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.

With 14 years in professional fine dining across Perth and London, Elizabeth successfully ran a catering business for five years and trained aspiring chefs at a private RTO. A fierce advocate for equity, mental health, and community support, she earned a diploma in community services in 2020. Inspired by her global experiences and her work in an international school, she founded Culture Connect WA, merging her hospitality expertise with her passion for creating inclusive, transformative culinary experiences.

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.

She is passionately committed to supporting programs and initiatives that celebrate diversity, preserve cultural heritage, and strengthen ties between individuals through the joy of cooking and dining together. With her unique background and vision, Katherine plays a pivotal role in promoting Culture Connect WA’s mission to unite communities and empower individuals by embracing the beauty of cultural exchange through food.

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.

For the past 22 years,

Carlo has successfully operated his own limited company, providing expert consultancy services to both the hospitality sector and the SME market across the UK. His work has involved collaborating with a variety of businesses to optimize their performance, enhance customer satisfaction, and achieve operational success. Over the decades, Carlo has developed a reputation as a trusted advisor and a dynamic leader who understands the evolving challenges of the industry.

Throughout his impressive career,

Carlo has gained deep insights into the nuances of delivering world-class experiences and cultivating environments that prioritize quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. His dedication to excellence, combined with his ability to adapt to diverse industry needs, has made him a highly respected figure in hospitality. Whether working within fine dining establishments, managing consultancy projects, or supporting SMEs, Carlo’s passion for the industry shines through, driving his commitment to fostering growth, sustainability, and innovation in every endeavor.

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.

In addition to her academic achievements,

Alia has been actively involved in serving on disability boards, where she has worked tirelessly to advocate for policies and programmes that address systemic barriers, promote accessibility, and ensure that people with disabilities have the opportunities and resources needed to thrive. Her advocacy is driven by her deep understanding of the importance of representation, respect, and equity, and her efforts have made a tangible impact in the disability sector.

Alia’s unwavering commitment to inclusion aligns seamlessly with Culture Connect WA’s mission to celebrate diversity and create opportunities for underrepresented communities. As a key leader within the organisation, Alia plays an essential role in shaping initiatives that empower individuals, foster understanding, and drive meaningful change. Her leadership, guided by compassion and a clear vision for the future, ensures that Culture Connect WA continues to champion equity and inclusion, not only in its programmes but in the broader community as well.

Alia’s passion for advocating for others, combined with her unique life experiences and professional expertise, make her an inspiring and integral part of the team.

She believes that creating spaces where everyone feels valued and heard is essential to building stronger, more connected communities. Through her work, Alia continues to break down barriers, uplift others, and inspire positive transformation in the lives of countless individuals. Her dedication, resilience, and vision are a driving force behind the efforts of Culture Connect WA, ensuring that its mission to unite communities and celebrate diversity is brought to life in impactful ways.

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