Highlights
A standout achievement for the site was our HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) audit on 9–10 March, where we received an outstanding result with only three minor corrective action requests (CARs) across the entire factory. This is a fantastic outcome and a real credit to the dedication and care shown by every team member. It highlights the pride our teams take in producing and maintaining the high standards we’re known for here in Adelaide — well done to everyone involved.
On 1 April, the Easter Bunny made a special visit to the site, with teams enjoying hot cross buns, hot chocolate and coffee together. It was a lovely way to celebrate, connect and say thank you for the continued hard work across the site.
Congratulations
Congratulations to Samantha Wright, who has stepped into the role of Team Leader on the Kitchen Portion side. We’re excited to see Sam take on this next step and wish her every success in her new role.
Well done also to Erin Overton, who has moved into a staff position as Assistant to Jess Mahony (Supply Chain and Stores Coordinator). A great achievement and a well-deserved opportunity.
our Adelaide site. We’re also very excited about the upcoming changes to Fresh My Choice and Fresh Snacks, with all teams in a great position to deliver strong results as these enhancements roll out.
Peter Fehring
Operations Manager
Celebrating 10 Years: Jessica Mahony
Jessica Mahony is celebrating an incredible 10 years with the business—a decade defined by dedication, growth and impact.
Over the years, she has supported teams across Supply Chain and Purchasing, Quality, and Driver Management—showcasing the versatility and commitment that have made her a valued part of our Adelaide site.
Today, Jessica oversees Purchasing and Stores—and she also brings her passion for wellbeing to life by running personal training (PT) and group training sessions in the onsite gym. Supporting teammates to feel stronger, more confident and more connected has become one of the most rewarding parts of her journey.
Highlights along the way include visiting our Brisbane and Perth sites and working closely with both the national Purchasing team and the Adelaide team who have been part of her story from the very beginning.
Here’s to Jessica— thank you for your energy, your passion, and 10 fantastic years!
Welcome Baby Hugo!
We’re delighted to share the wonderful news that Hugo Sketcher arrived safely on 3 February 2026. Pictured here with his big sister Inessa, Hugo is already bringing plenty of joy to the Sketcher family.
Proud dad Keith , our Stores Supervisor, is absolutely beaming and the whole team sends their warmest congratulations as they settle into life as a family of four.
Please join us in welcoming little Hugo to the world and celebrating this special milestone with Keith and his family.
A Private Cinema Morning for Our Team
As part of our recent cinema advertising campaign, Lite n’ Easy secured a private screening exclusively for our employees, a chance to enjoy the big screen together and celebrate the work we do every day.
On Sunday 15 February, 67 lucky team members from Mitchell Quality Foods and Lite n’ Easy headed to Dendy Portside for a special showing of Crime 101. With the whole cinema to ourselves, it was a fun and relaxed morning that brought a little extra excitement to the week.
Thanks to everyone who entered and congratulations again to our winners.
We hope you enjoyed the experience!
Inessa with Hugo
Brisbane Team Development –Best Practice Network
As part of our ongoing commitment to learning and development, selected team members recently took part in Best Practice Network (BPN) site visits. The visits provided valuable exposure to different operating environments and practical insights the team can bring back into our business.
What We Learned
Cochlear
The focus was on how strong meeting rhythms, structured problem-solving and visual management support day-today performance. The team saw how effective facilitation helps surface issues early and drive timely decisions.
Arnott’s Biscuits
The visit highlighted how automation and real-time data support safety, quality and throughput. Performance dashboards and data-led decision-making were key enablers across the operation.
Corematic
The team explored how small-scale robotics can improve productivity and flexibility in specialised manufacturing environments, reducing manual handling while supporting operators.
Looking Ahead
These visits were a valuable investment in team development and reinforce our commitment to learning from industry best practice. The next BPN visit is planned for the Sydney Amazon site, and we’re looking forward to continuing to build capability and bring new ideas back to our teams.
