At Loaves & Fishes, our team is united by a shared passion for serving God and making a meaningful difference in the lives of the Ni-Vanuatu community. From our directors, Nick and Jen Price, to our dedicated staff and volunteers, each member brings unique skills, experience, and heart for mission.
Together, we work, serve, and explore alongside our visitors—ensuring every trip is impactful, joyful, and rooted in Christ’s love. At the heart of our charity is a unique team that sets us apart. Our dedicated group, composed of both Australian and Ni-Vanuatu members, works together seamlessly to create impactful experiences that benefit everyone involved.
The Loaves & Fishes Program is driven by a Christ-centered mission. Our passionate team is committed to spreading the Gospel and helping others grow in faith while uplifting those who are less fortunate. Through our collaborative efforts, we aim to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and communities.
Nick & Jen Price
Directors – Loaves & Fishes
Nick and Jen Price bring a wealth of experience and a shared heart for mission to their role as Directors of Loaves & Fishes. Nick has nearly thirty years of experience as a teacher in Australia, including six years as a School Chaplain, as well as managing a farm and running small businesses. He also helped establish Mentoring by Adventure, a program creating bush camps for Indigenous Australian youth in out of home care, and has long been involved with Scripture Union NSW. Jen is a highly experienced veterinarian who successfully ran her own rural practice, and she now provides much of the behind-the-scenes leadership and administration that keeps Loaves & Fishes thriving. First introduced to Vanuatu through Scripture Union mission trips, Nick in 2017 and Jen in 2018, the couple felt a clear call from God to invest more deeply in the lives of the Ni-Vanuatu. Their love for Jesus and commitment to the local people led them to purchase a home on Efate, where they now live and serve. Together, they are passionate about building relationships, empowering communities, and creating opportunities that bring lasting benefits for both Australians and Ni-Vanuatu.
Sam Willie
Field Program Manager
Sam has been a part of Loaves & Fishes since the start. Originally from Malakula and now residing in Port Vila, Sam Willie has been a dedicated Scripture Union volunteer for over eight years. During this time, he has been involved in organizing local lunchtime scripture groups, local camps, and collaborating with overseas mission groups. Sam also runs scripture sessions for youth within his local church. In addition, he helps run Big Island Adventures, a tourist business where the Gospel is shared with tourists visiting Vanuatu. Sam’s dedication to spreading the love and teachings of Jesus is central to his work and life.
Jamie Kaltapang
Project Officer
Jamie is a highly dedicated member of our Ni-Vanuatu team, known for his warm welcome and ability to connect with visiting groups. He uses his extensive knowledge to act as a guide and teacher, sharing insights about local places and Kustoms. Growing up in the Pango region of Efate, he is an enthusiastic member of Pango Presbyterian Church where he serves as a youth leader and music leader, and he has also been to bible college. In addition to his work with Loaves & Fishes, Jamie volunteers for Scripture Union Vanuatu where he runs lunchtime scripture groups. He handles marketing, creates videos, and manages all IT-related tasks for our Loaves & Fishes team.
Esneth Kaltapang
Outreach Coordinator
Esneth Kaltabang is the Outreach Coordinator at Loaves & Fishes, supporting the team in running a variety of programs that serve the local community. She is an active member of her local church in Pango and brings a heart for service, organization, and connecting with people. Her dedication helps ensure that every project and program makes a meaningful impact.
Charlotte Gibson
Program Manager
Charlotte Gibson is a central part of our Ni-Van team. She is married to Jim, and together they have five wonderful young children. Charlotte previously worked for Scripture Union Vanuatu for eight years, where she organized and ran both local camps and overseas mission trips. Her passion for the love and power of Jesus to transform lives is evident in all she does.
Florence Makito
Chief Operating Officer
Uniquely positioned to liaise with local leaders and communities, Florence manages the day-to-day operations of Loaves & Fishes and ensures that programs run smoothly. She also plays an active role mentoring and guiding participants on mission trips, helping them engage meaningfully with the Ni-Vanuatu people and culture. Her leadership, knowledge, and heart for service make her an invaluable part of the Loaves & Fishes team.
Collin Makito
Program Officer
Collin Makito is from Pamma and currently lives in Pango with his spouse and two children. He is actively involved in his local church in Pango and brings a strong commitment to serving both his community and mission initiatives. Collin works three days a week with Scripture Union Vanuatu and contributes to Loaves & Fishes whenever available. During his three years in Australia, he organized the worship band at Hope City Church in Muswellbrook and supported charitable initiatives, including Mentoring by Adventure bush camps for Indigenous youth in Out of Home Care. His experience in leadership, music, and community engagement makes him a valued member of the Loaves & Fishes team.
Robert Pel
Team Member
Robert S Pel has a strong background in leadership and teamwork, having been a talented soccer player who chose to pursue Bible College rather than a professional sports career. He currently works with SIL, translating the Bible in Port Vila and on his home island of Tanna. In addition to his professional work, Robert volunteers with local Scripture Union camps and actively contributes to the programs at Loaves & Fishes, helping participants engage with the community and grow in their faith. Outside of his ministry and translation work, Robert enjoys a good game of chess—where his strategic skills are as impressive as his dedication to teaching others about Jesus.
Michael Tykes
Team Member
Michael Tykes is a godly and energetic team member from Ambae, now living in Port Vila with his spouse. He is actively involved in Sarambetu Church and brings a deep passion for environmental regeneration and protection to all he does. Michael plays a key role in ensuring that Loaves & Fishes camps run smoothly, offering guidance and advice to help programs operate efficiently and in harmony with local customs. His dedication, insight, and energy make him an invaluable part of the team, ensuring participants have meaningful and well-supported experiences.
Joylene
Team Member
Joylene hails from the island of Ambrym and is currently pursuing her studies at university, with a keen interest in political science. She is deeply passionate about Jesus and actively involved in local Christian youth groups around Port Vila. As a Camp Leader at Loaves & Fishes, Joylene helps run daily activities and programs, playing a vital role in connecting visiting youth from Australia with local Ni-Vanuatu youth. Her energy, relational skills, and heart for service make her an invaluable part of creating meaningful, faith-filled experiences for everyone who attends the camps.
Local Community
Loaves & Fishes supports Ni-Vanuatu community development by employing dedicated and qualified local volunteers to assist on camps in a variety of roles. Their contributions range from traditional activities such as cooking and weaving to leading devotions and mentoring youth. All volunteers have completed Child Protection training and work closely with local students in Vanuatu schools, ensuring a safe, enriching, and meaningful experience for everyone involved.