2026 Residential Care Awards, Leadership finalist - Recognising Mel's impact on young lives

Gateways is proud to celebrate our team member Mel, who has been named a finalist in the 2026 Residential Care Awards, hosted by the Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare as part of ResiROCKS. The awards recognise outstanding work in therapeutic residential care across Victoria and celebrate people who make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and young people living in care. 

For those who know Mel, this recognition comes as no surprise. Her leadership is visible in the big decisions that shape systems, services and outcomes, but it is also found in the small, joyful moments that help young people feel seen, safe and valued. 

Whether she is visiting young people before school on Halloween to see their costumes, celebrating Christmas Day in an inflatable reindeer costume, painting a bedroom a brighter colour because a young person asked, or stepping up to help when her team need her, Mel shows that no task is too much when it helps a young person feel cared for and at home. 

Mel has helped shape Gateways’ residential care program into a therapeutic, neuroaffirming and disability informed service that places young people at the centre of every decision. She believes residential care is only one chapter in a young person’s life, and that every young person deserves to be the main character in their own story. 

That belief has influenced everything from the way homes are designed to the way teams reflect, learn and respond. Mel has championed personalised bedrooms, welcoming outdoor spaces, culturally safe practice and stable care environments where young people can build relationships, feel a sense of belonging and experience fewer disruptions. 

One of Mel’s greatest passions is developing and retaining her team. She has built a culture where her team feel heard, supported and equipped to do their best work. Her approach has contributed to strong team retention within the CAYS program and helped create a sustainable service that does not rely on temporary solutions.  

Mel is known for attending team meetings and asking a simple but powerful question: “So, what do you need?” More importantly, she does everything she can to make the answer happen. She supports her team through crisis, encourages reflective practice, creates opportunities for professional development and makes space for people to grow into leadership. 

Her own journey reflects that same commitment to growth. Mel began as a residential care worker 14 years ago and now leads as Program Manager, bringing first-hand understanding of the complexity, skill and heart required in residential care. 

Her working space tells its own story, covered with photos, quotes and thank you notes from young people and team members. Young people who have left the service still call or visit  to update Mel on how they are going and the things they have achieved. These ongoing relationships reflect the trust, care and belief she has offered them over many years. 

Her colleagues describe her as patient, nurturing, approachable and unwavering. One team member, who Mel mentored from residential carer into a leadership role, shared: “She does not simply manage a service; she breathes life, warmth, and purpose into it.” 

Mel is the first to say, “It’s a team effort” or “It takes a village.” That humility is part of what makes her such a respected leader. She shines a light on others, celebrates the contribution of carers and keeps young people at the centre, always. 

We are incredibly proud to see Mel recognised as a finalist in the 2026 Residential Care Awards. Her nomination celebrates not only her personal impact, but the values she brings to Gateways every day; connection, stability, learning, belonging and a deep belief in the potential of every young person.