No to Violence Board
Tim Lo Surdo
Board Chair
Tim Lo Surdo has 17 years’ governance experience across 10 different non-profit boards, including current service on the board of Plan International Australia, the Australian Marine Conservation Society, Flemington & Kensington Community Legal Centre and Environment Victoria.
Sarah Rainbird
Deputy Chair
Sarah is a lawyer and senior management professional with over 22 years’ experience, including philanthropy, program delivery, teaching, research, and corporate law. Sarah’s social services experience was gained at Save the Children Australia. As the National Manager for Individual and Family Philanthropy, Sarah’s was responsible for connecting donors to programs.
Luis Menezes
Director
Luis Menezes is a qualified (FCPA) Finance professional with over 20 years’ experience in Senior Finance roles and governance policy. He has experience working with professionals in relationship counselling, education, dispute resolution and men’s behaviour change.
Luis’ background includes working in international NGOs delivering programs supporting climate, gender, economic and First People’s justice; and fighting human trafficking and slavery. Luis is the Chair of NTV’s Finance and Risk Committee.
Debra Filippin
Board member
Debra Filippin is a senior business development and marketing communications professional, with extensive experience working in global law firms in both Australia and Japan. Debra has been responsible for leading teams of business development and digital marketing professionals across the Asia Pacific region, as well as developing and advising on business development strategies targeting the Asia Pacific.
Jilly Charlwood
Board member
Jilly Charlwood is a marketing and communications specialist with extensive experience working for not-for-profit organisations. Jilly is the current Head of Brand and Marketing for Beyond Blue, where she is responsible for leading a marketing team to deliver Beyond Blue’s external brand and product marketing activities.
Troy Edwards
Board member
Troy Edwards has 20 years’ experience working in and around the public sector on diverse, community-focused projects, including Victorian local government, the Commonwealth public service and the private sector.
Natasha Foster
Board member
Natasha Foster is a governance, risk and compliance expert, working globally across financial services, telecommunications, technology and not-for-profit. Natasha has proven ability across these sectors in leading and delivering strategy to drive sustainable business performance and is passionate about governing for-purpose driven organisations.
Kristin Haynes
Board member
Kristin is a qualified CXPA (customer experience professional) with a background spanning 20 years in the telecommunications, banking, media, sports and entertainment sectors. In 2020, Kristin established her own business, Senyah Projects, where she now provides consultancy services to both government and private enterprise. Kristin is a Non-Executive Director with Crimestoppers Tasmania where she also serves as Chair of the Sponsorship Committee.
Joshua Smith
Board member
Josh is a Dunghutti man from the Macleay Valley and Coast in NSW. Initially practicing law as a solicitor for the NSW Crown Solicitors Office and at the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service, for the last 15 years Josh has held various executive positions within the Victorian public service across Aboriginal affairs, family violence, health, human services and justice portfolios.
As the former head of Aboriginal Victoria, Josh played a leading role in the development and passing of Victoria’s first treaty legislation and process and has led the implementation of the Aboriginal Justice Agreement as Deputy Secretary for Aboriginal Justice. Josh was the Deputy Secretary for Youth Justice. Josh is a passionate community member and has advocated for better outcomes for First Nations peoples through policy development and enhanced Aboriginal self-determination.
Executive Management Team
Phillip Ripper
Chief Executive Officer
Phillip is a highly experienced CEO spanning almost 30 years as an executive leader of multiple community organisations.
He is a passionate advocate for social justice and has dedicated his career to leading organisations that contribute to building strong, healthy, and connected communities.
Phillip is recognised as a visionary, transformational and ethical leader and has extensive policy, government and media relations experience.
Previous positions include, CEO of Sunbury, and later, Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health as well as executive roles with Plenty Valley Community Health where he oversaw innovative family violence interventions services including Men’s Behaviour Change Programs as well prevention and community awareness initiatives.
Phillip holds a Bachelor of Behavioural Science, and MBA with Deans Commendation and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Lauren Palma
General Manager, Social Impact
Lauren is an experienced Senior Programs and Operations Management professional with a passion for leading and developing teams. Lauren’s experience includes working in the correction services, not-for-profit, education and social change sectors. Lauren holds an undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice and Corrections and post graduate qualifications in educations.
With a passion for service development and innovation, Lauren champions collaboration and engagement with a broad range of stakeholders and delivers success through leading teams. Lauren embraces NTV’s values of Leadership, Change, Accountability and Gender Equity.
Megan Batsakis
General Manager, Culture & Corporate Services
Megan is a results-driven executive with a proven track record in leading high-performing teams and achieving operational excellence. With extensive experience in strategic planning, risk management, and regulatory compliance, Megan excels in optimising organisational performance and meeting business objectives.
As a skilled collaborator with Boards of Directors, Megan has successfully streamlined operations and implemented robust governance practices, ensuring accountability and effective decision-making processes. Her expertise in human resources, systems/process design, and quality assurance fosters harmonious work environments and drives continuous improvement at all levels.
Known for her values-driven and collaborative leadership style, Megan motivates teams with an innovative “can do” attitude, fostering a culture of performance and continuous improvement. She prioritises transparency, effective communication, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring that all team members are aligned with the organisation’s vision and objectives. Her commitment to compliance and risk management ensures that the organisation adheres to the highest standards of legal and regulatory requirements
Megan holds an Batchelor of Business Majoring in Human Resources and Marketing.
