Mel Wojtas (Voytas) is a Lived Expertise Consultant, Media Advocate, Author, Ghostwriter, Speaker and Ambassador for Generation Equality (UN Women).
Mel provides invaluable knowledge to organisations, corporates and Government to improve Social Policy, Public Policy and workplace policies and procedures. Taking an Intersectional approach to ensure communities are safer for all, both during their development and implementation.
Engaging audiences authentically, both in-person and online, Mel is a sought-after media guest, generously sharing her lived experience and knowledge from topics ranging from youth issues, mental health, su***de prevention to domestic, sexual and family violence.
This year has seen Mel branch out into providing writing services to busy (bad-ass) business owners, parents and Entrepreneurs across Australia, drafting and editing Awards submissions, applications, social media content and book chapters. A welcome solution to help people who are over-worked or unresourced, during an overwhelming and stressful year.
The journey from her childhood to realising her life's purpose, Hive Village Project, is detailed in the 3rd Edition of the best-selling series 'Change Makers', with the e-book version flying up the charts to become an International Best Seller in four countries on Amazon within 24hrs from launch. The paperback copy can be ordered now via this link.
Known for her purple hair, tattoos, bold outfits and infectious smile (with her whole face), you'll be sure to smile along when you meet her!
ADVOCACY
Having completed media training with award-winning Presenter, Tracey Spicer AM as part of Voices for Change NSW. OurWatch media training enabled Mel to represent both Domestic Violence NSW & ACON as a media survivor-advocate from early 2019 - mid-2020. In both projects, Mel collectively drove awareness of domestic and family abuse within the general population, as well as within the LGBTIQ community
Mel takes pride in following and advocating for Media to follow best practice when discussing traumatic events in the media. Having undertaken further training in Mental Health First Aid, Trauma-Informed Care, Child Protection and Community Services, to aid in supporting the community. Additionally, Mel has completed media advocacy training from well-respected Journalist, Jane Gilmore via Women's Safety NSW.
SPECIAL INTEREST
Through collaborating on various co-design projects and submissions, Mel is currently exploring her interest in public policy development and implementation and legislation reform, with a special interest in coercive control. Lobbying for changes at all levels from primary prevention education and societal attitudes to improving current systems, service gaps and government policy.
PURPOSE
Determined to solve the cycle of homelessness in Australia, Mel is the Founder & CEO of a multi-award-winning start-up:
Hive Village Project: A housing solution that will provide intersectional, permanent housing with integrated support services for human and animal survivors of Domestic & Family Abuse, in regional Australia.
EDUCATION
Over the last few years, Mel has studied Community Services at TAFE NSW and is currently working through her Bachelor of Social Science majoring in Human Services at the University of Newcastle (Australia). Mel enjoys attending regular industry training and conferences to stay informed of current resources and best practice.
PROFESSIONAL NETWORKS
For continued professional development, Mel is a member of Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA), Australian & New Zealand Mental Health Association (ANZMA), Women's Network Australia (WNA), Future Women, Domestic Violence NSW (DVNSW), Women with Altitude, AusMumpreneur, Centre for Universal Design Australia (CUDA), Women's Safety NSW and Australia Women Against Violence Alliance (AWAVA).
