Melinda Strachan
Jimboomba,QLD
Summary
Experienced public sector and frontline operations professional with a background spanning maritime operations, border processing and corrective services.
Brings strong capability in training coordination, stakeholder engagement, legislative compliance, record management and client support in complex, high-pressure environments.
Known for sound judgement, adaptability and a practical approach to service delivery, with experience supporting vulnerable clients, managing operational logistics and working effectively across government, justice and community settings with proven expertise in cultural awareness and communication.
Experienced in managing training programs and collaborating with diverse stakeholders to enhance operational efficiency.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Australian Border Force Officer
Department Of Home Affairs
Port Of Brisbane, QLD
11.2023 - Current
- Manage initial and recertification training for more than 50 Maritime Operations Officers across Brisbane, Bundaberg, Gladstone and Mackay district offices in a full-time Flex role.
- Collect, organise and enter training data into Learning Management systems in close liaison with the Chief of Staff.
- Coordinate interstate travel and facilities for officers and trainers.
- Manage the department’s 10 leased fleet vehicles, including servicing, maintenance, repairs, accident management, acquisition and end-of-lease disposal, with accurate legislative record-keeping and database updates.
- Work with internal and external stakeholders to maintain cost-efficient operations and optimal resource allocation in line with Whole of Government (WoG) criteria.
- Support Maritime Operations teams at the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal by processing immigration requirements for international travellers and cruise staff.
- Conduct searches, interviews and examinations of people, cruise staff, goods and vessels within my legislative delegation.
Australian Border Force Officer
Department Of Home Affairs
Melbourne Airport, VIC
04.2020 - 11.2023
- Provided full-time shift support at Melbourne International Airport during the unprecedented COVID-19 period.
- Performed general sworn officer duties, including primary line immigration processing, marshalling, and the search and examination of people and goods.
- Supported criminal conviction matters through legislative-compliant evidence management, interviews and data collection.
- Delivered specialised border clearance services for private aircraft at Melbourne Jetbase and Essendon Airport, including air cargo and freight.
- Calculated and collected duties.
Prison Officer
Corrections Victoria
Metropolitan Remand Centre, Ravenhall. VIC.
04.2019 - 04.2020
- Worked full-time shifts as a General Duties Officer, specialising in mobile phone access for clients and their lawyers during the COVID-19 lockdown for men on remand.
- Provided tele-court and video-link access for clients during COVID-19 when physical visits were prohibited under federal and state legislation.
- Provided casual General Duties Officer support across the Metropolitan Remand Centre.
- Enforced safety protocols to maintain a secure environment for clients and staff.
- Monitored client behaviour to prevent disturbances and ensure compliance with facility regulations.
Prison Officer
Corrections Victoria
Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, Ravenhall. VIC.
04.2017 - 04.2019
- Worked casual shifts as a General Duties Officer across this maximum-security women’s prison, gaining broad experience across units housing sentenced and remanded women, including mothers with children.
- Worked across service areas including the gatehouse, reception, medical, recreation, education, canteen, industries, property store and operational support.
- Supported clients with complex needs across specialised units, including mental health, management, protection and observation.
- Managed daily support for incarcerated individuals, including medication, property and food access, visits, education, employment, finances, casework, parole applications and reintegration.
- Trained as an External Escort Officer, escorting women to medical appointments, hospital visits and funerals, and transporting women in labour to the hospital while supporting them and their families.
- Worked closely with the Family Support Coordinator to support clients living with their children while incarcerated, minimising the potential impact on the child.
Education
BFORT Training Program - Australian Border Force
Australian Border Force College
Melbourne, VIC12-2021
Certificate III in Correctional Practice - Corrections
Justice And Regulation Registered Training Organisation
Melbourne, VIC04-2017
Certificate III - Dental Assisting
TAFE QLD
QLDSkills
- Cultural awareness
- Budgeting and finance
- Community relations
- Investigation leadership
- Emergency and non-emergency response
- Investigation management
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Time management and the ability to work autonomously
- Ethical
- Emotionally Intelligent
- Compliant with legislated policies and local procedures
Timeline
Australian Border Force Officer
Department Of Home Affairs
11.2023 - Current
Australian Border Force Officer
Department Of Home Affairs
04.2020 - 11.2023
Prison Officer
Corrections Victoria
04.2019 - 04.2020
Prison Officer
Corrections Victoria
04.2017 - 04.2019
BFORT Training Program - Australian Border Force
Australian Border Force College
Certificate III in Correctional Practice - Corrections
Justice And Regulation Registered Training Organisation
Certificate III - Dental Assisting
TAFE QLD