Leading with heart and purpose

ROBYN Hayles developed some of her key leadership skills in one of the most demanding environments imaginable – the high-stakes and complex world of paediatric nursing. A role that required emotional intelligence, resilience and decisive action.

Today, as the head of Meli, Geelong’s largest community services organisation, those early lessons in empathy, communication and care continue to guide her leadership.

Robyn became Meli’s chief executive in July 2025, bringing more than two decades of senior executive and CEO experience across the health and community services sector.

She now leads a team of more than 900 staff across offices and kindergartens throughout the Barwon and Wimmera South West regions with confidence, purpose and a sharp focus on community.

“Leadership is not just about a job title – it’s about influence, impact and action,” Robyn said. “Sometimes the smallest things can have the biggest impact.

“I’ve learnt just as much from my days as a paediatric nurse as I have while managing 6,000 staff and a $600 million budget.”

For Robyn, one of the greatest rewards of leading a non-profit organisation such as Meli is seeing firsthand the difference community services can make.

“Working with staff who have the most amazing skills and a direct positive impact on individuals and families in our community is incredibly rewarding,” she said.

“There is flexibility to lead the organisation to adapt and respond to community need, which isn’t always available in other sectors.

“It is so meaningful to see the direct impact of our work, to hear and share those stories, and to drive improvements for communities – particularly children, young people and families.”

Ahead of International Women’s Day, Robyn is candid about the challenges that women continue to face in the workplace.

“Women are still not seen or treated as equal in many businesses, sectors or careers,” she said. “Pay and opportunities, unfortunately, remain unequal.”

She believes that increasing the number of women in leadership strengthens organisations and helps open doors for others.

“One of the great advantages of having women in leadership is the support, mentoring and development opportunities we can offer the next generation of leaders,” she said.

Her advice to young women with leadership aspirations is simple: build your support network.

“You need a cheerleader – someone who celebrates your progress and reminds you of your strength,” Robyn said. “You need a truth-teller – that one person who will tell you the truth, even when you don’t want to hear it.

“And you need a reality buddy – someone who supports your thinking and helps you think through every aspect of your vision and plan.”

As this year’s International Women’s Day comes with a pledge to ‘Balance the Scales’, Robyn sees that commitment reflected daily across Meli’s kindergartens, family services and support programs.

“Meli’s vision of a fair, safe and inclusive community where everyone can thrive aligns in so many ways with that promise,” she said.

Discover more about Meli’s services at meli.org.au and explore career opportunities at meli.org.au/careers