Eastern Innovation Pitch Night
As part of our ongoing commitment to community engagement and professional development, Melanie recently attended Eastern Innovation's Pitch Night – an inspiring evening filled with bold ideas, passionate founders, valuable networking and great conversation.
The event showcased six innovative businesses that had participated in an Eastern Innovation mentoring program, each presenting their business idea to a panel of judges. It was wonderful to see the creativity, determination and entrepreneurial spirit on display, and to hear how these businesses are working to solve problems and create positive impact in their respective fields.
Congratulations to Dr Andrew Royale, who was announced as the winner on the night. Dr Royale received six months of workspace at Eastern Innovation, valued at more than $5,000, along with a package of business consultations valued at more than $1,000 to support the next stage of business growth.
As a small business, we always enjoy opportunities to connect with other local businesses, learn from their experiences and be inspired by the innovation happening within our community.
Thank you to Eastern Innovation for hosting such a well-organised and engaging event.
Out and about with The Practical Doula …
Sir John Monash Awards
Melanie was deeply honoured to be nominated for a Sir John Monash Leadership Award in 2025. The Sir John Monash Awards celebrate “people who lead with heart, who give selflessly, who make others feel seen, supported and valued and make Monash a vibrant, compassionate, and connected community” - reference: Sir John Monash Awards site.
Melanie was very proud and humbled to receive a Sir John Monash Awards Certificate of Recognition and a lapel pin. Below are photos of these, along with a photo of Melanie holding the agenda for the evening ceremony, which was held at the Alexander Theatre, Monash University Clayton Campus, Victoria.
Information on the award winners for 2025 can be found here.
“Leave a Legacy Livestream”
Jobby Mathew, Founder, LegacyX, recently welcomed Melanie from The Practical Doula as a guest on his “Leave a Legacy Livestream”. Our discussion was “Helping individuals and families navigate life’s final chapters with peace, clarity and dignity”.
Watch the 30-minute interview here or by clicking on one of the images below. Details about the LegacyX Academy can be found here.
“Death Coach” video documentary
David, a student at the University of Melbourne, bravely approached Melanie at The Care Expo in Melbourne in August 2025. David asked Melanie if she would welcome the opportunity to be the subject of a four-minute documentary which he and a team of his fellow students were about to start creating. Melanie was delighted with this opportunity and has now received the documentary to share with the world.
Below are four short videos from the full documentary, “Death Coach”, created by the team at the University of Melbourne. Warm thanks to Sylvia, Mia, Susie, David and Steve!
Short videos:
Melanie’s father - her Death Coach
Length: 54 seconds
Honouring traditions and culture
Length: 38 seconds
Visiting client and detailing services
Length: 1 minute
Length: 43 seconds