Top 50 Public Sector Women

achel is a purpose and values-driven public servant and leader. She has experienced first-hand the transformative power of good social policy and spent her career trying to make the same difference for others that previous public servants have made for her.   

Rachel has led strategy and policy functions across health, public health, pandemic response, health workforce, medical research, international engagement, and social insurance.   

Rachel believes in leading from head and heart, supporting and developing others, particularly women, and finding the ‘why’ and the ‘so what’. 

Lauren is the Assistant Commissioner of Family Violence Command. In a policing sense, what matters most to her is ensuring her role is aligned to her values, especially on gender equality.

Lauren is proud of the professional development and career planning sessions she delivers, tailored to helping women be more successful in policing. When she receives feedback that people have left the session feeling inspired and excited about the next phase of their career, she knows she is on the right track – and says it is even better when they call to say, “I got the job!”.   

Lauren has also authored a book about Aboriginal jockey Darby McCarthy titled Against All Odds, runs three marathons and is raising a considerate hard-working daughter.  

Since joining the Transport Accident Commission (TAC), Robyn has held key functions that include her current role as Senior Manager of the Onboarding, Income and Dependency Branch.   
 
Robyn headed the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Working Group that received the TAC’s 2023 People’s Choice Award. Through her leadership, the group oversaw the translation of TAC online information, ran a video interpreting trial, and facilitated an SBS article translated into 25 languages. 
 
Robyn presented the findings at the 2022 Personal Injury Education Foundation (PIEF) Conference, and in 2023 Robyn was a Finalist for the PIEF Outstanding Leadership Award.  Robyn is participating in the 2024 Williamson Community Leadership program. 

Frances leads Cenitex, which provides shared Information and Communications Technology (ICT) services to the Victorian public sector. Cenitex enables departments, agencies and more than 55,000+ users to deliver services for the Victorian community.  

Prior Frances was with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) as Chief Financial Officer where she managed a $3.6 billion operating budget. Frances led several business divisions within the ATO, with workforces of up to 7,500 employees.  

Frances’s roles have provided her with a strong understanding and appreciation of public service ethics, delivery to government and the community. 

Sandy has led large Infrastructure projects as the Executive Director of Infrastructure at Goulburn Valley Health and managed large-scale change in roles at Epworth Healthcare and Bendigo Radiology.  

Sandy uses her radiography and sonography skills on occasion when she assists as needed. She completed a psychology degree during COVID-19, as mental health and wellbeing became more of a focus.  

Public health is Sandy’s passion, especially improving health outcomes for rural clients. 

In her 12 years at the Department of Education, Tonella has had the opportunity to lead several significant reforms to systems and processes which support a strengthened integrity culture.  
 
Through her work in the public sector, as well as her previous 11 years in finance with large private sector organisations, she has developed a strong focus on mentoring and supporting women in leadership.  
 
Tonella’s natural ability to build trust and collaborative partnerships with her colleagues and stakeholders forms a key part of her leaderships success which is recognised across the public sector. 

Melissa has held senior executive roles in Victorian Government and led transport projects from conception to delivery. She always aims to leave a positive community outcome and legacy. She has been responsible for the delivery of Stage 2 of the Caulfield to Dandenong LX Project and developing business cases to support significant rail infrastructure projects. Melissa is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the Australian Major Projects Leadership Academy. She is a strong advocate for diversity across disciplines and is committed to growing the diversity and inclusion across the department’s Network Design and Integration division. Melissa has also been a leader in advocating for equity in pay and recognition, and a Women in Transport Mentor for the past four years.  

Professor Shelley Dolan joined the Royal Melbourne Hospital in August 2023. She is a familiar face in the Parkville Precinct, previously serving as the Chief Executive of the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. 
 
In her previous roles, Professor Dolan has successfully led large specialist tertiary hospitals in the UK, including as Chief Executive of Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Deputy Chief Executive of the Royal Marsden Hospital. 
 
She is a highly respected clinical and research leader with an impressive track record in health care, having successfully led major organisational and cultural change in Victoria and the UK.  
 
