A woman with short blonde hair, wearing glasses and a floral shirt, smiling indoors.

Hi, I’m Lee

Most people call me Lee these days, although I am also known as Leanne in some circles. Lee is my preferred name, though. My pronouns are she/her.

I bring over three decades’ experience working with and for communities, particularly those impacted by marginalisation and discrimination. I’m no stranger to the impact of systems that fail people. I also recognise my own privilege as a white, middle-class, cisgender woman, living and working on unceded Wurundjeri Country. I always aim to be power-literate and to use my unearned privilege in service of meaningful, systemic change. I am also human, trying to do my best, learning, and unlearning all the time.

My practice is relational. I work alongside people and communities, grounded in a belief that everyone should have access to the conditions they need to thrive.

My background is in systems change, place-based initiatives, and social impact strategy. I’m most drawn to the everyday practices of making change possible: building trust, nurturing shared purpose, and staying committed when things get messy.

Over the years, I’ve led cross-sector collaborations, managed multi-year programs, and supported teams navigating complexity with care. I bring curiosity, pragmatism, and a values-led approach. I like wrestling with the big questions, creating room to experiment, and having a laugh along the way.

Infruition is how I show up for this work. I offer thoughtful, flexible support to help people and organisations bring their ideas to life. I can help you hold steady through uncertainty and keep moving toward the change you’re seeking.

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Things you might want to know

These details are a small attempt to make the implicit more visible. It shares how I work, what I value, and what helps me show up well in relationships and projects. This is part of how I practice care, reduce confusion, and build trust upfront.

    • I am based in the inner north/west of Melbourne.

    • I currently work Monday to Wednesday.

    • My availability varies and with advanced notice, I can plan for alternative arrangements.

    • I am happy to work in person or online - whatever best suits the task.

    • I am open to interstate or international travel for the right project.

    • I am currently taking on a small number of aligned projects, paced to support both impact and wellbeing.

    • I try to follow The Email Charter principles as a guide for email communication.

    • I don't check emails when I am not working.

    • My preference is that you email rather than call on my non-working days. If it is urgent, you can send me a text.

    • If you have a project you'd like to explore with me, get in touch via the contact form.

      • Please include a brief overview: what you're working on, why it matters, and your timeframe.

    • I'll then be in touch to arrange a time to connect via phone or Teams.

    • In our first conversation, I’ll ask more about:

      • what you need support with, especially the why and what.

      • timeframes and budget.

      • whether I’m the best fit - sometimes this means partnering with others in my network or referring you to someone better suited.

    • After our conversation, I’ll take a few days to reflect and respond with a clear picture of how I can help.

    • From there, we’ll agree on terms and formalise our work together.

    • My fees are based on the time and expertise required, benchmarked against standard consulting rates in social impact and systems change. I also use a sliding scale so that individuals and smaller organisations can still access support.

    • I can quote on an hourly, daily, fixed-price, or retainer basis, whichever is more suitable to the task/project.

    • My payment terms are 14 days. Let me know if this is not possible.

    • I contribute 2% of my income to First Nations Future.

    • ABN: 35 175 862 484

    • I am registered for GST.

    • I hold public liability and professional indemnity insurance.

    • You’ll often find me in the garden, at choir, or tucked into a hammock with a book (or napping). I am nourished by my daily meditation practice, all-day breakfasts, jigsaw puzzles, walking in nature, podcasts, cake, and good company - feline, canine, or human.

  • This work requires the support and collaboration of others. In developing my service offerings and this website, I have sourced feedback, ideas, and support from some very good people. Non-humans have also assisted me at times. So, credit where credit is due:

    • Photos by Studioblkk, Tim Ha, Harjono Djoyobisono, unsplash

    • Coaching from seanna davidson, Dana Shen, Jess Huon, Lee Kennedy

    • Inspiration from fellow systems change and community development practitioners: Kate Williams, Khaled Abdulwahab, Lina Patel, KA McKercher, and Emma Blomkamp

    • Icons by ChatGPT

    • Writing/brainstorming support from Claude AI

    • Feedback and support from friends and family

    • Website by Squarespace