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Kate Byford – Wow Houseboats

Kate Byford – Wow Houseboats

by | Mar 23, 2025 | Meet a Member, SA Woman

As the Co-Founder and General Manager of Wow Houseboats, I’m proud to run a family-owned luxury houseboat business, offering unique self-drive experiences along the stunning lower to mid-Murray region. Working closely with stakeholders in the tourism industry, I’m also a board member of the Houseboat Hirers Association, where I contribute to the growth and promotion of the houseboat sector.

Beyond my role in tourism, my passion lies in health, social care, and community support, where I bring over 15 years of experience across Australia and the UK. With a Bachelor of Social Work, a Bachelor of Arts (Sociology & Social Sciences), and qualifications in Youth Work and CELTA English teaching, I’ve worked across public health, mental health, disability support, and community development.

Currently, I’m expanding my expertise by completing a Graduate Diploma in Counselling at the University of Tasmania. My focus is on providing trauma-informed and neurodivergent-inclusive care, ensuring individuals receive the support they need. I also work in the NDIS space through the Mable platform, assisting participants in navigating their journeys towards greater independence and well-being.

My career has been as diverse as my passions. I’ve worked in leadership roles in marketing, PR, HR, and senior management, and even spent time studying Naturopathy in London, which I hope to integrate into my counselling practice in the future. I also have a background in local politics, having served as the youngest Elected Member of Council in South Australia for the City of Prospect in the early 2000s.

Outside of work and study, I find balance through kitesurfing, wake-foiling, and off-the-grid camping with my partner, always accompanied by our loyal pooch and adventure buddy, Rosso. This year, I’m focusing on achieving better harmony between business, family, and personal growth, while continuing to create positive impacts in the industries I love.

I’m excited to connect with and support other inspiring women within the SA Woman network, sharing experiences, challenges, and wins as we all continue to grow.

Melanie Dancer – Girl Guides SA

Melanie Dancer – Girl Guides SA

by | Feb 11, 2024 | Meet a Member, SA Woman

Melanie has worked throughout Australia in a variety of government and corporate industries. She first worked as a specialist investigator with SAPOL within the Paedophile Taskforce and Sex Crimes Investigation Branch.

During the time she served in the force she completed a prestigious state-based scholarship focussing on an outcome that led to the offence of ‘drink spiking’ being included into South Australian criminal legislation. Melanie developed her portfolio of governance experience as a Board member and Chair of YWCA Adelaide focussing on the status of women and women’s policy and program development as well as attending international and national leadership conferences.

Melanie transitioned into careers within community and social services development – including senior roles in aged care, disability and education models for at-risk young people. Melanie has worked with a variety of organisations to implement change management and create commercial service models, as well as leading local and national projects within sport including within an AFL club.

Melanie assists police officers to transition into new careers and is a CEO in the non for profit sector with a focus on leadership for young women.