About Us
Power to Care exists because two mums from the Macedon Ranges got tired of navigating the system alone — and decided other carers shouldn't have to either.
How We Started
In 2014, two local mums caring for family members experiencing mental illness started PS My Family Matters — a peer support group born out of exactly the kind of isolation carers know too well. What began as coffee and conversation grew into system navigation, advocacy, and a genuine community. In 2025, as our work broadened to support all unpaid carers — not just those caring for someone with a mental illness — we became Power to Care.
What We Believe
We think carers should be recognised early, not after they've burnt out. We think the system should fit the carer, not the other way around. And we think lived experience — the kind you can't get from a textbook — is exactly what makes us good at this.
Who We Are
Kristine Rawlinson
President & CEO
Kristine is a speech pathologist, disability and community-sector leader, public speaker and, most importantly, an unpaid carer.
Her life changed dramatically when her family was thrust into the world of caring, giving her first-hand experience of just how challenging it can be to navigate health, disability, education and support systems while also trying to hold a family together.
She combines that lived experience with decades of professional experience in disability services, community development and systems change — and believes that when we support carers, we support the whole family and strengthen the whole community.
In 2025, Kristine was recognised for this work as Lived Experience Changemaker of the Year at The Mental Health Services Conference.
Kate Lester
Board Member
Kate combines lived experience as a carer with a professional background in mental health and marketing. Having supported family members through the NDIS and mental health systems, she understands firsthand the system breakdowns and fatigue carers face.
She's dedicated to improving systems, expanding access to better supports, and reducing the burden on those who care for others.
Michelle Willoughby
Board Member
After starting her professional career as a media analyst, Michelle found herself in a family devastated by Huntington’s Disease.
Her lived experience as a carer for people with complex needs lead to a passion for connecting carers to supports and services that improve wellbeing and reduce social isolation.
Michelle is currently working her dream role in the carer support space.
Matt Ladner
Treasurer
As Treasurer, Matt brings his professional experience as a qualified accountant to the Power to Care board and is dedicated to enhancing its financial sustainability.
Matt is passionate about supporting the charity’s work with unpaid carers, having seen the important role carers play and the challenges they face.
Rachael Cogger
Secretary
With professional experience in higher education, systems development and support, Rachael brings strong organisational, governance and communication skills to the Power to Care Board as Secretary.