Brisbane
Colin’s Pre-Farewell
We’re rec ognising an important milestone for Colin as he steps back from his role as Operations Manager. After years of steady leadership, deep operational expertise and a genuine commitment to our people, Colin has now wrapped up his day-to-day responsibilities within Operations.
While this marks the beginning of his transition toward retirement, we were fortunate to have Colin continue supporting several key projects through April, helping set the team up for success.
Colin’s calm presence, practical wisdom and the way he has invested in those around him have left a lasting imprint across the business. Many of us have grown under his guidance, and his influence will continue well beyond this next chapter.
We’ll be sharing more soon as Colin moves toward retirement, but for now we want to acknowledge his incredible contribution and wish him all the very best.
Note: Colin has officially retired now.
David Simonsen
Role: Procurement Category Leader – Produce Years with Lite n’ Easy : 11 Favourite Meal: Spaghetti Carbonara
Based in Brisbane, David Simonsen has spent more than a decade shaping how Lite n’ Easy sources fresh produce for customers across Australia. Starting his journey as the National Fruit and Vegetable Specialist, David brought deep industry expertise and a strong customer-first mindset that continues to influence our approach today.
One of David’s proudest achievements? Cracking the code on the perfect tomato. After seven years of close collaboration with growers, a niche variety grown in Guyra, NSW is now enjoyed by customers nationwide — a true testament to persistence, partnership and quality.
“Challenge accepted,” David says. “I’ve always been grateful for the opportunity to contribute to a business that genuinely values quality and customer focus.”
What David loves most about working at Lite n’ Easy:
• Being part of a great team
• A culture that supports growth and collaboration
Fun fact:
David is a passionate traveller who loves packing every trip with adventure — from snow-covered Christmases in Scandinavia to safaris in Africa. He’s already counting down to his Long Service Leave in February!
December Photoshoot: Brisbane & MQF Team in the Spotlight
In December, we brought together team members from the Brisbane Lite n’ Easy site and MQF for a photoshoot— and the results were well worth it. Thanks to everyone who helped make the day run smoothly, from coordinating schedules to keeping things on track between shots.
A special thank you to the team members who volunteered to be our models. We really appreciate you stepping forward, and we hope you had fun on the day. We captured some great shots—and shared plenty of laughs along the way.
Keep an eye out for the final images appearing in upcoming communications. They’re a great reflection of the people behind the work we do every day— professional, collaborative, and ready to jump in when it counts.
Christmas Lunch: Brisbane Comes Together to Celebrate
Our Brisbane Christmas lunch was a wonderful celebration, bringing together Brisbane Lite n’ Easy staff and Mitchell Quality Foods to enjoy some amazing food and even better company. It was a chance to step away from the day-to-day, share a meal, and recognise the huge effort everyone puts in to keep things moving on site.
With plenty of laughs, great conversation and full plates all round, it was a great reminder of what we can achieve when we work as one team. A big thank you to everyone who helped organise the day and keep things running smoothly behind the scenes — and to every person across both teams for your hard work, care and consistency throughout the year.
Check out a few highlights in the photos — a great snapshot of the people (and the food!) that made the
Claudelia’s comeback
Two months after a knee injury, Claudelia from Supply Chain is back doing what she loves—hitting a 450kg free weight leg press in training at World Gym Stafford. It didn’t happen overnight. It took a disciplined rehab plan, patient progressions, and a lot of grit. Today’s PB is proof that rebuilding strength— physically and mentally—happens one careful step at a time.
We’re incredibly proud of Claudelia’s resilience and commitment. The goal from here? Keep progressing safely, surpass today’s personal best, and continue building lifting capacity across the year.
Go, Claudelia!
A Fresh Look for the Canteen
If you’ve stopped by the canteen recently, you might have noticed a fresh new look. Our snack and fresh food area has been updated with new wooden display containers, giving the space a warmer, more organised feel and making it even easier to grab what you need on the go.
The new containers help keep items clearly visible and neatly arranged, while also adding a more natural, welcoming touch to the canteen space.
