Maria Allison
Chairperson
Maria is experienced educational professional with a demonstrated history of working across a range of state and catholic sector schools in senior leadership and management roles. Highly skilled in teaching visual arts and design, leading student wellbeing and positive education, pathways, professional learning and disability inclusion.
Maria is a lifelong learner attaining a Master’s in Education (Educational Leadership and Management) from The University of Melbourne that provided positive connections, increased networking opportunities, and the acquisition of knowledge to increase self-awareness to future develop leadership and management skills.
Living in Maroondah for over forty years, Maria has been actively involved in many sporting clubs (Basketball, Netball, Little Athletics, Football), coaching or participating as an active committee member. She enjoys spending time creating memories with her children and grandchildren to build positive connections and develop healthy relationships in her family.
Maria lives her life guided by the values of respect, integrity and honesty to inspire, connect and establish wellbeing in her life and the life of others.
Gail Woods
Treasurer
Gail is a CPA having practised and worked in the Maroondah and Knox areas since 1996. Gail believes that accounting is a relationship issue and having a good connection with clients is imperative in a good working relationship where trust is paramount, as is the ability to speak freely about matters. Gail works with all levels of business with the aim to assist them to achieve both their business and personal goals – impossible to separate as they are so intertwined.
Mel Douglas
Committee Member
Mel is an experienced educational professional with a passion for teaching, learning, leading and helping others. Currently working in the role of Assistant Principal in a local Maroondah primary school, Mel has a passion for leading wellbeing and promoting inclusion and positive education in her school’s community. Mel has been a part of the Communities of Wellbeing Network having completed the Certificate of Positive Education course (Melbourne Uni) as part of the Maroondah Schools’ Wellbeing Network initiative.
Living in Maroondah for over thirty years, Mel loves spending time with her family and friends. Mel has been actively involved in many local sporting clubs (Cricket, Tennis & Football) as an enthusiastic member and loyal supporter. For the past five years, Mel has passionately volunteered for a charity called ‘Feel the Magic’that supports free grief education camps and programs for children aged 7-17 years, and their families, whom have lost a parent or sibling. Mel enjoys spending time building connections within her community, being a listening ear and supporting others. Mel is inspired by her late father, Barry, to find a community purpose and offer her service as a way to support others to boost their own mental health and wellbeing.
Communities of Wellbeing is an exciting new challenge for Mel to continue to give back to her local community by supporting events and offering pathways to build education, access, inclusion and collaboration for community wellbeing participation and promotion.
Laurice Temple
Vice Chairperson
Laurice has served on not-for-profit boards since 2009, bringing deep expertise in governance, risk, strategy, and people and culture. She is known for her constructive challenge, collaborative mindset, and strategic insight.
Laurice is the founder and Managing Director of Ripple Affect Institute, an organisation dedicated to co-creating with clients to develop and embed inclusive leadership, psychological safety, and positive workplace culture. She works closely with clients across infrastructure, government, and industry to enhance team wellbeing and performance.
Alyssa Solidaga
Committee Member
Alyssa has served as a youth advisor to organisations including the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner and Maroondah City Council, promoting the voice and wellbeing of young people. She was awarded Maroondah Young Citizen of the Year in 2023.
Alyssa thoroughly enjoys helping others, and looks forward to learning and growing with Communities of Wellbeing. She is excited to be involved in creating initiatives that uplift and empower the community.
Leanne Conway
Secretary
Leanne is a retired social worker who has spent many years working across a variety of community service roles, something that has always been close to her heart. She has lived in the local area for more than 60 years and feels a strong connection to the community and the people who make it so special.
Over the years, Leanne has enjoyed being involved in local sporting clubs (netball and football), school councils, and more than 20 years with Girl Guides – all of which have been incredibly rewarding experiences. Giving back has always been important to Leanne, and she continues to do so through volunteer work at a local emergency relief centre.
Leanne cares deeply about supporting others, building connections, and doing what she can to make a positive difference. Community has always been a big part of her life, and it continues to inspire her every day
Committee Members
Scott Williams
Rebecca Hodge
Norma Seip OAM