Meet our Team: Melissa

Hello Everyone, 
 
For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Mel and I am the Manager at People Outdoors, the branch of the ACA providing camps for people living with disability. I began working for People Outdoors in 2017 as a placement student studying a Bachelor of Youth Work. After my very first 5 day ‘Adventure for All' camp (which was absolutely amazing by the way!), I began a new chapter of my life; one that I really knew was my career path and where I was really meant to be - the Disability Sector.
 
After completing my placement I made the best decision to continue volunteering with People Outdoors and I feel it's programs are the most beneficial and extremely important. I have learnt so much from my time here, from becoming a Volunteer Program Leader to then venturing into Disability Support work. In 2018, I was offered the opportunity to apply for the Camp Coordinator role in the People Outdoors office.  
 
I really enjoy helping and offering our campers the opportunities to get out into nature and discover all the benefits that the Outdoor Sector really has to offer. I strongly believe in the benefits of getting people into the outdoors and giving them the opportunities to take on new adventures whilst working towards their own personal goals. 
 
In 2019, I began in my role as the People Outdoors Manager where I now handle different tasks, from recruitment, compliance, grant writing and much more. Whilst the role is busy, I try to make it a priority to get out on camp where I can, as I really enjoy working with all of our lovely campers, families, wonderful ACA Members and of course our amazing team of Disability Support Workers and Volunteers. If it wasn’t for all of them, People Outdoors wouldn’t be able to operate and provide such quality support and opportunities that we do. I thank everyone who has been a part of the PO program as they really make a difference to the lives of our campers.
 
I am very grateful to have been given this amazing opportunity to work for such an incredible organisation and I have made so many lovely connections and friendships with so many people.
 
In my personal time, I love spending time with family and friends. Especially with my adorable four year old niece, Savannah, who is always keeping me on my toes and teaching me something new! 
 
I love spending time out in nature, going on walks and exploring different parts of Victoria. I love travelling and seeing all different parts of the world, you will always find me regularly visiting Bali. 
 
This year I was lucky enough to attend the ACA Conference in Creswick and it was wonderful to meet so many people, some of whom, I would have only spoken to over the phone from time to time - it was great to put so many faces to names! I look forward to meeting so many more of our Members in the future.
(Image: Mel (center) at the People Outdoors 30th Birthday
in 2019 with Volunteers)