Our people

Dianne Smith

Chief Executive

Dianne joined the Melbourne Chamber of Commerce in October 2016 after five years as the Chief Executive of Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC). Dianne spent 25 years in the tourism industry, working in Melbourne and regional Victoria covering marketing, visitor services, policy and strategy. Her previous roles include Manager Tourism Partnerships, Parks Victoria, Executive Director, Ballarat Tourism, and Marketing and Visitor Services Manager at Melbourne Zoo.

Between September 2015 and March 2016, Dianne was seconded by the Victorian Government to undertake the GM Regional role, in the transition to Visit Victoria. Dianne has also worked in the hotel and computer industries, has a Bachelor of Economics and Politics and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD). She is also proud to be an Adjunct Professor at Victoria University – a role in which she mentors young people into the industry.

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Troy Wood

Senior Relationship Manager

Troy has over 15 years’ experience as a relationship manager, working in customer roles within recruitment and vocational education and training sectors. Prior to joining the Melbourne Chamber of Commerce, Troy managed the delivery of the Victorian government's Skills for Growth program and the National Workforce Development Fund for two of Australia's largest registered training organisations. In these roles, he led a team to help enterprises address their workforce development and general business needs.

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Daniel Mashta

Relationship Manager

Daniel is a consultative relationship manager, who previously worked in the membership team within the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Prior to joining the Chamber, Daniel spent five years as the National Relationship Manager - Sales Engineer for Freudenberg, primarily servicing the resources and OEM industries; and before this, had worked as an engineer with both GM Holden and Siemens.

Daniel has completed a Grad-Diploma in Philosophy and Literature, Honors in Mechanical Engineering from RMIT University, and a Diploma of Marketing.

Daniel’s diverse experience, dedication to client needs and passion for adding value are what make him a dedicated and effective relationship manager for the Melbourne Chamber of Commerce members.

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Lucy Galland

Relationship Manager

Lucy has extensive experience in relationship management roles, predominantly in the financial services industry.

Prior to joining Melbourne Chamber of Commerce, Lucy worked for Bank of Melbourne where she managed a portfolio of business clients. Her ability to genuinely connect with clients, combined with her financial acumen, proved highly successful in helping businesses achieve their financial goals. Lucy has also worked in the UK where she played a vital role in establishing the credit processes for a new Government scheme set up to assist start-up businesses and promote entrepreneurship.

Lucy comes from a family of business owners in New Zealand, including the founders of Hallensteins, instilling within her a passion for helping businesses to achieve success.

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Hugh Congleton

Membership Services Officer

Hugh joined the Melbourne Chamber of Commerce in August 2019 after three years working in the membership team at the Australia China Business Council Victoria.

Hugh brings a strong understanding of membership organisations in the not-for-profit sector and is dedicated to assisting businesses maximizing the value of their memberships.

Hugh has a Master of International Relations from the University of Melbourne, and a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and Diploma of Languages (Japanese) from RMIT University.

Contact details

Tel: 03 8662 5214
Email: HCongleton@melbournechamber.org.au

Melanie Parkes

Events Manager, Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Melanie Parkes has more than 13 years’ experience in corporate events within the professional services, membership and not-for-profit industries. Melanie and her events team at the Victorian Chamber provide essential events support service for the Melbourne Chamber of Commerce (MCC) members, ranging from intimate Leadership Luncheons, to Best Practice Tours, Cocktail and Gala dinners and Corporate Hospitality along with executing the broader Victorian Chamber events to which the MCC members have access.

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