Melody, a proud Nambour local, grew up in Mapleton with her mother, who was known for organising the Red Kettle Folk Club, the Mapleton Yarns Festival and many other community initiatives, alongside her older siblings. After spending some time away in young adulthood, Melody returned to the Sunshine Coast to raise her children.
Determined to see a fairer future for all Australians, Melody has rolled up her sleeves to work for meaningful cannabis law reform – sooner rather than later.
Coming from a lower socioeconomic background, she has overcome significant adversity, giving her a deep understanding of the social justice challenges faced by many in her community. After losing her partner and the father of her two children to suicide, Melody raised her children as a single parent, during which time they also experienced homelessness. Through it all, she remained resilient – turning to self-education and working hard to build a better life.
Melody has completed formal studies in federal governance and law, equipping her with the knowledge to push for effective legislative change. She also studied counselling and herbalism and has been an active community educator, particularly around culture and wellbeing.
Alongside Uncle George Wano, she studied (Zenadth and Torres Strait Island)Islander culture – her children’s heritage – and together they formed the dance troupe Kotor Sogipu (Tree Top), delivering Cultural Practice workshops and performances along the south-east Queensland coast.
Her employment background is diverse and grounded: from Early Childhood Education and Youth Custodial Corrections at Cleveland Youth Detention Centre, to labouring work in farming, nurseries and landscaping. She is currently the Pilot for Sacred Forest at Woodfordia and President of the Legalise Cannabis Queensland Party Management Committee.
Melody connects easily with everyday people and understands their struggles. She is standing to give voters the chance to support cannabis law reform, and to campaign for better quality of life for all Australians. Being a voice for the people in parliament is her next step toward delivering real and positive change.
Melody sees industrial hemp as a vital future industry that can create jobs in agriculture, manufacturing and research – all while contributing to a cleaner environment and a stronger economy.
She will advocate for the right to grow your own medicinal cannabis and for more affordable access for those who need it. Melody believes adults deserve the freedom to choose cannabis as a safer alternative to alcohol and prescription drugs and is committed to advocating for that right in parliament.
