Join us for a panel discussion for those navigating life after a divorce or separation. This time of readjustment can be challenging, both emotionally and financially. "The Reset – Navigating life after separation" is a panel event designed to provide practical guidance and support to individuals seeking to rebuild their lives with confidence and clarity. Our highly experienced panel will provide valuable insights in key areas. A light lunch will be provided.
The event will be moderated by Bridgette Kelly, Principal, Harwood Andrews.
Ivy O’Dwyer - Associate, Harwood Andrews - Understanding legal rights, financial settlements, and co-parenting arrangements.
Melinda Planken - Managing Director, Muirfield Financial Services - Managing assets, budgeting for the future, superannuation, and financial independence.
Liz McRae - Finance Broker, Loan Market - Navigating mortgage options, refinancing, and securing loans post-divorce.
Dr. Simone Boer - Life Coach - Emotional resilience, setting goals, and rebuilding confidence.
Meet the Panel
Bridgette Kelly
Principal
Harwood Andrews
Bridgette will be moderating The Reset. Bridgette is a Principal of Harwood Andrews Family Law team. Bridgette Kelly has over 20 years’ experience as a family lawyer and is a Law Institute of Victoria Accredited Specialist in Family Law.
Bridgette focuses on assisting clients to resolve family separation by providing tailored and considered advice which allows her clients to confidently navigate through separation and the family law process.
Bridgette provides wholistic family law advice ensuring her clients are kept regularly informed throughout the entire separation and divorce process. Bridgette advocates for her clients to achieve optimal results whilst promoting amicable resolution through negotiation and mediation. Bridgette is well regarded for her commitment to resolving family law matters compassionately while being resolution focused.
Ivy O’Dwyer
Associate
Harwood Andrews
Ivy is an Associate at Harwood Andrews in the Family Law team. Ivy has experience assisting clients in all aspects of family law, including parenting arrangements, property settlements, divorce, and Family Violence Intervention Orders. She approaches her clients with care in what she knows can be a difficult time.
Ivy is resolution focussed and recognises the practical importance of mediation and negotiation for clients. When required, Ivy also appears in the Federal Circuit Court and Family Court of Australia, as well as the Magistrates Court of Victoria for her clients.
In her spare time, Ivy enjoys travelling, walking her golden retriever at the beach, and spending time with family and friends.
Melinda Planken
Managing Director
Murifield Finanical Services
Melinda Planken is the Managing Director and part owner of Murifield Finanical Services. Having joined the Muirfield team over 18 years ago, Melinda has a wealth of knowledge in personal finance, Superannuation and Investments. Melinda holds an MBA, Bachelor of Commerce – Finance, Accounting and Financial Planning, Certified Financial Planner and member of the Financial Advice Associate Australia.
Outside of Muirfiled, Melinda has a 5 year old son keeping her on her toes, a 9 year old English Staffy who owns every bed in the house and is always planning the next holiday.
Liz McRae
Finance Broker
Loan Market
Liz McRae is a compassionate and experienced mortgage broker who specialises in helping women rebuild and regain financial confidence after major life changes. With close to 20 years in the finance industry, she understands that starting over—whether after a separation, career change, or personal reset—can feel overwhelming. Her mission is to make that journey easier, empowering her clients with clarity, confidence, and tailored mortgage solutions that truly support their next chapter.
A proud mother of four and long-time Geelong local, Liz understands the real-life challenges that come with juggling family, finances, and fresh starts. Her approach is warm, supportive, and down-to-earth. She takes the time to truly understand her clients’ goals and circumstances, delivering personalised lending strategies that make sense not only on paper, but in real life.
Dr. Simone Boer
Life Coach
A Fresh Approach
Dr. Simone Boer combines neuroscience, strategy, and soul to create personal transformation. With a PhD in Neuroscience and over 25 years of experience in neuroscience, psychology, leadership, and coaching, she's helped thousands to rewire their mindset, rebuild confidence, and reclaim their power after major life transitions.
Simone helps high-performing professionals and business owners at crossroads guiding them to find clarity, set aligned goals, and create a future they’re excited about. After reinventing her own life through eight careers and building a multimillion-dollar property portfolio, Simone brings real-world insight, warmth, and results-driven tools to every transformation journey, empowering people to step into the next chapter with confidence.
Register