Melissa’s Biography

Toowoomba has always been my home, and my journey has taken me from here to explore the world of business, only to bring me back with an even deeper commitment to our community. After completing my schooling at St Saviour’s College, I earned a Bachelor of Business with a double major in Economics and Political Science from the University of Southern Queensland. This education laid a foundation for a successful career in the fashion industry—a world that introduced me to creativity, leadership, and growth.

In 2004, I returned to Toowoomba to join our family business, Taylor’s Removals, founded in 1918 by my great-grandfather, William George Taylor. By 2010, I became the first woman in four generations of Taylors to lead the company as Managing Director. I focused on innovation and growth, aiming to make a meaningful impact in the furniture removals and storage industry while championing diversity and inclusion both within our company and across the field.

Today, I’m fully focused on serving our community as a Councillor with the Toowoomba Regional Council. Alongside my role in Council, I’ve contributed to industry boards such as the Queensland Trucking Association and served on local boards including the Empire Theatre and Toowoomba Clubhouse, furthering my commitment to the arts and mental health support in our community.

I’ve also been honoured to represent the removals industry on committees such as the Department of Transport and Main Roads’ Transport and Logistics Workforce Advisory Committee and the National Australian Furniture Removers Association. Through these experiences, I’m continuously inspired to drive positive change for Toowoomba, blending tradition and progress in service of our community.

Awards

2015

  • Trucking Woman of the Year - Queensland Trucking Association

  • Taylor's Removals inducted into the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame

2016

  • National Trucking Industry Woman of the Year - Australian Trucking Association

  • National Winner - Excellence in Commercial Road Transport - Women in Industry Awards

  • Queensland Supply Chain and Logistics Industry Excellence Award - High Commendation - Supply Chain & Logistics Association of Australia

  • Downs Business Woman of the Year - Women in Business Awards of Australia

  • People Leadership Excellence Award - Queensland Trucking Association

Other Awards

  • 2006 – Young Manager of the Year Inaugural Medal for Business Innovation
    Australian Institute of Management

  • 1993 – Queensland Young Retailer of the Year
    Retail Association of Queensland (RAQ)

Board Positions

  • Empire Theatres Pty Ltd 2008 – 2020 Director

  • Australian Furniture Removers Association 2016 – 2020 Councillor

  • Transport and Logistics Workforce Advisory Committee April 2013 – February 2019 - Committee Member. The working group consisted of government and industry representatives and was established to address issues identified in the transport and logistics sector relating to all matters concerning the workforce such as education and training, the ageing workforce, low female and indigenous participation rates, poor image and low youth engagement rates.

  • Toowoomba Clubhouse Committee March 2015 – February 2018 - Committee Member. Toowoomba Clubhouse offers a range of mental health recovery support programs and projects that improve the mental health of individuals and groups through building connection, confidence, life skills, and employment opportunities.

  • Nexus Business Advisory Group 2016 – 2019 Committee Member The Business Advisory Group was established in 2016 as a group of key business people from across the Toowoomba and Lockyer Valley Regions, who worked in collaboration to help guide the Toowoomba Bypass (Second Range Crossing) Project outcomes through transparent communication and updates.