Melissa (Mel) Riley is Benevolent’s Executive Director of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships. Her appointment on 1 June 2026 marked an important milestone for our organisation, with Mel becoming our first Aboriginal Executive Director.
Since joining Benevolent in September 2025, Mel has led significant work across the organisation, including development of Benevolent’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy and its next Reconciliation Action Plan in her previous role as Director of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Development.
Mel has played a key role in deepening how Benevolent builds strong relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and how the organisation works alongside the sector and Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations (ACCOs).
Melissa brings experience across philanthropy, corporate and community systems, with a focus on strengthening First Nations leadership and embedding culturally grounded, strengths-based approaches that influence decision-making at every level.
A Wiradjuri woman, she lives and works on Kabi Kabi/Gubbi Gubbi Country in Caboolture, Queensland.
M.Ed
BEd
BComm
Executive Director, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships since 2026