Board & Team

Our Board

Natalie Illingworth

Nat, the Founder and Director of Raven Collective, brings a wealth of experience and a strong passion for making a difference in the field of Domestic and Family Violence. With a Bachelor's Degree in Community and Human Services from Federation University and accreditation from the Australian Community Workers Association, Nat is well-equipped to lead Raven Collective's mission.
Nat's dedication to creating positive change in the lives of women and girls is evident in her long-standing work in the local social welfare sector. Her years of experience have fueled her desire to establish Raven Collective and provide a platform for empowering women who have experienced domestic abuse.
As a strong advocate for human rights and women's empowerment, Nat envisions Raven Collective as more than just a business. She aims to build a community and movement where women support and uplift each other, advocating for their right to choose and live their lives on their terms.
Nat's enthusiasm and commitment to her vision are palpable, and she is thrilled to see Raven Collective come to life. With her knowledge, experience, and passion, Nat is leading the way in creating a positive impact and inspiring change in the lives of women and girls through Raven Collective.

Alison Palmer

A Ballarat local born and bread Alison has been in health care ever since university. Alison has worked in numerous hospitals in Victoria and overseas. Emergency nursing and caring for the vulnerable has been a passion of Alison's since she can remember. Alison has a very supportive husband and 3 lively children, all set to test her parenting and analytical skills.
Preventative health and influencing the health of young individuals and families have been at the forefront of creating her own business Health Connection Ballarat. Alison’s health practice focuses on the whole body and trying to achieve optimal health. Alison loves a challenge and is looking forward to bringing her dynamic approach to the board at Raven Collective.

Lace Daniel

Meet Lace, the mastermind behind the sugary wonders at The Cookie Collective. By day, Lace takes on the world as the Coordinator of Asset Management at Moorabool Shire, where she fearlessly tackles mountains of data, documents, spreadsheets, and processes. With over $700 million worth of assets under her watchful eye, she's the ultimate spreadsheet guru and the queen of strategic coordination.
But when the sun sets and the oven preheats, Lace transforms into the chief sugar lover extraordinaire. The Cookie Collective was born out of her creative impulses a few years ago, and little did she know that her delectable cookies, cakes, and cupcakes would take the world by storm. It's been quite a journey from those humble beginnings, with Lace and her team crafting their own signature style and mouthwatering products.
Lace is no stranger to taking charge and leading with gusto. She chairs and participates in numerous outcome-focused internal committees and working groups, wowing the executive team and councillors with her presentations and strategic know-how. Tracking deliverables and coordinating like a pro, Lace is the go-to person for making things happen.
But let's not forget her true passion lies in creating edible works of art. With every swirl of frosting and a sprinkle of magic, Lace spreads joy and sweetness to all those lucky enough to taste her creations. Her infectious enthusiasm and light-hearted humour make every bite even more delightful.
So, whether she's crunching numbers or whipping up a batch of perfection, Lace is a force to be reckoned with.

Taryn Heinrich

Taryn is our HR specialist and her passion is working with people to bring out their best skills. With over 15 years in the industry, Taryn has developed her HR generalist skills by working on various elements of Human Resources including organisational restructures, investigations, recruitment, learning & development, WorkCover, performance management, employment contracts, and the development and implementation of policies and procedures.
She has undertaken nationally accredited Human Resources Certification studies and continually seeks out further professional development to ensure she is up to date with legislation updates and changes within the HR sector.
Taryn is looking forward to being part of Raven Collective as a way of giving back to her community and empowering disadvantaged women.

Tanya Burrows

Tanya has worked in the social welfare sector, locally and across regional Victoria, for almost 20 years. Working with disempowered and oftentimes marginalised people, raised her awareness of systemic issues, and inspired her to return to university for further study.
Obtaining her Master of Social Work in 2020, Tanya is a Social Worker, and currently works with families and young people.
Tanya is a very proud, but on the odd occasion, frustrated, mother of two, adolescent daughters. She is often accompanied by her adored therapy dog, Marli, at work.
Tanya previously worked with Natalie (founder of Raven) and shared a frustration with the barriers in our social system.
She is excited to work alongside the women of Raven Collective, empowering them, and supporting them on their journey within the program.

Brett Trevenen

Brett is a Chartered Accountant working in public practice within the Ballarat region and aims to bring Raven added experience and insight within the world of finance, cash flow, and compliance.
A father of three small and energetic children, Brett has grown up in Ballarat and has an interest in seeing his local community thriving on all fronts. Well credentialled in volunteer roles through local Ballarat sporting organisations, Brett is looking forward to applying this work ethic in a different and rewarding setting. goes here