Our Board of Directors

Alex Hammond has over 20 years’ experience as a digital communication and marketing specialist. He is currently the Associate Director of Digital Engagement at RMIT University, where he leads digital strategies to support the university’s recruitment objectives. He is the author of The Paris Collaborator (2021, Echo), The Unbroken Line (2015, Penguin) and Blood Witness (2013, Penguin, shortlisted Ned Kelly Award for Best First Crime Novel). Find out more at https://www.alexhammondauthor.com

Kylie Moppert has over 25 years’ accounting experience. She has held various senior roles in large corporations including Systems Accountant, Finance Manager, Financial Controller and Chief Financial Officer as well as for 14 years running her own accounting consultancy. She holds a Masters of Entrepreneurship and Innovation and a Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting. In 2015 she opened a micro artisan bakery which she ran for six years before selling it to focus on writing. Her first short story was published by the Lake Macquarie Branch of the Fellowship of Australian Writers in the anthology ‘Out of the Shadows’ in 2023.

Louise Falconer is a writer and senior leader within the not-for-profit sector, where she heads an evaluation and impact team for a national social justice organisation. Louise has vast experience navigating political environments and in building relations with government. Her achievements include influencing government and other partners through advocacy and attracting new funding to vital programs. With years of board-level and executive experience, Louise has a strong understanding of governance, budget and risk management, strategic planning and a demonstrated commitment to inclusive leadership. A long-time member, Louise holds a deep appreciation for the support the organisation provides the writing community. She credits Writers Victoria with giving her the skills and boost to pursue writing through its Writeability program, after which she published several pieces and was awarded a Varuna Residential Fellowship. Louise will soon complete a PhD in Creative Writing. She holds a Bachelor of Arts/ Law and a Master of Laws.

Mel is an experienced People & Culture leader who has worked with professional services firms on key people projects and issues: coaching and developing senior leaders and teams, developing and evolving organisational culture, building diverse and inclusive teams, and championing and enabling flexible working. In 2020 she completed her placement with the Writers Victoria Board as part of The Observership Program, including Board governance and readiness training with the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD). Mel currently works as a Human Resources consultant with shilo.people (www.shilopeople.com), providing strategic advice to companies and not-for-profit organisations on culture, leadership and engagement.

Noè Harsel has worked for over 15 years in the arts and culture space and is the Museum Director and CEO of the Jewish Museum of Australia: Gandel Centre of Judaica. She was Co-Director of Melbourne Jewish Book Week and has lectured in Australian history and cultural studies at RMIT University and the University of Melbourne. Having published a number of articles and short stories, she is now working on her first fiction manuscript. Noè co-hosts Sless to Harsel, an irreverent 2-minute, twice-weekly show about writing.

Paul is a former journalist and political media adviser and now advises professional services firms on their media strategies. He has more than 10 years’ experience in media and public relations in Australia and overseas. Paul has a Bachelor of Journalism from Queensland University of Technology, a Graduate Diploma in Crisis Communications from the Chartered Institute of Public Relations in London and is studying RMIT’s Associate Degree in Professional Writing and Editing.

Yasmin is a partner at Media Arts Lawyers practising in creative industries law. There she represents world-class graphic and motion design studios, authors, tv/radio talent, journalists, agencies, illustrators, playwrights and screenwriters, streaming services, game makers, visual artists, managers, format and content creators, influencers, photographers, and app developers. Holding both a Juris Doctor (hons) and an MBA, Yasmin combines experience with expertise, industry insight, and a passion for the creative sector.

Mary is a passionate Marketing & Fundraising professional with over 10 years’ experience across the retail & not-for-profit sectors. She is dedicated to using her skills in revenue generation and donor experience management to create a positive change for her community. Mary is currently the National Engagement Manager at Philanthropy Australia and was previously the Head of Individual Giving at Make-A-Wish Australia. Mary holds a Bachelor of Business Management (Marketing) from RMIT University and is an avid ambassador for inclusion and diversity in all avenues of her work.