A big thank you to Kerry from Stores for organising and ordering the new boxes, and to Vicki from Amenities for helping bring the update to life and keeping the canteen running smoothly every day.
It’s a great example of how small improvements can make a big difference to our shared spaces. Take a look next time you’re in the canteen — and enjoy the upgrade!
Cheering on Hanchul
We’re incredibly proud to be cheering on our colleague Hanchul, who will be taking on one of Australia’s most iconic endurance events — the UltraTrail Australia 100 (UTA100) — on Saturday, 16 May
To help Hanchul get race-ready, Maz (MQF) presented him with a hamper packed with essentials — Lite n’ Easy merchandise including a cooler bag, shaker and water bottle, plus a couple of pairs of socks, protein shakes and smoothies, and plenty of snacks.
The UTA100 is no ordinary run. Covering 100 kilometres through the breathtaking Blue Mountains and climbing an incredible 4,400 metres of elevation, it’s a true test of physical endurance, mental strength and determination. Starting before sunrise and with up to 28 hours to finish, runners tackle rugged trails, steep climbs and the legendary 951 steps to the finish line at Scenic World.
As part of the UTMB® (Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc) World Series, the UTA100 is considered a bucket-list event for trail runners around the world — and simply getting to the start line is an achievement in itself.
We’ll be cheering loudly for Hanchul as they take on this epic challenge. Best of luck, Hanchul — we’re all behind you!
Reducing Film Waste on the My Choice Lines at MQF
A small change can make a big difference.
As part of the My Choice film initiative, the team at MQF been reviewing how film rolls are set and trimmed on several production lines. By making a simple adjustment to film length, we’re already reducing waste while keeping quality and production running smoothly.
Although the project is still being finalised, the proposed changes have been agreed and implementation is already underway. Savings are already being realised, with roll settings now adjusted to the new lengths. Once fully implemented, this initiative is expected to save the business an estimated $125,000 per year in labelling film costs across the My Choice range
What we’ve done so far:
• Line 3 (My Choice trays)
While reviewing the Mondini lines, we found excess film being trimmed at 140 mm. Because this machine has a slightly different roller layout, we trialled a cautious first reduction of 40 mm. The change has been successful, with no immediate issues. This setting will continue to be monitored, with further reductions possible through adjustments to the film arm.
• Line 4 (Bowls)
The original trim was 125 mm. This was first reduced to 120 mm and then further down to 85 mm, delivering a 40 mm saving so far. There is still potential for improvement, which will be closely monitored.
• Line 8 (My Choice)
A significant 150 mm reduction has already been achieved.
Current savings at a glance:
• Line 3 (My Choice): 40 mm saving per trim
• Line 4 (Bowls): 40 mm saving per trim
• Line 8 (My Choice): 150 mm saving per trim
These changes show how small, thoughtful adjustments on the line can help reduce waste and support our sustainability goals—without compromising on quality. More updates to come as monitoring continues.
Melbourne
Family Fun Day
The Melbourne team enjoyed a fantastic Family Fun Day at Gumbya World, swapping the usual routine for rides, laughs and plenty of time together with families. While the weather didn’t exactly cooperate (hello, Melbourne rain!), it certainly didn’t dampen spirits— umbrellas went up and the enthusiasm stayed high. Between the splashes, the smiles and the shared moments, it was a great reminder of what makes our team so special: showing up, having a go and making the most of it—rain or shine.
Australia Day
Australia Day at our Melbourne site was a splash of colour and creativity, with team members decorating hats to show what Australia means to them — from iconic symbols to personal touches and plenty of imagination. To top it off, everyone had the chance to dress up for the day, turning the site into a fun, feel-good celebration and a great conversation starter across the team.
Melbourne
St Patricks Day
St Patrick’s Day brought a wave of green to the Melbourne site, with a fun Irish twist popping up across the day. From green outfits and accessories to plenty of laughs on the floor, the team got right into the spirit and helped turn an ordinary shift into a cheerful little celebration.
