Melinda Carlyle brings over 25 years of dedicated service and expertise to the early childhood, leadership and foster care sector. As a committed advocate and leader with a Graduate Certificate of Leadership from Deakin University, Melinda has a deep understanding of the complex needs and challenges faced by foster children and their families. Her personal experience of going through the accreditation process to become a permanent carer with her husband gives Melinda an understanding of the challenges and incredible outcomes of children that are in the care system.

Melinda’s leadership experience is extensive; she currently serves as the Director of Care and Services at a leading nonprofit organisation, overseeing initiatives that include projects to transition young people out of the residential care system and in to home based foster care, as well as an eLearning platform for a best practice framework for case management practitioners to support carers. Her strategic vision and operational acumen have been instrumental in connecting with external partners to innovatively recruit and retain carers, ensuring the sustainability and support of the foster care system. Additionally, Melinda has a proven track record of advocacy, having previously worked with legislators in NSW  to influence policies that enhance the support systems for foster families.

A passionate advocate for child welfare, Melinda has spoken on local panels and been a part of round table discussions about trauma informed practices in working with vulnerable children, using the Sanctuary Framework of which she is currently Executive Sponsor for the implementation of the model. Her commitment to improving the lives of foster children, combined with her extensive experience and innovative approach, make her exceptionally well-suited to contribute to the board of directors and build upon FCAV's purpose of support, advocacy and better outcomes for foster carers and the children and young people in their care.