I’ve joined Shellharbour City Council as Team Leader Communications. In this role, I’ll be leveraging my hands on experience and creative leadership skills to foster strong relationships across our Council and engage with our vibrant community.Working alongside the passionate Community Engagement and Communications team, I’m committed to delivering impactful communications initiatives that resonate with our stakeholders. Together, we’ll drive innovation and ensure that community engagement remains at the heart of what we do.Looking forward to this new journey and making a positive impact in our community!

The president serves as the primary spokesperson and public representative of the Illawarra Association of the Visual Artists (IAVA). In this pivotal role, they articulate the mission, values, and initiatives of the association to the public, media, and membership base. Additionally, they preside over committee meetings, providing leadership and guidance to ensure effective decision-making and strategic planning.As a signatory, the President authorises official correspondence and documents on behalf of the association, lending credibility and authority to its communications and agreements. Moreover, they curate and deliver a monthly newsletter, fostering engagement and communication within the IAVA community.While the President often serve as Master of Ceremonies at group exhibitions, and during artists talks and other public events. The President embodies the spirit and vision of IAVA, acting as a figurehead and advocate for its members and the broader arts community.

Melissa Ritchie graduated from UOW in 1999 with a BCA in Graphic Design, New Media & Visual Arts.Melissa has been a member of the WISDOM team since 2000 and holds a senior position as Account Director and Art Director. Her role has developed into a harmonious mix of account management with strategic and creative direction.Melissa ensures projects run smoothly, meeting milestones and achieving the scope of work, acting as a key liaison between the client and the studio resources.Melissa has been a much sought-after speaker at corporate events including the Local Government NSW Conference and Australian Regional Tourism Convention.Melissa has managed a number of large projects whilst at WISDOM, including:• The Disability Trust Brand Development, website, & ongoing marketing.• NSW State Emergency Services (SES) Brand development & National marketing campaigns.• Destination Southern Highlands Brand Development, award-winning “PieTime” Campaign & VFR “My Southern Highlands”, plus websites and touchscreens.• Wollongong CBD Marketing Campaigns 'We Shop the Gong' & 'Laneways Live'.• Wingecarribbee Shire Council Brand Development & website• Argyle Housing - Campbelltown Housing digital marketing campaign• The Royal Flying Doctors Service 'Dubbo Visitor Experience' campaign• Australian Macadamias websites• Wests Illawarra Brand Development, digital campaigns & ongoing marketing• Daley Financial Services Brand Development & website• Lighting Australia Brand Development and website• Liverpool Region Visitor Guide, photography & copywriting• Globetech Engineering Brand Development & website• Bathurst Region website & visitor guide• NSW Rail Museum Brand Development• The Australian Hydrographic Office Brand Development & websiteA creative at heart, Melissa is also an accomplished contemporary painter and visual artist. One of her many achievements was being a finalist in the Archibald Prize at the Art Gallery of NSW in 2016.

As Vice President of Illawarra Association for the Visual Arts, my role was to take the President’s place when needed. These tasks also included assistance with IAVA's marketing, managing the promotions of group exhibitions, website and social media content management, membership communications, email newsletters, media releases, and general communications. As vice president, I was also a financial signatory for the organisation.