It’s A Boy
A big congratulations to Christian Stewart (Maintenance Coordinator) and his partner, Ella, on the arrival of their gorgeous baby boy, Rayne Stewart your family lots of love and special moments as you settle into this exciting new chapter.
Easter Coffee Cart
There was a visit from some Easter bunnies in Melbourne when the team came together and enjoyed the coffee cart and hot cross buns.
An Easter raffle was organised as the start of the site fundraising towards the upcoming Cancer Council Biggest Morning Tea, which will be our next team
Rylan Kenneth Rayne
Melbourne 18 Year Journey
Kym Evans
Role: Production Manager
Years with Lite n’ Easy : 18
Favourite Meal: Southern Chicken and Mash (for the gravy!) and Mac & Cheese (frozen dinner)
Based at our Melbourne site, Kym Evans’ 18year journey with Lite n’ Easy is one defined by growth, leadership and genuine care for people. She joined the business when her youngest child started school, beginning on the Dayline portioning and packing day bags — and quickly proved her capability and commitment.
Within a year, Kym stepped into a Team Leader role. By 2009, she became Dayshift Supervisor at the Carrum Downs factory, and four years ago, she proudly took on the role of Production Manager.
“When I became Production Manager, I felt all my hard work had paid off,” Kym shares. “Our Operations Manager, Dawn Whiting, has been my biggest supporter — always expecting the best and helping me grow into the role.”
Kym’s proudest moments include:
• Being promoted to Production Manager
• Leading fundraising efforts for local charities across Victoria
What Kym loves most about working at Lite n’ Easy:
• The people — “We’re one big multicultural family.”
• The culture — “Everyone is treated equally, whether in the office or on the factory floor.”
• The support — “Lite n’ Easy is always happy to train staff to be the best at their position.”
When I became Production Manager, I felt all my hard work had paid off
Work-life balance perks Kym values:
• Access to the onsite gym
• The Employee Assistance Program
• A strong culture of respecting family time
Kym’s story is a wonderful example of how opportunity, support and a strong team culture can shape a fulfilling and longterm career at Lite n’ Easy.
Perth
Christmas BBQ Lunch
Looking back on the 11th December 2025, the Perth team came together for a memorable Christmas BBQ Lunch to celebrate a year of hard work and achievements. This festive feast was not just about enjoying good food but also about cherishing our shared successes that makes our team exceptional. Thank you to everyone who made this celebration such a special moment. Here to another brighter and special 2026!
A message from our Operations Manager
I’d like to take a moment to say thank you to each of you for your continued effort and commitment. Your hard work—especially during busy and challenging periods—does not go unnoticed.
Every day, you contribute to building a stronger and more resilient team. Whether it’s supporting one another, stepping up when needed, or maintaining high standards in your work, these actions truly make a difference to our success.
While we may face fluctuations and challenges along the way, what stands out is our ability to remain focused, adaptable, and united. That’s what sets us apart
Since returning from the festive season break in December, we have seen a steady increase in customer numbers across the business. In Perth, we’ve exceeded 10,000 customers over the past four weeks, outperforming our forecast—an achievement that reflects your collective effort.
Let’s continue to communicate openly, support one another, and strive for continuous improvement in everything we do. Small, consistent efforts lead to meaningful results.
Thank you again for your dedication. I’m proud of what we are achieving together and look forward to what lies ahead.
David Foo OPERATIONS MANAGER
Perth
Australia Day Celebration
This year we hosted an onsite Australia Day celebration with team members enjoying complimentary sausage sizzle and a drink. A fun day was had by all.
Chinese New Year Celebration
Operations Manager Mr. David Foo held an appreciation
Family Day 2026
We were very excited to host our annual Family Day at Adventure World on 7th of February 2026. It was a great day, and a lot of fun was had by our team members, family and friends. Thank you to all who came along!
Perth Easter Celebration
We hosted an onsite Easter Day celebration with team members enjoying complimentary coffee and hot cross buns.
