Melissa Malu
As Head of Pasifika Collections and Engagement at the Australian Museum, Melissa brings her Tongan and Fijian heritage to her transformative work in cultural preservation and community development.
Drawing on extensive expertise in stakeholder engagement, community development, social impact, communications and operational leadership, she has successfully secured vital resources for numerous Pasifika cultural and arts initiatives
Melissa is dedicated to integrating traditional Indigenous knowledge into contemporary frameworks, ensuring these valuable perspectives gain rightful recognition in mainstream institutions. Through her work, Melissa continues to amplify Pasifika voices, strengthen cultural heritage, and drive positive change across local and international networks.
Melissa was lead curator for the Australian Museum’s Wansolmoana Gallery and has developed impactful initiatives highlighting the effects of climate change in the Pacific. She has also led projects dedicated to revitalising and preserving Pasifika cultural practices in response to environmental challenges.
Qualifications
- Master of Fine Arts in Cultural Leadership (NIDA)
- Master of Communications (Griffith University)
- Bachelor of Arts in Social and Cultural Analysis (UWS)
