When Meleane (Mel) Taufa first joined St Andrew’s College in late 2020, she never imagined just how transformative her journey would be for herself, her family, and the students she came to support. In a short time, her impact became significant. Mel became Housekeeping Manager, Indigenous Support Officer, a mentor, and a trusted confidante to countless students.
Her early days at the College were not without challenge. While working in housekeeping, a physically demanding role, she unexpectedly discovered she was 37 weeks pregnant with her fourth child. It was a shock for her family, but also a joy. Just eight weeks later, she returned to work, determined to provide for her family and continue building her career.
Living close by made balancing life and work possible. By the end of her first year, Mel had been promoted to second-in-charge under longtime manager Lorraine. When Lorraine retired, Mel was entrusted with leading the team. That trust marked a turning point and opened doors to new opportunities. Not long after, she was invited to take on the Indigenous Support Officer role, encouraging First Nations students to apply to College and supporting those who became members. It was a natural fit; Mel was already studying a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Indigenous Studies and Anthropology, at the University of Sydney, which she completed with High Distinction last semester.
As both Manager and Support Officer, Mel quickly learned to blend roles. Students didn’t only come to her for advice on a schedule; her work was about being available in the small moments: a chat in the corridor, a quiet check-in, a comforting presence. Her leadership style was instinctive, and people focused. In her housekeeping team, she valued both work ethic and empathy. Many of her team are mothers or grandmothers whose maternal instincts made them natural mentors to students far from home. Mel encouraged her team to receive mental health first aid training, recognising that sometimes they were the first to notice when a student was struggling.
Mel played an important role in contributing to the College’s first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), helping to create culturally safe pathways for First Nations students and advocating for greater scholarship support. Through her persistence and warmth, she strengthened connections within the College and across the wider community, ensuring students felt supported both personally and academically.
For Mel, education has always been the greatest equaliser. Her own parents’ experiences cemented this; her father left school at 15, and her mother left in Year 6. This instilled in Mel the importance of pursuing learning opportunities wherever possible. That value became her guiding principle at College and at home. Balancing full-time work, family life, and part-time study wasn’t easy, but her determination was inspirational to others. Mel has always reminded her children and the students she supports that “if I can do it, you can do it.” Her graduation this October will be a proud moment, not only for herself but for her family and the students who have witnessed her journey.
Mel’s contribution to College is evident in our community. She helped grow First Nations student numbers from just a handful to one of the largest intakes across Sydney’s colleges. Her legacy is not just in the systems she leaves behind, but in the countless everyday conversations and quiet acts of support, proof that care and consistency can change lives.
In September, Mel begins a new chapter with the South Sydney Rabbitohs, working with young people at risk through the Souths Cares program. The role combines her passion for education, mentorship, and community building. While her professional journey continues, she won’t be a stranger to St Andrew’s. With her family still nearby, she plans to pop in for visits, share stories, and see future generations of students thrive.
I would not be in the position I am today without the unwavering support of the St Andrew’s College. There are few places where someone could begin as a housekeeper, work their way up to manager, and simultaneously complete a University degree – and I feel incredibly fortunate and grateful to have done so here. The College has given me more than just a job; it’s given me purpose, growth, and a community I’ll always cherish. I’m especially grateful for the trust placed in me, the opportunities to learn and lead, and the relationships that have shaped my journey.
Mel’s story is characterised by a vision for what education can achieve. She has experienced this herself and communicated this wisdom and passion in her support of others. It is a thread that links her time at St Andrew’s to her next role at the South Sydney Rabbitohs.