10 Years of Service —
Congratulations
Sydney
A huge congratulations to Steven Johnston from Stores and Paluvavau Afu from High Care Kitchen, who celebrated 10 years of service with Lite n’ Easy Their dedication, reliability and contribution over the past decade have made a meaningful impact on our team and operations.
Thank you both for your commitment and hard work. We’re grateful to have you as part of the Lite n’ Easy family.
Alla’s Retirement
After 26 years of service, our well-respected colleague Alla has decided to hang up her boots for the last time at Lite n’ Easy. We wish Alla all the very best in her next adventure into retirement. You will be dearly missed, Alla.
Retirement For Chris Chan
We recently farewelled a truly iconic member of the Lite n’ Easy family, Mr Christopher Chan. For more than 20 years, Chris has been an incredible manager, mentor, and friend to so many. As he begins his next adventure—travelling the world with his wife and spending more precious time with his beautiful grandchildren—we wish him nothing but happiness and fulfilment. You will be truly missed, Chris. Thank you for everything.
Alla
Sydney Years of Service
A huge congratulations to Steven Johnston, Paula Afu, Kob Neang, Leanne Dumper & Van Thanh Lu, who all celebrated 10 years of service with Lite n’ Easy. Their dedication, reliability and contribution over the past decade have made a meaningful impact on our team and operations.
Thank you for your commitment and hard work. We’re grateful to have you as part of the Lite n’ Easy family
Sydney
ECO, AMR and First Aid Training
Sydney recently completed refresher Emergency Control Organisation (ECO), First Aid training with Greg Bath, coming together to plan, ask questions, and strengthen evacuation preparedness and medical response capabilities. The sessions focused on emergency procedures and life-saving strategies, ensuring everyone is confident and ready to respond when it matters most.
Ice cream Fun Day
As our delivery numbers continue to grow each week and the team puts in such consistent hard work, it’s only fitting to enjoy a sweet treat now and then. Fantastic effort, everyone. Thank you for all that you do.
Sydney
Easter
Sydney was delighted to welcome Expresso Mobile Café back on site for our annual Easter Coffee Cart event. Once again, our teams enjoyed a hot beverage paired with a delicious hot cross bun.
Adding to the fun, our Sydney production teams took part in a Golden Egg Hunt. Congratulations to our winner, Lupepe Sua-Oto (Production), who successfully found the golden egg!
National Contact Centre
A night at the Big Bash!
Caryn and her friend spent an amazing evening at the Sixers vs Strikers match, enjoying the game from the comfort of the corporate box thanks to Lite n’ Easy.
With great seats, delicious food and drinks included, and the energy of the crowd, it was the perfect way to take in the action under the lights. And seeing the Lite n Easy ads up on the big screen was a pretty special moment too!
While the Sixers didn’t get the win this time, the atmosphere more than made up for it.
Thank you for sharing your night with us, Caryn — we’re so glad you had a fantastic time!
Laura Harris
Role: Contact Centre Manager (Sydney & Perth)
Years with Lite n’ Easy : 1 Favourite Meal: Chicken & Cashews
Based in Sydney, Laura Harris joined Lite n’ Easy a year ago, bringing deep experience from large contact centres and a desire for a new challenge. She now leads both the Sydney and Perth Contact Centre teams and has loved being part of the National Contact Centre’s growth in capability, innovation and customer focus.
Laura is particularly passionate about people development and creating environments where teams feel supported to try new ways of working and learn from one another.
“My proudest moments are when mentorship, feedback and action come to life — when the team embraces new ways of working and genuinely supports one another,” Laura shares.
Laura’s proudest moment:
Seeing her team grow, collaborate and build meaningful connections with both colleagues and customers.
What Laura loves most about working at Lite n’ Easy:
• Sharing knowledge and lessons learned
• Watching the team build confidence and capability
• Fun and memorable engagement activities across sites
Why Laura joined Lite n’ Easy:
She was looking for a workplace that aligned with her values, had a strong reputation, and offered meaningful work she could genuinely feel proud of.
