Melissa came from a clinical psychology background with a Bachelor of Arts; 2011 (Double Major in Drama and Theatre Studies & Psychology), a Postgraduate Diploma of Psychology; 2012, a Certificate IV in Telephone Counselling; 2013 and a Certificate IV in Mental Health; 2015. She worked in the mental health and family violence sector with Royal Children’s Hospital and McAuley Community Services for Women (2015-2016).
Melissa Yu has become a state-wide leader in lived experience discussions and has raised awareness for suicide prevention in Australia through the meaningful engagement of those who may be suffering with mental health. Through her own experience of living with depression, suicidal thoughts, and losing her partner by suicide, Melissa has worked tirelessly over the last 6 years to elevate the voice of lived experience and embed the meaningful involvement of lived experience across Australia’s community sector. From speaking to local communities, right through to international conferences, Melissa’s audience is taken on a personal journey with heartfelt imagery, a deep connection to others and relentless self-belief that leaves you moved long after her story has concluded.
Her passion for the inclusion of those with a lived experience is reflected in her transformative work at the various suicide prevention organisations she has contributed to in her career. Most recently, she was a nominee for Young Australian of the Year 2019 and Channel 7’s Young Achievers Award for Social Impact. Outside of her keynote speaking, Melissa runs her own boutique events company helping businesses with their events from concept to delivery. Mel is described as having ‘wisdom beyond her years’.
Some speakers leave a temporary impression. Melissa imprints her passion on the participant and lights a fire that can’t be extinguished.
Melissa has been a guest speaker for a multitude of public events with BeyondBlue, Lifeline Australia, R U Ok Day, Roses in the Ocean and many more, advocating for mental health, suicide awareness and suicide literacy. In 2017, she spoke on a Los Angeles stage with over 2000 pairs of eyes with actor, Mark Wahlberg. Most recently, Melissa has invested her time on fireside chats, panel discussions, and motivational speaking in the start-up and entrepreneurship space in Melbourne.