Melissa Arch

Senior Project Officer

Melissa Arch is an Aboriginal woman born and raised in Geelong, Victoria, and a proud survivor of the Stolen Generations. Her lived experience has shaped a lifelong commitment to advocacy, healing, and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Melissa brings over three decades of experience across community services, mental health, disability, and alcohol and other drugs sectors. Her work has centred on culturally safe, trauma-informed practice, supporting individuals and families experiencing complex mental health challenges, substance use, and intergenerational trauma.

She has extensive experience in both individual and systemic advocacy, including her role with First Peoples Disability Network (FPDN), where she supported Aboriginal people with disability across multiple systems. Melissa recently completed a Diploma of Counselling, with a focus on grief and loss, reflecting her ongoing commitment to strengthening her practice and responding to the needs of the community.

Melissa brings both professional expertise and deep cultural understanding to her work, grounded in integrity, authenticity, and a strong commitment to community wellbeing.