Fun fact:
Laura loves boxing and strength training — and recommends it to everyone, no matter their age or fitness level.
My proudest moments are when mentorship, feedback and action come to life — when the team embraces new ways of working & genuinely supports one another
Work-life balance perk:
Healthy, convenient meals and access to an onsite gym — complete with boxing gloves and a bag — give her more time for what she loves most: her husband and her dog, Taco
Laura’s journey reflects the impact of strong values, supportive leadership and a team culture built on genuine care.
Government Support Programs
Support at Home
Over the past few months, the team has worked persistently to support customers and registered providers as they navigate the significant changes across in-home aged care.
As a trusted meal delivery partner supporting tens of thousands of customers, we partner with more than 850 organisations nationwide. Under the new Support at Home model, we will be working even more closely together as an Associated Provider.
The team has already been out in force at the NSW Seniors Expo and over the coming months, will attend a number of key industry conferences. These events provide an opportunity to promote Lite n’ Easy and the My Choice range, providing platforms to have meaningful conversations with sector leaders and educate the sector on why we are the number one meal choice for seniors — and the easiest, most reliable meal partner to work with.
There is a number of exciting initiatives in this space so keep your eyes peeled as the business continues to evolve and help improve meals and support in this important sector.
NSW Seniors Festival
What a great few days it was at the NSW Seniors Festival — made even more special with a visit from Larry Emdur and Kylie Gillies! Our Lite n’ Easy food truck was buzzing as we served up plenty of delicious meal samples. Attendees also enjoyed live cooking demonstrations with Lite n’ Easy Brand Ambassador and celebrity chef Dominique Rizzo and our very own Senior Dietitian Ashleigh Jones. There was lots of excitement around our giveaway too, with plenty of entries for the chance to win 1 of 5 My Choice Packs
Behind the Scenes at Banyo with Dylan Alcott
We were thrilled to welcome Dylan Alcott AO to MQF for a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into every Lite n’ Easy meal. From careful preparation and highquality standards through to final checks, Dylan saw firsthand the passion, precision and teamwork behind the meals we deliver to Australians every day.
The visit was also a timely reminder of the important role the NDIS plays in supporting independence — and how access to reliable, nutritious meals at home can make a real difference for participants and their families.
Our NDIS team also enjoyed an intimate Q&A with Dylan, hosted by Gabby Stewart, who did a fantastic job bringing the session together.
Dylan brought plenty of positivity and authenticity, sharing practical insights on how we can better support our NDIS customers — and why meal preparation and delivery can be such a game-changer for everyday life.
Welcome back Amanda Murray
Amanda was a long-term employee of Lite n’ Easy, starting in 2009 and departing from her role as National Contact Centre (NCC) Operations Manager in 2025 (Canning Vale, WA).
After a year away from the business, we welcome Amanda back into our team in the role as Support at Home Team Leader.
Brisbane Disability Expo
We had a great time attending the Brisbane Disability Connection Expo on 13–14 March 2026
It was wonderful to connect with so many NDIS participants, carers, support coordinators and members of the disability community, and to chat about how Lite n’ Easy can make healthy eating simpler with convenient, nutritious meals delivered straight to their door. We were also thrilled to have Wheelchair Rugby athletes and members of the Australian Steelers join us at the Lite n’ Easy stand, bringing great energy and inspiration across the event.
Thank you to the organisers and everyone who visited our stand. Events like this are a valuable opportunity to connect with the community and share practical meal solutions that support independence, wellbeing and everyday convenience.
New Team Members
As the demand grows in the Government Support Programs our team continues to grow!
Meet some of our amazing new team members who work across our specialist teams supporting Aged Care and NDIS customers.
Tim McCloskey (Banyo QLD)
Support at Home Customer Service Support
What’s the best part of working at Lite n’ Easy so far? Helping our Support at Home clients choose delicious meals.
Do you have a favourite meal at Lite n’ Easy?
Beef Korma — just spicy enough!
