Governance & Board
How we are Governed:
The Canberra Rape Crisis Centre is accountable to a Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for strategic direction, financial oversight, and accountability and to ensure CRCC meets all legal and regulatory obligations.
Day-to-day management is delegated to the CEO, who works collaboratively with the Board to deliver on CRCC’s mission.
Periodically the Board will seek new members, opportunities will be shared via our website when available.
Board Members:
Margaret McKinnon - Chair
As Chair of the CRCC Board, I have a unique opportunity to contribute to an organisation with over 50 years of history.
According to the Women’s Health Matters Safety Survey 2025, 40% of women in the ACT disclosed that they had experienced sexual violence. This highlights the ongoing and growing need for our services to support Canberrans affected by sexual violence.
As a long-term Canberran with nearly 40 years at senior levels of the Commonwealth and ACT public service I bring experience in governance, strategic thinking, public policy and relationship building across the community and government. As a Canberran born and bred, I’m proud to be Chair of the Board for the CRCC.
Linda Laker - Secretary
I have an extensive working history in public and private sectors, including my own small business. Across my working life, from a strong human/industrial relations background and business degree, I extended into public sector work at the Senior Executive Service for over a decade across international education, vocational education policy, deregulation policy and government-business relationships.
I always endeavour to support women, both in their professional and personal lives. I am personally concerned about high levels of violence against women and the failure of governments and civil society to address this. I try to show and encourage fairness and equity across all aspects of my life.
Key Skills:
Governance, regulation, strategy, Board experience (including 6 years as Secretary of small not-for-profit), grant applications and management.
Melinda Tarrant - Treasurer
My career encompassed senior executive roles in several global financial services companies, corporate travel, as well as a stint in not for profit and sport. I have had the privilege to work with several Boards in both corporate and not for profit arenas, including CRCC and Bicycle NSW. My expertise includes operational strategy and execution, managing financial plans and outcomes, change management and cross-functional collaboration. Now that I am retired, I am keen to make a voluntary contribution to society, and I believe that continuity on Boards is important to the stability and support of the organisation.
Key Skills:
I have a strong understanding of the governance requirements for Board members and having worked as a CEO, I appreciate the support the CEO requires from her Board. As Treasurer I can actively contribute my financial skills to the budgeting, financial oversight and financial controls necessary to run a small business.
As a Board member I will draw on my professional, financial and not for profit experiences to support the Board in achieving the CRCC strategy and aligned to CRCC’s mission and values.
Alessandra Petit - Member
I am an experienced professional with a strong background in complex dispute resolution, litigation, and organisational liability. I graduated from the University of New England with a Bachelor of Laws in 2018 and completed a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice from the College of Law in 2018. Since graduating I have exclusively worked with survivors of child sexual abuse to seek justice through civil claims and been involved with advocacy to improve survivors’ ability to access justice. I represent survivors from all walks of life and feel privileged to be a small part of their healing journey.
When I began practicing law in the ACT I discovered CRCC when a survivor of child sexual abuse that I was representing had been using the service. I saw the positive impact that it was having for this individual and was impressed by the accessibility and quality of service.
Tracey Bell - Member
30 years in the Australian Public Service with 15 of those at the Senior Executive Service Level (SES) with strong leadership, governance and communications skills specialising in issues management, strategic communications, stakeholder engagement. A comprehensive knowledge of national social policy and programs with a strong focus on mental health, family and sexual violence and its impacts. My key roles have been in communications and corporate services at the SES level, with the Department of Social Services, National Bushfire Recovery Agency and as the CEO of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
Key Skills:
Finance, governance, strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, public speaking, program implementation
Molly Harriss Olsen - Member
Rosemary Dupont - Member
1995-2023 Director and Senior Consultant of Dupont and Associates. Mediation and communications trainer / educator, I have employed many people, mostly women. I have many years experience as a social worker (industrial, migrants, drugs and alcohol).
I am a feminist and strong supporter of women, employing and mentoring many women over my career. Previous member of CRCC.
Key skills:
Finance, governance, education, counselling, negotiation, Board experience, mentoring
Our Constitution:
The Constitution is the primary governance document for the Canberra Rape Crisis Centre. It sets out the rules for membership, governance, decision-making, and the management of the organisation’s affairs.