Our Teams

Dr.Yakindra Timilsena/Founder/Chairperson

PhD, Food Science

Dr. Yakindra Timilsena is a renowned food scientist, researcher, and community leader, dedicated to advancing sustainable food systems, nutrition, and community well-being. With over 25 years of experience in food technology, product innovation, and food sustainability, he specialises in functional food formulations, plant-based nutrition, and microencapsulation technologies. Currently a Research Fellow at La Trobe University, Dr. Timilsena’s work focuses on enhancing food security, improving health outcomes, and promoting environmentally sustainable food solutions.

He holds a Ph.D. in Food Science from RMIT University and has worked at leading institutions, including CSIRO, Deakin University, Nu-Mega Ingredients, and the Department of Food Technology & Quality Control in Nepal. As a certified ISO 22000 Lead Auditor and HACCP Practitioner, he is a recognized expert in food safety, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance. He is also the Secretary of the Australian Food Engineering Association, contributing to advancements in food processing and technology in Australia.

He is also a prominent leader within the Nepalese and broader multicultural communities in Australia, holding key leadership roles: President, Nepalese Association of Victoria (NAV) – Advocating for multiculturalism, community integration, and support for Nepalese Australians.

President, Nepalese Association of Agriculture, Forestry, and Environment in Australia (NEPAFE) – Promoting sustainable agriculture, environmental awareness, and food security initiatives.

Regional Advisory Council Member, Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) – Advising on multicultural policy and community development in Victoria.

Director, Smart Health Global Australia – Supporting digital health innovations, telehealth accessibility, and healthcare services for underserved communities.

Dr. Bed P. Khatiwada/ Co-Founder

PhD Horticulture Science, Fresh Produce Quality Assessment

A blend of experiences from production horticulture, quality research and horticulture market, I am an enthusiastic fresh produce quality and postharvest horticulturist with knowledge, skills and firsthand experience of working on fresh produce quality management systems. Industry experience of more than 10 years in Brisbane Markets in quality control, quality assurance and postharvest management specialist roles gave me opportunity to learn from and contribute to fresh produce quality assessment, postharvest management and understanding the market expectations both for domestic and international markets. Hands-on experience to understand and apply FSANZ regulations, various quality management systems (SQF, Freshcare), HARPS and retailers produce standards /specifications for food safety and quality requirements from market and customers are some of my assets. With publication record ranging from policy to practices in postharvest and quality management featured from general newspaper, magazines and peer reviewed journals and book chapters from esteemed publishers, I have been disseminating the knowledge gained through my research and experience to wider audience. Applying postharvest quality and value chain knowledge from field, research and industry for the benefit of business and contributing to brand value is my career goal.

Dr. Raju Adhikari, chief Executive officer (CEO)

Dr. Raju Adhikari has over 30 years of R&D experience at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) with over 100 research publications in peer-reviewed journals and owns 28 patents (H index 45, citation > 11000).

He is one of the co-inventors of Elast-Eon(TM) and NovoSorb and Synthetic Heart Valve biomedical platform technologies and an inventor of sprayable biodegradable polymer technology (TranspiratiOnal). He is an Adjunct Assoc Professor, at STEM Hub, RMIT University, and is a Deputy Chair and Global Research Director of Emotional Wellbeing Institute, Geneva.

Dr. Adhikari is the founder of many organisations including Nepalese Association of Victoria (NAV), Help Nepal Network Australia (HeNN Australia), Federation of Nepalese Community Associations of Australia (FeNCAA), Astha Nepali Hindu Society of Victoria-Shree Pashupatinath Temple, Australian Multicultural Organisations Network (AMON), Nepal Science Foundation Trust (NSFT) and Skill Knowledge and Innovation (SKI) Committee of NRNA. He is also a Global Research Director of Smart Health Global and core member of Nepal Open University Initiatives.

Dr Adhikari also serves in many advisory roles- Patron of Greater Geelong Nepalese Association, board member of Eastern Volunteers (EV) and Regional Advisory Council Member of Victorian Multicultural Commission, and Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV).

Dr. narayan subedi(project manager)

Dr Narayan Subedi is a public health academic and researcher whose work focuses on promoting physical activity, preventing non-communicable diseases, and improving community health equity. He previously served as an Assistant Professor at the Institute of

Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Nepal, and is actively engaged in international research collaborations in Canada, Australia, and Nepal. Dr Subedi earned his PhD from the School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences at Deakin University, where he is working as a

Research/Teaching Fellow. Dr Subedi’s research explores behavioural and environmental factors influencing health and aims to design culturally tailored interventions for diverse and underserved communities. With a strong commitment to evidence-informed practice, he

contributes to advancing research and capacity building in the public health landscape in Nepal and Australia.

Ms. agrata nepal (member)

I enjoy planning vibrant, nutrient-rich meals that are both a treat for the palate and the body. Every trip to the grocery store is an exciting journey for me because I get to choose from a variety of whole meals and fresh, organic veggies. I support kitchen experiments and would like to take a proactive role in the world of food.