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Going to the local dog park with my pet beagle Maggie
Jason Mackle (Banyo QLD)
Support at Home Customer Service Support
What’s the best part of working at Lite n’ Easy so far? Connecting with and getting to know my direct teammates as well as other staff across Lite n’ Easy
Do you have a favourite meal at Lite n’ Easy?
Classic Irish Stew or Fisherman’s Pie.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Time near water, bush walking, pottery, meditation, yoga, cinema, writing music, travel, and spending time with my dogs.
Elspeth ‘Ellie’ Brown (Banyo QLD)
Baylee Espiritu (Carrum Downs VIC)
Chicken tortellini.
NDIS Customer Operations Specialist
What’s the best part of working at Lite n’ Easy so far? The team and work culture
Do you have a favourite meal at Lite n’ Easy?
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Reading and writing
Sarah Aldred (Banyo QLD)
Support at Home Customer Service Support
What’s the best part of working at Lite n’ Easy so far? The people — a fantastic, helpful team, and the customers are lovely to talk to.
Do you have a favourite meal at Lite n’ Easy?
Chicken, Apple & Walnut Salad
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Running and Pilates.
NDIS Customer Service Support
What’s the best part of working at Lite n’ Easy so far? Work–life balance and flexibility, plus the great Banyo environment and facilities.
Do you have a favourite meal at Lite n’ Easy? Butter Chicken (plus Cheese and Crackers, Bread & Butter Pudding, and Blueberry & Chia Seed Yogurt!).
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Spending time on our acreage property with my fiancé, horses or puppies, crafting, and volunteering at the Abbey Medieval Festival
It makes eating what I want, easy
Kerry
Working in aged care means long, physical days and after work Kerry didn’t want to spend time planning or cooking meals.
After starting her health journey, she chose Lite n’ Easy dinners to help keep her nutrition balanced and calories in check without the extra thinking.
In just 6 months, Kerry has lost 20kg
Lite n’ Easy helped remove the mental load after a busy day. No guessing, no calorie blowouts — just balanced meals that fit into her life.
Kerry says she feels like a completely different person physically and mentally, with more energy to keep up with the demands of her job.
She hasn’t reached her goal yet but she knows she’s on the right track.
Click Here to learn more about Kerry.
Scott was looking for a simpler way to manage meals and reduce the daily stress of planning and cooking.
After struggling to find a routine that worked, he started using Lite n’ Easy as a reliable, structured solution
With consistent, ready-made meals, Scott no longer has to think about what to eat each day, giving him more independence and peace of mind.
Over time, he’s also seen improvements in his health and wellbeing, including better control of his blood pressure and diabetes and has gone from 115kg to under 90kg!
For Scott, Lite n’ Easy isn’t just about food it’s about making everyday life easier.
Click Here to learn more about Scott.
Having variety makes a big difference
Ian
Ian knew it was time to make a change after being diagnosed with diabetes.
Before starting Lite n’ Easy, he had low energy, was overweight and living a mostly sedentary lifestyle. He needed a simple, reliable way to improve his health.
With the support of Lite n’ Easy and his Support at Home funding, healthy eating became easy to maintain.
Today, Ian has improved his mobility, regained his independence and is managing his diabetes through diet without medication.
He enjoys the variety of meals and the convenience of having everything taken care of, making it easy to stay consistent.
For Ian, Lite n’ Easy isn’t just about food — it’s about taking control of his health and living independently
Click Here to learn more about Ian
Lite n’ Easy helped me take control of my health
Alan
Small routines can support big goals.
Alan wanted to build healthier daily habits and more structure in his routine. With support from his NDIS plan, Lite n’ Easy became part of that routine.
Today he feels more confident managing his health and daily activities.
Click Here to learn more about Alan.
Lite n’ Easy and daily exercise has changed my life
Paws’onality
Meet Sunny
Say hello to Sunny — a very good boy who lives up to his name. Adventurous at heart and always ready for his next mission, Sunny approaches life with enthusiasm and a hardworking spirit. Whether he’s exploring, keeping watch, or simply brightening the room with his big, gentle presence, he gives every task his all.
