Thursday, 20 June 2024

Natalie Illingworth

Joe McCRACKEN (Western Victoria) (10:30): It is no secret that domestic violence has been a particularly topical issue recently, more so in Ballarat than in other parts of the state. That is why I would like to recognise Natalie Illingworth, who has taken a very practical approach to the issue. She has started a foundation called the Raven Collective, and it supports particularly women who have been victims of domestic violence to find a pathway out of that situation. Natalie has an amazing program where she gets business donors from around the city to support women who need to grow their confidence and grow their skills to get back into the workplace so they can be self-sustaining. I was so proud last Friday night to be the only MP from the Parliament to attend her gala fundraiser, which was held at Oscar’s hotel in Ballarat. She raised nearly $23,000 to support women who are suffering from domestic violence. It was just an amazing night. There was a gala auction. There was a great speech from my good friend Wes McKnight, who hosted the event and was MC.

I really want to pay tribute to Nat and the work she has done to support women from very different backgrounds fleeing domestic violence. She is doing something very practical about it, something tangible that supports outcomes, that means that women can flee domestic violence situations, stand on their own two feet and sustain themselves to be important contributing members of society. Nat, I pay tribute to you: well done and congratulations.