Professor Shelley Dolan has a PhD in the early diagnosis of sepsis in cancer patients and a Master’s in Advanced Practice Nursing. She is a Professor (Enterprise) of the Melbourne School of Health Science at the University of Melbourne. Professor Dolan is also Chair of the Western and Central Melbourne Integrated Cancer Service, a Board member of the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre Alliance, the Melbourne Academic Centre for Health, Melbourne Genomics and CRC Participant Director on the Board of Oncology One. Professor Dolan was a

Lynley is an experienced local government professional who has worked in Melbourne’s West for more than 20 years.   
 
Her areas of focus have included social policy analysis and development, public health research, community engagement, strategic advocacy, community infrastructure planning, family, youth and children services, arts and cultural development, stakeholder management and community capacity building programs.  
 
Lynley’s professional experience is balanced with academic studies, and she holds a Master of Public Health and Graduate Diploma Health Promotion. 

Taryn has been part of Corrections and Justice services in Victoria for just over 23 years. In that time, she has worked her way through all prison based operational roles, working with both men and women within maximum- and minimum-security settings.  

She’s also taken on several opportunities with central teams focused on training, case management and motivational interviewing.  

Taryn’s passion has always been supporting people to be the best versions of themselves. Whether as a practitioner or leader this seems to always come down to two things: supporting access to opportunities or resources that meet individual needs and building motivation. Most of Taryn’s professional development, experience and delivery has been focused on getting better at these two things. 

Rachel is passionate about leading teams to deliver best practice regulatory strategies and change programs that deliver outcomes for community. She has held leadership roles across several regulators, implementing new and world leading legislation including in occupational health and safety, environment, and marine pilotage to improve maritime safety in Victoria.   

At EPA Victoria, Rachel established a new Waste Crime Prevention capability and led a multi-agency Waste Intelligence Network -part of the Victorian Government’s focus on building a Circular Economy. 

Rachel currently leads 100 people to provide place-based regulatory services and community engagement. She has chaired EPA’s inaugural Finance and Performance sub-committee over the last 12 months and acts as Executive Director Operations. 

Rachel holds qualifications in applied science, occupational health and safety, organisational behaviour, and business management. She is also a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. 

Louise is an experienced executive leader in the Department of Health with deep knowledge, experience and expertise across multiple levels of the health system and aged care with a track record of identifying opportunities to integrate and improve the system.

She has worked across the continuum of health and wellbeing from prevention, early intervention, treatment and research applying knowledge of the social determinants of health to ensure policies improve equity of access and outcomes. 

Louise enjoys creating partnerships and collaborations to implement policy, programs, and service innovation to improved health and wellbeing outcomes.   This includes working within a self-determination framework with Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations to fund and support Aboriginal led programs

Currently, Louise is leading and driving primary care reform work in Victoria, including establishing 27 Priority primary Care Centres/Urgent care Centres, new virtual care models and primary care chronic disease models to address urgent after hours care gaps.  

Clare is a Civil Engineer with more than 20 years’ experience in infrastructure and asset management. She has led high-performing teams across the local government and water sectors and is passionate about developing talent and fostering positive organisational cultures to deliver real benefits for the Victorian community. Clare recently led the development of South Gippsland Water’s first emissions reduction roadmap and circular economy statement which will be hugely transformative for the business.  

As the female leader of a 90% male division, Clare is also passionate about driving diversity and inclusion into the workforce. She attends school and third-level educational events to encourage young girls to choose a career in STEM. She is also a mentor to several women within, and outside, the workplace.  

Outside of work, Clare is very active in community organisations and events including Cub Scouts, Park Run, Aus Kick and community tree-planting days. These activities strongly connect her with her community, and she brings this connection to her work. 

Cathy has a record of dedicated senior leadership in the local government sector in Victoria and New South Wales. Across her career Cathy has led diverse portfolios including corporate services, community services, and open space planning.  

With a deep commitment to community democracy, her career has included strong focus on community strengthening, environmental sustainability, and working towards reconciliation with First Peoples.  

Cathy holds a Master’s in Public Policy and Management, is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and is an elected board member of the Victorian Local Government Professionals Association.  

Melissa is a Gunai woman hailing from East Gippsland with connections to the Gunditjmara people of Barwon South-West. She brings more than 25 years of experience in the public sector to her work.  

