Mel is the Founder & CEO of Hive Village Project, a Lived Expertise Consultant, Media Advocate and Public Speaker, based out of Sydney. Equipped with invaluable knowledge on topics such as domestic and family abuse/violence and complex trauma.
Mel has lived expertise and insight into Adverse Childhood Events (ACEs) and generational mental health, losing a parent to suicide and how she thrives after adversity.
Mel was selected to represent Domestic Violence NSW & ACON ‘Voices for Change’ Project as a Survivor-Advocate in the media. Advocating for changes at all levels from primary prevention and societal attitudes to improving current systems, service gaps and government policy. Opportunities have included, meeting with Attorney General & Minister for Prevention of Domestic Violence to discuss key areas for reform in the sector and being a guest of a ‘Forum with Rosie Batty OA’ at Parliament House NSW, to acknowledge the advocacy of Voices For Change NSW Advocates.
Pivoting away from a decade of office support roles in the corporate world, Mel has remained purpose-driven in utilizing her own adverse events to create impactful and positive change for others. In 2016, Mel envisioned Hive Village Project, a start-up that will provide permanent housing with integrated support services for human and animal survivors of Domestic & Family Abuse, in regional Australia.
To aid in her mission, Mel has been studying Community Services at TAFE NSW and a Bachelor of Social Science at University of Newcastle. Following this, Mel received a full scholarship into the Women’s Business School, a female founders Business incubator program; Ignite 2019.
To keep up to date with professional and sector development, Mel is a member of Australian Community Workers Association, ANZMHA – Australian & New Zealand Mental Health Association, Women’s Network Australia, Future Women, Domestic Violence NSW and Women’s Safety NSW.
Mel is a multi-award winning Start-up Founder, placing 2nd in the Social Change Hero category for the national ROAR Success Awards and 2nd in the Women’s Business School Excellence category for the national AusMumpreneur Awards 2019. This year Mel has been nominated for a Women’s Agenda Leadership Award and an LGBTI Honour Award and Finalist in the AusMumpreneur People’s Choice Award.
Speaking + media bio:
Guest Speaker – NSW Health DFV Policy launch at Royal North Shore Hospital (16 days of Activism)
Panellist – CXBANK$ Conference 2019 (World Mental Health Day)
Feature: Members on their way (Aug 2019) Future Women
Article – DV Survivor nominated for national AusMumpreneur Awards, F – Magazine
Panellist – The Greens NSW Women’s policy campaign launch at Newtown
Podcast guest – The Parenting Couch with Sarah Levett
Radio guest – Feminist Friday with ActionAid Australia & Energy Groove Radio
Media Advocacy – Voices for Change NSW with Domestic Violence NSW, OurWatch
Media Advocacy – LGBTIQ Voices for Change NSW with ACON, Domestic Violence NSW
Guest Speaker – TAFE NSW Community Services, Northern Sydney Institute
Speaker – Lucy’s Project Conference
Panel Speaker – Share the Dignity high tea (500 pax)