About
Whenua Co-Founder & Care Coordinator
I began my nursing career in 2003, drawn early to understanding the human brain — a curiosity that led me into mental health nursing, with a focus on psychogeriatric care, and later a Master of Mental Health Nursing.
A move back to NSW brought me into aged care — partly as a way to stay connected to the people I cared about most. My grandparents lived in New Zealand, and not being able to physically help them as they aged became a quiet motivation to help others in the same position. (It's also where my name comes from — a tribute to them.) Determined to practise at the highest clinical level, I completed a Master of Nursing in Advanced Practice for Older Persons.
Wanting to help on a bigger scale, I moved into management on the North Coast — first as Director of Nursing for a large residential aged care facility, then as Regional Manager overseeing multiple aged care homes, a home and community care service, and out-of-home foster care programs for a large not-for-profit.
Those years in management gave me a rare, ground-level understanding of why the aged care system works the way it does — including the processes and quality standards that can feel confusing or unfriendly to families from the outside.
BN, RN, MH (Mental Health Nursing), MN (Advanced Practice Older Persons),
MBA, GAICDBN, RN, MH (Mental Health Nursing), MN (Advanced Practice Older Persons), MBA, GAICD
Melinda Co-Founder & Care Coordinator
I have dedicated my career to supporting the health and wellbeing of others, with a professional background spanning a range of helping roles. As a qualified naturopath with studies in Health Sciences,I bring a holistic, person-centred approach to care that focuses on understanding each individual's unique needs and goals.
My experience managing health centres has strengthened my leadership, organisational, and care coordination skills, allowing me to confidently support clients while working collaboratively with families, healthcare professionals, and service providers. I am passionate about empowering older Australians to maintain their independence, dignity, and quality of life through personalised care and meaningful connections.
In addition to my professional experience, I have firsthand insight into the challenges families can face when navigating complex healthcare systems. As an ongoing support to my elderly father, who lives with chronic and complex health conditions, I understand the importance of advocacy, coordination, clear communication, and compassionate care. This personal experience has deepened my empathy and strengthened my commitment to helping clients and their families feel informed, supported, and confident throughout their aged care journey.
As a mother of two, I value compassion, patience, and genuine connection. I am committed to building trusting relationships and ensuring every client feels heard, respected, and empowered to achieve the best possible quality of life while remaining connected to the people and communities that matter most to them.
AdvDipNat, Cert IVRM, MATMS.
This is what led Mel and me to create Simply At Home together — a servicebuilt around the belief that people receiving care at home deserve to be heard,to have real flexibility and control over their care packages, and to maintain their independence, dignity, and connection to the people and places that matter most to them.
Simply At Home
We work collaboratively with Trilogy Care to support clients in accessing and managing their aged care services, helping them maximise their funding and maintain greater choice and control over their care arrangements.
Visit the Website & Learn More: https://trilogycare.com.au/
Visit the Website & Learn More: https://trilogycare.com.au/
Our partnership with Lotus Palliative Care enables us to provide compassionate and coordinated palliative care support, helping individuals and families navigate end-of-life care with dignity, comfort, and confidence.
Visit the Website & Learn More: https://lotuspalliativecare.com.au/
Visit the Website & Learn More: https://lotuspalliativecare.com.au/