Meet Melanie...
I’ve been a Registered Nurse for over 15 years, and completed my Graduate Certificate in Gastroenterology Nursing at the end of 2023. I've worked in public and private institutions and practices in Albury, Sydney, and here in Orange.​​
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I’m a 6th-generation Orange local with my mum’s family settling in the Orange district in 1848. These ties provide me a great understanding of the post-settlement history of the region and having grown up in Orange, I appreciate that there are historical aspects to be retained whilst we grow into a regional city and hub.
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I’m a life-long ‘muso’ and continue participating in the music community as Bassoonist in the Orange Symphony Orchestra. I’m also a composer and had my biggest work to date performed in 2019 by the Orange Symphony Orchestra and Symphonic Choir.
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I’m an independent mother to a young boy who is the light of my life. Becoming a parent changed my perspective on many things, making me more determined to change the world for the better. It also showed me the areas of deficiency in our city for families and young children.
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In the 2.5 years I have served as a Councillor for Orange, I have embraced every opportunity to learn and grow as an individual and as a leader. I have called out misogyny, racism and homophobia in the Council Chamber when it has been used by other Councillors. I have held firm to my belief that only by collaborating can a Council best serve their community.​​​​​​​​​
WHY AM I RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION TO ORANGE CITY COUNCIL?​​
With a much shorter Council term due to COVID, I’ve only just started to make the differences I wish to for my community.​
When I stood for Council I stated that ‘I want to lead and inspire the Orange community now, and into the future’. Whilst I know not everyone in our community agrees with me or supports what I have done, no ‘one’ person can ever truly represent every single person in their electorate, that is the beauty and the challenge of true diversity. Although some may criticise me, I have always acted with integrity and authenticity. My decisions have been based on facts, evidence and taking into consideration the best interest of our community now, and into the future. When other Councillors have been silent on issues or waited to see what the community expected, such as with the Rainbow Festival, I have held firm and used my voice and position to call out hate speech and discrimination.
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I'm running to be Orange's first female Mayor. However, it's not just about being the first woman; it's about being the best candidate for the position.
I know there is much more I can do to support and grow our wonderful city. Our community has had a glimpse at what a more collaborative Council can achieve, with my leadership as Mayor we will lead by example. Hate speech and divisive power games have no place in local government. All Councillors must be committed to collaborating, to working together, in order to get the absolute best outcomes for everyone in our city.
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