Melanie believes investing in leadership is one of the most powerful ways to shape resilient, equitable, and prosperous rural communities. She is committed to shaping national leadership development that embeds inclusion, integrity, and service, and to advancing First Nations leadership, cross-sector collaboration, and place-based approaches.

As Pro Vice-Chancellor Regional at La Trobe University, Melanie leads the University’s regional strategy, partnerships, and campus operations to enhance education, research, and community impact. Her qualifications reflect deep experience in rural health and education and include FARLF, PhD in Nursing (with a thesis on rural nursing leadership), Master of Nursing, Bachelor of Nursing (Honours), and Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Curriculum (Teaching and Learning). She currently serves on the Telstra Rural Council, several university advisory boards, and chaired multiple institutional committees focused on governance and regional partnerships.