YWCA Hunter is delighted to welcome Natalie Chapman and Dr Louise Koller-Smith to our Board as General Board Members.

Our Board plays an important role in guiding the organisation’s direction and supporting YWCA Hunter to continue delivering meaningful programs and opportunities for women, families and our wider community. The strength of our Board comes from bringing together people with different skills, professional experiences and perspectives, while keeping our purpose and community at the heart of what we do.

We’re excited to welcome Natalie and Louise and look forward to the knowledge, experience and passion they will bring to YWCA Hunter.

Meet Dr Louise Koller-Smith

General Board Member

Louise is a local rheumatologist and university lecturer with a strong interest and experience in health policy and preventative health.

With more than a decade working in the public health system, Louise brings valuable experience in policy and advocacy through the Australian Rheumatology Association, as well as committee roles with other community and not-for-profit organisations.

Louise has undertaken additional leadership programs focused on women and is passionate about improving leadership opportunities for women and progressing towards greater equality.

Her experience also extends to research and academia. Louise is a grants assessor for research, an Editorial Board member and has a PhD and established research profile in preventative health and the impact of lifestyle changes on health.

Born and raised in Newcastle, Louise is a proud mum to two little Novocastrians and is passionate about contributing to her local community and increasing opportunities for women across the Hunter region.

Meet Natalie Chapman

General Board Member

Natalie Chapman is an accomplished solicitor with more than 15 years of legal experience across private practice, corporate in-house counsel and regulatory governance.

Natalie is currently Legal Counsel for McCloy Group, a prominent local property developer, where she specialises in navigating complex development projects while building strong relationships with stakeholders.

Previously, Natalie spent significant time as Legal Counsel with The Wests Group Australia, managing regulatory compliance and board governance across a diverse portfolio that included registered clubs, hospitality, professional sport and the not-for-profit sector.

This experience has given Natalie a strong practical understanding of board operations, risk management and fiduciary responsibilities, particularly within community-focused organisations.

Her career began with a decade in private practice, specialising in commercial and property law. She brings this strong legal foundation together with commercial insight, governance expertise and a commitment to community impact.

As a volunteer Board Director, Natalie is passionate about using her legal and governance experience to support strategic oversight, good governance and sustainable growth.

Bringing Experience and Passion to the Y

Louise and Natalie bring very different professional backgrounds and perspectives to the YWCA Hunter Board — from health, research and advocacy to law, governance and strategic oversight.

Their shared connection to the Hunter and commitment to creating positive community impact make them wonderful additions to our Board.

Please join us in welcoming Natalie and Louise to YWCA Hunter. We’re thrilled to have them on board and look forward to the contribution they’ll make as we continue to grow stronger together.