Melissa’s journey began in youth justice, and she has since played key roles in significant initiatives such as Dhelk Dja (the Victorian Indigenous Family Violence Strategy) and the Koori Employment Strategy under the Aboriginal Justice Agreement (AJA 1 and 2). Melissa was also instrumental in leading the City of Melbourne’s inaugural Indigenous framework.

Over the past nine years, Melissa has contributed her expertise to Court Services Victoria in various capacities. She has led the development and implementation of the Koori employment plan and, oversees the Dhumba Murmuk Djerring Unit. Melissa’s leadership extends to establishing the Self Determination Plan and implementing the Senior Leadership Cultural Immersion program. 

Lynda was appointed Victorian Small Business Commissioner in August 2021. She has two decades of experience working as regulator with experience in multiple jurisdictions including the Commonwealth and Victoria – and in workplace relations, building and construction and business regulation more generally.  

Lynda and the team at the Victorian Small Business Commission are dedicated to providing much needed support to Victorian small businesses.  

Since joining Victoria Police, Andrea has worked in operational positions in metropolitan and country locations, public transport, specialist and emergency response policing, recruitment, and deployment. She was awarded the Australian Police Medal in 2019.  

Andrea’s decision to join Victoria Police followed her completion of teaching and sports sciences degrees, and she has since completed further leadership degrees and specialist qualifications.  

Andrea is grateful to be well supported personally and professionally by family and friends. 

Lauren has more than 20 years of experience with the Transport Accident Commission across various roles, ranging from service delivery and review to client advocacy and insights, to information and privacy.  

She is pursuing an MBA at Deakin University, building on her Bachelor of Speech Pathology and Graduate Certificate in Personal Injury Management.  

Lauren has been described as an influential communicator and a reform-driven leader, passionate about integrity in the public sector and the continuous improvement of standards and practices. Beyond work, Lauren enjoys volunteering and supporting her family’s passion for music and theatre.  

Fiona is the Chief People Officer at Hume City Council She was previously Chairperson of BankWAW and the Interim Chief Executive Officer at Northeast Health Wangaratta. She guided these organisations consecutively during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Fiona has more than 15 years’ experience in senior leadership positions within the local government, health, and water sectors. She is passionate about integrity and inclusion and safety at work and has led several organisational changes at Hume City Council to improve the culture and experiences for its employees and the community.   

Dr Julie Simons is a director with expertise in strategic policy formulation and implementation, industry research, and stakeholder engagement.  

Julie has been overseeing the Victorian Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) Preparedness program to rapidly boost the government’s readiness to respond to a major EAD event.  

She has led policy programs for natural disaster recovery, drought preparedness and response, rural workforce, and skills, the COVID-19 related seasonal workforce program and land-use planning.  

Julie is passionate about working with government, industry, and community partners to tackle challenging issues and deliver positive solutions for Victoria’s agriculture industry and rural communities. 

Angela is a strategic and supportive leader with more than 10 year’s formal leadership experience. She is passionate about developing leadership capabilities in others and driving systems thinking to make a difference.   

Angela builds and invests in relationships to get the most out of others.  She is a naturally positive person and uses this strength to regularly celebrate people, successes, and occasions. She leads by example with honesty and transparency and supports staff to grow and develop.   

Angela is a Williamson Community Leadership Fellow, and volunteers in various community-based organisations, with a particular commitment to improving a sense of belonging for young people.  

Connie is passionate about data and insights and leads a branch of analysts and evidence outreach staff in the Department of Education, who are driven by making a positive impact for Victorian learners.  

Connie began her career as a cartographer, and moved into coding and programming for meteorology, before joining the Victorian public sector in 2000.  

Her public service roles have spanned the Departments of Health, Human Services, and Education and Valuer General Victoria. 

Suzy joined EPA in August 2021. Prior she was Executive Director, Service Delivery with the Victorian Building Authority where she oversaw licensing and registration, customer service and quality.  

Before joining the Victoria public sector, Suzy worked largely in business process outsourcing, most notably as General Manager of Infringement Management Enforcement Services at Tenix Solutions.  

Tessa has held executive and senior management roles across several Victorian Government departments and agencies. She has also worked in health, research and university settings and has dedicated her career to public health and social policy reforms that address discrimination and promote equity, opportunity, and integrity.  

