Management Committee

Management Committee

President- Ashleigh Wyles

President

Ashleigh Wyles

Ashleigh was born and raised in Mackay and is deeply passionate about the beautiful and vibrant region. She has been involved with Mackay Conservation Group since 2018, as a volunteer or staff member. A well as a passion for the environment and climate justice, Ash is passionate about social justice, building community and equitable access to information. She enjoys volunteering with a number of groups that support these causes. In her spare time she enjoys fibre craft, scrapbooking, reading and playing dungeons and dragons.

Vice President - Mary Anne Baillie

Vice President

Mary Anne Baillie

Mary Anne is a retired primary school teacher. She was born and educated in Mackay and began her teaching career at Mackay Central. After working in Wewak PNG, Townsville and Sydney she is now enjoying her retirement in Mackay. She has been a member of MCG for about 12 years and a member of the Management Committee for about 7 years. Through her work with MCG, she wants to see the beautiful environment of Mackay preserved for future generations.

Treasurer- Tyson Willoughby

Treasurer

Tyson Willoughby

Tyson is a local, born and bred passionate environmentalist who has been working in the construction industry as an electrician. He joined MCG as a volunteer in 2024 because he was fed up with the lack of awareness and activism to preserve the ecosystem. Tyson is very interested in renewable energy and just transition from reliance and fossil fuels. He enjoys hiking much of the beautiful Mackay region and prides himself on shopping local, supporting locals and fighting for social justice.

Secretary - Chris Evans

Secretary

Chris Evans

Chris has lived in Mackay for most of his life and works as a sheetmetal worker and mechanical draftsman. His lifelong passion is social justice and environmental concerns, leading him to start volunteering with MCG in 2022. Chris also volunteers with the local branch of the Native Plant Society. When he’s not volunteering or working, Chris enjoys maintaining his vegetable and native plant garden, researching sustainable home design, learning how to draw and playing Dungeons and Dragons.

Committee Member - Maggie Mckeown

Committee Member

Maggie Mckeown

Maggie Mckeown has been campaigning for Climate Justice for many years, starting out at Mackay Conservation Group. Maggie has pushed for better climate policies in state and federal elections and has been part of big wins against fossil fuel companies in Australia and internationally. Grassroots organising and campaigning is critical to making big change in the world which is why Maggie is passionate about supporting Mackay Conservation Group.

Committee Member- Jack Wallace

Committee Member

Jack Wallace

Jack was born and raised in Mackay. He has always had a passion for conservation and the environment and has been an active member of Mackay Conservation Group since 2021. He has interests in renewable energy and sustainable land care practices. When Jack is not helping volunteer with MCG he is either painting or adventuring in the Mackay region.

Committee Member- Ben Watkin

Committee Member

Ben Watkin

Ben is another member born and raised in Mackay, and has always had a strong connection to the environment and a passion for its preservation. Ben has a unique perspective on environmental advocacy, drawing from his experience in information technology services within the agriculture industry and his current role with a marine research organization. Ben is passionate about the electrification of the economy, the critical role of renewable energy, and advocating for stronger regulations against mass-scale tree clearing.

Committee Member - Jacquline Hipwell

Committee Member

Jacquline Hipwell

Committee Member - Sophie George

Committee Member

Sophie George

Sophie George is an environmental advocate, educator, and researcher based on Darumbal Country in Central Queensland. She holds dual degrees in Environmental Science and Biology, both with Distinction, and is completing postgraduate studies in Teaching and Tertiary Education at CQUniversity. Sophie currently serves as Coordinator- Executive Officer of the Capricorn Conservation Council, where she leads programs focused on biodiversity protection, Indigenous partnerships, and community-led conservation across Central Queensland. Alongside this, she works as a Sessional Academic at CQUniversity, teaching in biology and environmental science, and supporting field-based ecological learning grounded in cultural awareness and collaboration. Her published research explores Indigenous-led and reflexive approaches to environmental science, promoting ethical and community-based models of conservation and research practice. Through her role on the Mackay Conservation Group Committee, Sophie brings a deep commitment to ecological restoration, truth-telling, and inclusive environmental governance, helping strengthen connections between science, community, and Country.