Hi 👋 I’m Melanie Maher, a designer, strategist and educator living and working in Meanjin/Brisbane.
My design practice explores the application of strategic design and visual communication to advance social justice and environmental sustainability. My work has addressed issues in the areas of human rights, food security, disaster resilience, energy, social isolation, housing, public infrastructure, community-led change and environmental protection. This work has contributed to significant change— it’s informed government policy, influenced funding, grown public awareness and shaped educational programs.
What are you working towards? Connect with me by email to explore potential collaborations.
Projects
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![Historical Neighbourhood Centre Sector Funding Uplift]()
Historical Neighbourhood Centre Sector Funding Uplift
As Strategic Communications Lead, our team increased Queensland Government funding for the Queensland Neighbourhood Centre sector by $115.8 million over four years, a record funding uplift.
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![Peak body receives formal recognition and funding]()
Peak body receives formal recognition and funding
We secured formal government recognition of Neighbourhood Centres Queensland (NCQ) as the peak body for Neighbourhood Centres and an increase in annual funding of NCQ by $1.79 million over four years.
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![Impact reporting and advocacy leads to funding for community food programs]()
Impact reporting and advocacy leads to funding for community food programs
Through powerful impact reporting and persuasive advocacy to government, we secured $1.3 million towards community food programs across Queensland.
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![Re-conceptualising bamboo agriculture and products in Ghana]()
Re-conceptualising bamboo agriculture and products in Ghana
A brand and strategy helped to reposition bamboo as a desirable building and product material in Ghana, and a valuable agricultural investment.
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![Sustainable architecture studio, Project Habitation, grows]()
Sustainable architecture studio, Project Habitation, grows
A new brand, website and promotional strategy were launched for award-winning sustainable architecture studio, Project Habitation, growing clientele and business.
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Significant self-reported mental health improvements for government workforce
Educational materials and digital infrastructure for the rollout of hybrid mental health programs to local government (Brisbane City Council) employees, substantially improving self-reported wellbeing of hundreds of program participants.
Select highlights
Internationally recognised for design lecturing
I was awarded one of the Top 30 Design Lecturers internationally in the TDK Design Awards 2023, amongst lecturers from across the UK, USA, Australia and NZ.
University campus gains BCorp Certification
As co-lead on an initiative to transition the university campus to more environmentally sustainable practice, my work contributed to successful BCorp certification and shaping of a Bachelor of Design course to increase sustainability literacy.
Graduate Exhibition opening night highly popular with industry
As project manager of the graduate exhibition for Bachelor of Design students, I managed a group of students to deliver the most popular graduate exhibition for the school of design yet, with 300+ attendees over two nights.
Campaign leads to Federal Election swing
As Statewide Communications Coordinator, our team increased the vote for a political party in the 2016 Australian Federal Election, delivering a statewide 1.9% swing (over 5,000 additional votes).
Clients & Collaborators
2025-Current
Torrens University, Neighbourhood Centres Queensland (NCQ), Australian Neighbourhood Houses and Centres Association (ANHCA), Queensland Council of Social Services (QCOSS),
Energetic Communities Association
2024-Earlier
Oxfam, Circ Design, The Greens, AAM, YMCA, Huon Valley Environment Centre, Brisbane City Council, Vault Culture and Arts Broadsheet, Melbourne Art Galleries,
Church Studio Franklin, Panaboo, BIDG, GE Aviation, Bega, Aldi, Target, Cadbury, Fonterra, Stegbar, and more
Connect with me
From strategy to delivery, I’m dedicated to design that empowers ideas, eases concerns, and prioritises the outcomes we’re striving towards together.
I welcome new connections, collaborations and projects.
About
Services
Design
Strategy
Education
Communication
Recognition
In 2023, I was awarded one of the Top 30 Design Lecturers internationally in the TDK Design Awards 2023, amongst lecturers from across the UK, USA, Australia and NZ.
Academic Qualifications
2016 Master of Digital Design, Major: Education, Queensland College of Art, Griffith University
2011 Bachelor of Design, Major: Visual Communication Design, Queensland College of Art, Griffith University
2010 Certificate, Arts Criticism, Asian Arts and Asian Art History, National University of Singapore
2007 Bachelor of Fine Art, Major: Digital Media, Queensland College of Art, Griffith University