In her spare time, Tessa enjoys creative writing and dabbles in poetry and in 2022 she was winner of the BS Emerging Writers’ Competition. Tessa is a very proud mum to her two boys, Bailey, and Asher.  

Rochelle is Executive Director Operations at V/Line Corporation, Australia’s largest regional public transport operator. Rochelle has held several senior operational roles at V/Line Corporation including General Manager Customer Operations and General Manager Business and Transformation.   

She has a legal and governance background and has held Executive roles across the transport and energy sectors.  

Rochelle is passionate about the benefits of mentoring. 

Angela is a passionate public sector leader with over 30 years’ experience in varied community services portfolios. She has worked in policy, legislative and program design relating to children and families and substantively as leader in essential operational service delivery including child protection and public housing.  

Angela has a strong commitment to social justice and advocating for innovative tailored approaches improving outcomes for individuals, families, and communities.  She has a strong track record building strong and mutually beneficial partnerships influencing community outcomes.  

Her authentic leadership style and commitment to place-based innovation build communities’ trust with government and engaging in codesign opportunities to address long-term and complex issues. 

Maria has an extensive public sector career in the Victorian Government, contributing to a range of reforms in health, mental health, and disability services.  

She is currently leading a detailed program of work with health services to improve timely access to emergency care, as well as experiences for patients and staff.  

Maria is passionate about progressing social policy reforms and enjoys working collaboratively with her team and stakeholders in innovative ways to deliver key priorities.  

Jacquie is a strategic leader with 20 years’ public service in Victoria and Western Australia. She has extensive experience in strategy, governance, policy, evaluation, legislation, and regulation, bringing a birds-eye view to the creation of collaborative solutions for complex real-world problems.  

As a member of EPA Victoria’s executive team, she is currently leading the evolution of EPA’s regulation of the causes and consequences of climate change.  

Recognised by IPAA Victoria in 2011 one of Victoria’s top emerging leaders, Jacquie has a strong track record of driving improvement in culture, elevating performance in demanding environments, and creating sought-after teams and workplaces. 

Jessica has 20 years’ experience in public service, spanning the Departments of Premier and Cabinet, Health, and Education and the Reserve Bank of Australia.  

She is an economist with expertise in funding models and budget processes, as well as program delivery across schools and early childhood. Jess was instrumental in the establishment of the Victorian School Building Authority, where she has led reforms of the school asset management system and secured historically high levels of funding for education infrastructure.  

Through the pandemic she led rapid responses for cleaning schools and supplying air purifiers, and she leads the infrastructure response for the government’s Best Start, Best Life early childhood reforms.  

lawyer with over 20 years’ experience working in industrial relations and HR, Elise moved from advising public sector clients to being a public sector client in 2017. 

She has held a variety of leadership roles in the health and human services portfolios since and is currently the Executive Director of the Department of Health’s recently formed People branch leading people related functions for the department as well industrial relations for the health sector.   

She is known for her commitment to creating workplaces where people feel valued and passionate about what they do. 

Debbie embodies a unique blend of traits: sporting platform shoes, an unwavering love for dogs and plants, a passion for inclusivity and a knack for making people laugh. Yet, her true power lies in her ability to galvanise teams toward community-driven goals.  

With a Bachelor’s in Landscape Architecture, she began her journey as a gardener, steadily climbing the ranks though roles at the City of Casey, City of Hobart, City of Greater Bendigo to her current executive role as the Director of Infrastructure and Environment at the City of Whittlesea.  

Debbie’s unique brand of leadership empowers teams to deliver exceptional infrastructure and public spaces that support community wellbeing. 

Rosa brings expertise in formulating and executing strategies and policies, spearheading initiatives, and crafting impactful reports that foster community engagement to drive positive results. She has more than 20 years’ expertise spanning strategic and statutory planning, building, heritage, environment, transport, policy, and legal services. 

Experience in service reviews, leading transformative changes, and championing gender equity has enabled her to build high-performing teams united by a shared vision.  She brings a wealth of experience from diverse local councils, ranging from urban to peri-urban settings, demonstrating unwavering commitment to achieving positive benefits for the community.

Rosa holds Bachelor Degrees in Engineering and Computing, and Planning. She also has a Graduate Diploma in Heritage Planning and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.