Mel started with the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) in January 2024, as Manager of Aboriginal Employment and Development in the Enabling Self Determination Branch. Mel manages a team working towards increasing Aboriginal employment, mentoring, training and retention of mob. Her unit is responsible for ensuring DEECA’s Aboriginal Cultural Capability Framework is used by all staff.
What inspired you to apply?
I knew I was ready to step into a senior leadership role and wanted to share and grow with other Aboriginal women.
What has been the biggest take away message for you?
Know your worth.
How has this program helped you pursue your career goals and aspirations?
It helped me to set clear career goals and empowered me to leave an organisation that was not supporting me to grow. I am now where I need to be.
Read other participants' experiences
Ange Jeffery
The ECHO Program inspired Ange to make the right decisions so she could keep working for an employer she loved while also pursuing her art practice.
Ellen Tunumafono
Thanks to ECHO, Ellen has taken on a new leadership role, applied her many new skills and connected with a strong network of ECHO alumni.
Vicky Peters
Since completing the ECHO Program, Vicky has found a clearer vision of herself as a leader and a strategic path to pursue her leadership aspirations.
ECHO First Nations Women's Leadership Program
The Elevating Connections and Healing Ourselves program is open to First Nations women in Victoria. ECHO provides a culturally appropriate and safe space to build on participants’ leadership roles.
Follow along on social channels
Share in the stories of inspirational Victorian women via Women Victoria and DFFH’s social media channels.
Women Victoria
- Facebook: @womenvic
- Instagram: @womenvictoria
- Twitter: @womenvictoria
Department of Families, Fairness and Housing
- Facebook: @VicGovDFFH
- Twitter: @VicGovDFFH
- LinkedIn: @VicGovDFFH
Updated