Name: Rana Hales    

Occupation: Disability Welfare Coordinator for Melbourne Legacy

1. One food item you can not live without?
Tofu

2. Finish this sentence: "In the kitchen I am…"  
…inventive.

3. Best thing about living in Melbourne?
The brilliant selection of vegetarian and vegie-friendly restaurants, with Melbourne’s cultural diversity, we are really spoilt for choice.

4. If you were a vegetable what would you be?
Eggplant (although technically a fruit), because I like to wear black and I’m an acquired taste but once you get to know me, you’ll find I can be fun and interesting. Ha ha.

5. Best thing about being vegan?
Knowing that one person can make a difference, even if at times I feel defeated and helpless in being able to change the bigger picture.

6. What are you currently reading?
Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice

7. Who would you like to trade places with for a day?
Salvador Dali (although he died in 1989 I think). I love his artwork and I’d love to know what made him tick and inspired him to create such brilliant yet bizarre masterpieces.

8. What would be the title of your autobiography?
One Crazy Chick: the journey from determination and passion to triumph

9. Favourite place to have a meal?
Toss up between Soul Mama in St Kilda or Shakahari in Carlton.

10. One thing that would make the world a better place?
Tougher penalties for animal cruelty.

I am the 27-year-old mother of 14-month-old Axel. I am a Psychology graduate, but realised that working with people with disabilities is my calling. I am passionate about community inclusion and breaking down barriers to achieve better outcomes and opportunities. I have been vegetarian for about 10 years and vegan for about three, however, I did have relapses back to some dairy whilst I was pregnant (and very occasionally now and then).

I have always been an enthusiastic animal activist and try to support as many worthy causes as possible. When I moved into Caroline Springs I saw a need to educate my local community about pressing animal welfare issues and decided to start up my group, Caroline Springs Animal Welfare Network. I started the group early this year and am currently looking for volunteers. The aim of the group is to educate the public about animal welfare issues, how to be an ethical shopper, vegetarianism/veganism and how you can help without financial donations. Our aims for the future include holding stalls at the local markets with petitions, promotional material about animal charities and organisations (along with a vegie sausage sizzle) and having regular information nights.

For more info or to get involved, please send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or join the group on Facebook .