HomePlate Project Think Tank
Oversight and strategic direction for the Home Plate Project is provided by a national Think Tank of experts in ageing, nutrition, community services and advocacy:
Jane Mussared
CEO, Maggie Beer Foundation
Jane Mussared joined the Maggie Beer Foundation in June 2024 from an advisory role to the Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care. Previously she was Chief Executive of COTA SA and an executive of a not for profit aged care provider.
Jane has served on many boards and committees, including as the chair of the South Australian Circus Centre (home of Cirkidz) and a non-Executive Director with the Maggie Beer Foundation.
Jane is an inaugural member of the Social Workers Registration Board of SA. Jane has a Masters degree from the University of Michigan.
Professor Briony Dow
Honorary Fellow, National Ageing Research Institute (NARI)
Professor Briony Dow is an academic social worker with a long-standing commitment to the wellbeing of older people and their families. Whether in direct social work practice or applied research roles, she has sought to improve programs and services designed to support older people. She was Director of the National Ageing Research Institute (NARI) from 2015-2024 and is currently an Honorary Fellow at NARI and the University of Melbourne.
Dr Maddison Mellow
Postdoctoral Research Associate, University of South Australia
Dr Maddison Mellow is a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Healthy Ageing at the University of South Australia. Maddi holds a Bachelor of Psychology (Cognitive Neuroscience) and completed her PhD in 2023, which investigated the links between lifestyle and brain health in older adulthood. Maddi’s current research explores ways in which dementia prevention and healthy ageing strategies can be personalised for individuals based on their environmental, genetic, demographic and health characteristics and contexts. Maddi has worked with the Maggie Beer Foundation in various research roles since 2020
Sharyn Broer
CEO, Meals on Wheels SA
Sharyn is passionate about helping older people enjoy life and live well through great food and community connection. She has been involved in home and community care since 1991 as an occupational therapist, allied health manager, and as Chief Executive Officer of Meals on Wheels SA since 2010.
Through her clinical, leadership and governance roles over the past 30 years, she has transformed service delivery in changing policy, funding and regulatory contexts. From HACC to CHSP, HCP and NDIS, and now to Support at Home, she holds system-level, provider and family carer perspectives, and champions improved outcomes and social impact across her organisation’s metropolitan, regional, rural and remote locations.
Sharyn is an active member, leader and initiator of advisory groups, industry alliances and peak bodies, past President of Meals on Wheels Australia, Deputy Chair of the Guide Dogs SA/NT Board and is on the ACCPA Member Council.
Professor Susan Gordon
Chair, National Aged Care Advisory Committee
Emeritus Professor Sue Gordon is a leader in ageing and aged care, working across clinical, academic, and policy sectors to improve outcomes for older Australians. She has held senior roles at Flinders University and ARIIA, and currently chairs the National Aged Care Advisory Council. Sue brings deep expertise in research, business, and care innovation, with a focus on extending healthy years through evidence-based solutions.
Anne Higginson
Manager Community Services, Bene Aged Care
Anne Higginson is the Manager of Home and Community Services at Bene Aged Care in Adelaide. With over 25 years of leadership in aged care and community services, Anne is committed to culturally inclusive, person-centred care that supports older people to live independently and stay connected. She has led many innovative programs, including services designed for people living with memory loss, and continues to champion approaches that strengthen wellbeing and dignity in the community.
Together, they ensure the project is grounded in evidence, connected to community, and aligned with aged care reform.
Join us in shaping a future where food matters at every age.