Mel is a highly experienced marketing and government relations executive with more than 25 years of experience across government and the private sector. Prior to joining Smedley Technical and Strategic, Mel spent two decades working across major transport projects and within operational agencies including VicRoads and Public Transport Victoria.

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Since joining SmedTech, Mel has worked on several aspects of the North East Link (NEL) project, including customer experience planning for the NEL operational phase. She also worked with colleague John Storrie on strategic planning and stakeholder engagement for the NEL Busway and associated feeder routes.

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In her leadership roles within the Victorian Government, Mel led a broad range of marketing initiatives, including consumer positioning of new brands and products, strategic rebranding, behaviour change marketing, market research, engagement and customer communications, and internal organisational change.

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Mel also has significant experience in transport operations, having held the position of Deputy Secretary, Operational Coordination. She was also Director of Marketing and Product Development at Public Transport Victoria, where she led behaviour change and education campaigns for the travelling public. Her roles have included leadership within the state's public transport and transport planning authorities, with a focus on operational readiness of transport assets, implementation of major timetable changes, and management of disruption and crisis communications.

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Mel's blend of technical and operational experience, combined with her communications and marketing expertise, makes her well suited to supporting clients navigating complex commercial projects with high consumer and stakeholder risk.