Our board
Meet the rest of the CASPA Board
Our board of directors provide guidance and governance so that we can expand our reach, and continue to grow the positive impact for young people and their communities.
Dr Melanie Boursnell
Board Director
PhD. Board Director. Appointed November 2024.
With over two decades of executive leadership and board governance experience in the UK, New Zealand and Australia, Melanie is deeply committed to fostering inclusive, high-performing organisations that drive systemic change to address complex challenges. As a Ministerial Board Chair, she leads with integrity and vision, focusing on creating sustainable impact. Her lived experience with permanent disability has profoundly shaped her understanding of accessibility, equity, and diversity, enabling her to offer unique insights into inclusive governance.
During her tenure as a Senior Executive in the NSW Police, Melanie led critical cross-government initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic, earning a Medal of Commendation for exceptional service. Her expertise spans education, leadership, and clinical areas such as mental health, domestic violence, and child protection. She is particularly passionate about addressing abuse and neglect, supported by her PhD research on the intergenerational impacts of violence.
As a valued member of CASPA, Melanie’s stewardship emphasises care, resilience, and evidence-based practice. With a focus on empowering vulnerable populations, championing equity, and inspiring collaborative action, she is dedicated to delivering lasting, meaningful change.