Melissa Bell

Melissa Bell

Executive Leader, Governance & Safeguarding

Melissa is the Executive Leader Governance & Safeguarding and Barnardos Company Secretary. Melissa brings almost 30 years’ experience in the child and family sector from both government and the community sector. Over the last 14 years, Melissa has led various roles at Barnardos Australia, most recently since 2022 as the Executive Leader Practice Quality. As a leader and a practitioner with a varied background in social policy, project management and strategy, Melissa has a demonstrated commitment to governance, child safety and continuous service improvement.

Melissa’s background as a social worker, coupled with her persistent focus on the well-being of children, create strong alignment in her leadership of Barnardos governance functions. She holds an unwavering belief in the benefits of collaboration and partnership and brings this to her work in teams and when guiding complex change.

Qualifications: Bachelor of Social Work (Hons)

WHAT WE SEE

We see beyond the sleepover in cars and understand the underlying issues.

After escaping family violence, a parent and their child have nowhere safe to stay and are
currently waiting for refuge accommodation.

We see beyond the sleepover in cars
and understand the underlying issues.

After escaping family violence, a
parent and their child have nowhere
safe to stay and are currently waiting
for refuge accommodation.

HOW BARNARDOS HELPS

We understand that families and children who have experienced domestic and family violence need more than just a safe place to stay. At Barnardos, we work closely with children to identify their unique needs and provide tailored support for each family member.   

Safe accommodation

Support with transitional accommodation

Safety Planning

Providing safety planning
so that families can leave violence for good

Counselling icon

Access to counselling services

Children who have survived domestic and family violence often experience long-term impacts into adulthood. Our caseworkers recognise the importance of specialist support to help them recover and thrive. 

HOW BARNARDOS HELPS

We understand that families and
children who have experienced domestic and family violence need more than just a safe place to stay.
At Barnardos, we work closely with children to identify their unique
needs and provide tailored support
for each family member.   


Support with transitional accommodation
♡
Providing safety planning so that families can leave violence for good
♡
Access to counselling services

Children who have survived domestic and family violence often experience long-term impacts into adulthood.
Our caseworkers recognise the importance of specialist support to
help them recover and thrive. 

You can help too! A simple gift today can support a child who has experienced
domestic and family violence to recover and heal.

close