That is why in 2004, Dr Taylor founded Children of Phoenix, a Ballarat organisation which assists victims of childhood abuse find pathways to education.

"This is not a charity, it's change," Dr Taylor said.

"The greatest gift we can give to these people is a future because they are often robbed of that."

This week, the organisation entered a new era with the inaugural meeting of its eight-member board, which will oversee governance and strategic direction.

The board consists of Dr Taylor, Carol Trustler, Daniel Torpy, Gerrie Carr-McFie, Kevin Carson, Peter Dwyer, Sharon Mudge, and Tully Smith.

"While passion in a charity is fabulous, I have also learnt that you need a strong foundation to create an organisation that can give back in so many different ways," Dr Taylor said.

* For more details, visit the website www.childrenofphoenix.org or contact executive director Rachel Kinscher on 0408 177 700 or email info@childrenofphoenix.org