Our Story

Culture Connect WA was born from a desire to merge the joy of cooking with the power of social impact.
We believe that food is a universal language that can bridge cultural divides, promote understanding, and create opportunities for all.

Our team is composed of passionate individuals with diverse backgrounds in culinary arts, education, and community service. We are driven by a shared commitment to fostering inclusivity, celebrating diversity, and empowering individuals through culinary experiences.

Meet The Team

Liz Goonewardene - CEO

Elizabeth is a culinary powerhouse with a rich heritage—Sri Lankan, Scottish, and Australian—that has shaped her unique perspective and passion for cultural diversity. Growing up in a large family with three sisters and two brothers, each with their own unique talents and skills, she was constantly surrounded by different ways of thinking, working, and creating. Her family’s extensive skill sets range from business and education to the arts and trades, and she has always drawn inspiration from their experiences. Whether it was learning about leadership and resilience from one sibling or creativity and adaptability from another, she embraced the value of lifelong learning early on. These family influences sparked her curiosity about the world, leading her to explore different cultures and the ways in which food brings people together.

Elizabeth refined her skills across Europe and reconnecting with her heritage and exploring more of Asia's cuisine as a tool for storytelling.

Katherine Goonewardene - Education Coordinator

Katherine brings over five years of education and a profound passion for food, community, and cultural exchange, which have been deeply influenced by her multicultural upbringing. Growing up in a diverse environment exposed her to a rich tapestry of traditions, cuisines, and stories, sparking her lifelong curiosity about how food serves as a universal language that transcends borders and brings people together.

Her love for the ways in which food connects individuals, families, and communities drives her unwavering dedication to fostering inclusivity, understanding, and mutual respect through her work at Culture Connect WA. Katherine believes that shared culinary experiences are a powerful tool for breaking down barriers, building trust, and nurturing a sense of belonging among people from all walks of life.

Carlo Friscuolo - Culinary Coordinator

Carlo brings over 40 years of invaluable experience in the hospitality industry, during which he has had the privilege of working in some of the world’s most prestigious hotels, including Michelin-starred establishments in London and Switzerland.

His extensive career has encompassed a wide range of roles, from working in state-of-the-art kitchens to managing elegant dining rooms aboard luxury cruise ships, allowing him to refine his expertise across multiple facets of the hospitality world. These experiences have equipped Carlo with a comprehensive understanding of the intricate details that define exceptional service, operational efficiency, and culinary excellence.

Alia Abdi - Connection Consultant

Meet Alia, a passionate advocate and leader with personal, lived experience of disability, who is deeply committed to creating a more inclusive and equitable world for everyone. As a proud Muslim woman of colour, Alia brings a unique and valuable perspective to every aspect of her work, drawing from her own journey and the challenges she has overcome.

Her educational background in community studies, which she completed at TAFE, has equipped her with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute meaningfully to community initiatives, especially those focused on empowering individuals from marginalised groups.