But Sunny’s true specialty? Cuddles. He’s never too busy for a snuggle, a nudge, or a moment of comfort. With a heart as warm as his name, Sunny is the perfect reminder that a little affection goes a long way.
Samantha Bennett
Meet Trixy
Sent in by Armie from our Sydney team, Trixy is a silly, energetic, and fun-loving Border Collie with a very important job. While Armie is at work, Trixy takes her responsibilities seriously—keeping a watchful eye over the chickens and making sure everyone is safe and sound.
At the end of the day, Trixy can always be found at the gate, smiling and waiting eagerly for Armie to come home. It’s the highlight of her day and a daily reminder of just how loyal she is.
Fun fact: Trixy doesn’t have a tail—but that certainly doesn’t stop her personality from wagging!
Meet Hugo the Therapy Dog
Hugo is Clare’s five-year-old Cavoodle from Brisbane, and he earns his keep during the week working as a therapy dog in primary schools. He absolutely loves the attention he receives from the children, and Clare loves that his job tuckers him out by the weekend.
When Hugo is off the clock, he enjoys being a little cheeky—stealing socks from the clean laundry basket or claiming your spot on the couch the moment you stand up. It’s hard to be mad at Hugo, though, when he lovingly stares into your soul while wagging his tail.
Scooby has officially turned 6!
As Nat from Brisbane celebrates this big, gentle boy, it’s hard to believe it’s only been since August 2025 that he joined her family and completely stole their hearts.
If you’ve met Scooby, you know he’s basically a giant teddy bear—soft, cuddly, and happiest when he’s wrapped around Nat and her humans like a weighted blanket. He’s gentle, affectionate, wonderfully obedient, and always ready for a snuggle. He does have one firm boundary: he can’t even see another dog without filing a complaint. Humans? Yes please. Dogs? Absolutely not.
When he’s not snuggling, Scooby is in the water, swimming, splashing, or supervising the hose or enthusiastically destroying toys with professional commitment.
Our sweet boy keeps life entertaining every single day.
Celebrating long service at
Congratulations to the following team members on achieving these anniversary milestones! Thank you for your ongoing support and contribution to Lite n’ Easy.
10 YEARS
Sydney Hayley Biegel 05 Jan 2016
Sydney Paluvavau Afu 14 Jan 2016
Brisbane Matthew Macklin 20 Jan 2016
Sydney Steven Johnston 25 Jan 2016
Adelaide Jessica Mahony 01 Feb 2016
MQF Susan Thomas 29 Feb 2016
Sydney Kob Neang 07 Mar 2016
Sydney Van Thanh Luu 10 Mar 2016
Sydney Leanne Dumper 17 Mar 2016
MQF Rosalinda Licerio Espinoza 18 Apr 2016
Your Story, Your Consent
We love sharing your stories — from proud moments and milestones to hobbies, community work, and behindthe-scenes snapshots — across our internal channels (newsletter, digital TV screens and more) and, where appropriate, on LinkedIn.
To make sure we do this safely and respectfully, we’ve introduced an Annual Consent process for our newsletter and social communications.
Each year, we’ll ask for your permission to use your photos and story in internal communications and, if relevant, external marketing/social (e.g., LinkedIn). You can withdraw consent anytime by emailing people-andculture@liteneasy.com.au
Share Your Story
Got a proud moment, hobby, team win, or a great photo? Send it in — we’d love to feature it in our internal comms
(newsletter, digital screens, etc.) and, with your consent, share selected stories on LinkedIn too. Your story helps celebrate our amazing people and brings our culture to life.
How to Get Involved
• Fill in the consent form: Click Here and share your story
• Or Scan the QR code located on the noticeboards and digital screens
• We’ll help shape it into something great!
Let’s make the next newsletter (and our screens and socials) a celebration of you — with your consent, safely and respectfully.
