Melanie Fernandez - Biography

Melanie Fernandez is the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the NSW Council of Social Service (NCOSS).

Melanie is an advocate and activist who is committed to human rights, gender equality and bringing about long term change to address disadvantage. Grounded in her father’s experience as a refugee; Melanie is deeply passionate about challenges facing Culturally and Linguistically Diverse, migrant and refugee communities.  

Melanie has worked in leadership roles in grassroots, membership-based and NGO organisations. Melanie has previously been the Chair of the Women’s Electoral Lobby Australia, co-founding member of F Collective, and Steering Committee member of Equality Rights Alliance.

Melanie currently sits on the Board of Reproductive Choice Australia, the NSW Juvenile Justice Advisory Council and the Editorial Board of Apolitical – Women’s Empowerment Channel. 

Melanie was an NCOSS delegate at the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) at the 61st session held at the United Nations in New York.
Melanie holds a degree in Gender Studies.