Leadership Team
Minh Tran
Head of Finance
Minh is a results driven Senior Accountant with extensive experience in both not for profit and corporate organisations. Minh holds Bachelor of Accountancy and a full member of CPA and has previously held senior leadership roles.
Prior to working for No to Violence, Minh has worked across a range of industries including Community Services, Education, Hospitality, Real Estate and Retail. Minh has over 20 years’ experience in providing financial advice and analysis reports to Executive Management, Finance Committee and Board. His expertise includes structuring and succession planning for the organisations, growth and expansion advice, and compliances.
Minh’s personalised approach to working with key stakeholders of the organisation allows him to understand each of the key stakeholder requirements, goals, and future needs while also building strong relationship with colleagues and senior members of the organisation.
Providing decisive leadership, Minh values accountability, embraces change and enjoy professional challenge. He is naturally collaborative and is energised by working with teams to develop and implement great solutions for No to Violence.
David Sutherland
Head of Marketing and Communications
David specialises in building narratives around for-purpose organisations to help them grow and make an impact in the communities they serve. He has provided strategic advice and created content for a range of social impact campaigns via channels from traditional and social media to online and hard copy marketing collateral and direct stakeholder communications.
David is excited to be developing and implementing communications and engagement strategies to raise the profile of No to Violence’s advocacy and front line services while also keeping team members across multiple sites nationally feeling informed, valued and connected to NTV’s strategic direction.
Meegan Stanley
Head of Services
Meegan started her professional career twenty years ago building her skills in the recruitment and business development industry. Meegan has been working in the not-for-profit sector for the past twelve years with a focus on vulnerable cohorts.
Meegan has vast managerial experience, leading therapeutic teams and being part of executive management groups creating a solid foundation to add value in areas of innovation, growth, strategy and sustainable partnerships.
Meegan has committed a large part of her career working alongside people who have experienced complex trauma, specifically gendered based violence. She sits on the Board of a Family Violence Organisation and works in a therapeutic capacity supporting victim/survivors in crisis.
Meegan values education and ongoing opportunities for learning having completed two psychology degrees, a master’s degree in clinical family therapy and a certificate in clinical supervision. Meegan has trained in numerous trauma informed interventions and most recently has completed a Directors course with the Austrian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) and Advanced Leadership with the Institute of Community Directors Australia (ICDA).
Meegan is motivated to influence systemic change in the gendered violence sector and is committed to leading skilled teams that provide quality services that meet the needs of the person using violence to protect, and always keep in view, the victim/survivors of that abuse.
Caitlin Davies
Head of Workforce and Sector Development
A passionate gender equity and family violence advocate and specialist, Caitlin has worked in various roles in a consulting and leadership capacity, including human resources, organisational development, stakeholder engagement, learning and development, recruitment, leadership development, communication, media relations and change management.
Her experience spans many industries and sectors including healthcare, human services, professional services, retail, publishing, government, finance and banking, in both for profit and non-profit organisations. She has worked extensively in Australia, the UK and Europe with national and international organisations and with individuals at all levels – from new graduates to senior leaders and CEOs.
Caitlin applies her knowledge and qualifications in neuroscience, learning and communication to ensure learning opportunities enable optimal engagement, connection and understanding and create new ways of thinking that transform attitudes, behaviour and culture.
A dynamic and strongly committed leader, Caitlin leads the No to Violence Workforce Development team to develop and deliver innovative and progressive professional development for, and engage and collaborate with, those committed to ending men’s use of violence and abuse including specialist family violence professionals, integrated service providers, and private, public, and community organisations across Australia.
Rachael Pallenberg
Head of Quality, Risk and Compliance
With over 35 years of experience in the community services sector, Rachael is a passionate professional dedicated to supporting organisations to achieve excellence. Her career has spanned both frontline support and strategic leadership roles, including 20 years in risk, quality, and compliance, where she has focused on systems improvement, governance, resource development, and capacity building.
Rachael has expertise in supporting organisations implement effective systems and initiatives, manage complex accreditation processes, and develop and execute robust risk management strategies ensuring that they are not only compliant but also sustainable and impactful.
Her qualifications and ongoing professional development ensure that Rachael is at the forefront of best practices in quality, compliance, and risk management. Her diverse skill set and commitment assists to enhance safe service delivery, effective management and strategic growth.
Dr Rebecca Buys
Head of Advocacy, Policy and Research
Dr Rebecca Buys has extensive experience working in government, NGOs and research institutes in Australia, the UK, and Aotearoa/New Zealand advocating against social violence. Her work has centred on family violence, poverty, inter and intra-state conflict and global migration, as well as practice in conflict mediation.
Her related research work focuses on developing more complex understandings of forms of violence and practices of care through inclusive, relational knowledge building methodologies.
Bernard Schembri
Head of ICT and Data
Bernard is a technology professional with over 25 years of experience, working with a diverse range of organisations ranging from small businesses to global enterprises. With industry experience spanning medical and scientific publishing, tourism, marketing and communication, automotive, and community health, he brings a wealth of varied expertise to his role.
Notably, Bernard has developed a strong interest in the community health sector in recent years, working with numerous nationwide non-profit organisations either directly or through collaboration. These organisations provide a wide range of support services, including those addressing mental health, financial hardship, domestic violence, and depression.
Bernard is a customer-focused professional who consistently demonstrates the ability to overcome business challenges through effective problem-solving and critical thinking. He utilises data-driven decision-making and forward-thinking approaches to achieve positive outcomes. He is skilled in collaboration, leadership, and stakeholder management within fast-paced, agile environments, and excels at bringing people and teams together to deliver effective business solutions.
