Melissa is a descendant of the Ngarrindjeri, Kaurna and Wirangu peoples. Her work in the fields of human rights and justice spans across more than 25 years. She is a fierce advocate for her communities to ensure the self-determination, and advancement of the rights, of Aboriginal children, families, and communities. She is an authentic leader who brings her passion, common sense and practical advice to her peers, communities and those in leadership. Melissa is able to drive change, and brings hope and courage to those around her. She has led teams in government and non-government organisations driving strategic reform towards improved outcomes for Aboriginal people in the justice and child protections systems.
Melissa’s former roles includes specialising in Youth Justice, Prosecution and Community Policing in the South Australia Police, Children Advocate with the Office of the Guardian for Children and Young People, Director of Aboriginal Services at Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement and General Manager of Youth Justice Strategy, Policy and Reporting with South Australia’s Department for Human Services.
Melissa represented the Coalition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peaks as an inaugural member of Joint Council for Closing the Gap, and is a signatory to the Uluru Statement – Voice, Treaty, Truth. She is proud mother to three young adults who inspire and challenge her every day, She has a lifelong loves for horses, of which she attributes her purposeful and strong work ethic to working in racing stables as a teenager.
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