OUR TEAM

Lee McDougall – she/her (Founder & festival Co-Ordinator)

Lee is a proud Awabakal woman who grew up in Newcastle and has had extensive experiences in the LGBTQIA+ community, beginning as a Committee member of Rainbow Visions Inc committee from 2004 – 2010.
Lee was involved in a number of significant community projects, amongst many, creating “Mixed fruits in suits” and the annual Winter Ball held at the Newcastle City Hall. Lee passionately believes in equality for all and that Pride groups, safe spaces, festivals and events are vital in regional and rural areas for all LGBTQIA+ people and for the future of our youth.

In March 2018 it became clear to Lee there was a lack of venues, safe spaces and events in the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter for the LGBTQIA+ community, leaving people feeling socially isolated and unsupported.
Lee felt it was the right time to launch Newcastle Pride, to provide our community with a sense of belonging and safe inclusive spaces to celebrate equality, diversity and our fabulous culture.

Newcastle Pride welcomes everyone who has a genuine interest in ensuring that everyone is treated with respect, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or intersex status and their own individuality.

Freedom to be me | This is me.

HELLEN RICHARDS – SHE/HER (VICE PRESIDENT – EVENT, ENTERTAINMENT COORDINATOR)

Newcastle has had a long and proud history of having an inclusive and mixed LGBTQIA+ Community. It has been my privilege to have been the employee, manager, owner and driving force of our most beloved community spaces including the Criterion Hotel, Pipers Nitespot, Whoosh and the Wickham Park Hotel. ”Its imperative for all of us to gather and celebrate our lives in our town”

I’m looking forward to using my experience to help the Newcastle Pride Committee deliver the best Hunter Pride Festival yet!
My vision for the future is to provide guidance,help and support to the youth LGBTQIA+ Community.

CLARA STACKPOOL – SHE/HER (TREASURER)

Clara has worked with both “for profit” and “not forprofit organisations” and clubs in both an accounting and auditing capacity. Her experience includes assistance and completion of quarterly and annual management and statutory accounting, review and improvement of management reporting and internal control systems. Clara, with her previous employer, has also had the opportunity to work in the finance area of a large organisation and government sector during a period of restructuring and staff changes.

Through her personable and practical approach with clients and the greater community, Clara has developed many close working relationships with clients that have provided quality outcomes. Having been actively involved in the LGBTQIA+ community for many years, Clara advocates for the development of meaningful partnerships that recognise cultural responsibilities and values.

JAMIE MACKEE – He/Him/they (SECRETARY)

Jamie has worked in theatre, tertiary education, public service and not-for-profit sector for many years In Australia, South and Southeast Asia.

Currently, he is working at the University of Newcastle as an academic in the School of Architecture and Built Environment. In this role he has actively created an inclusive environment for LGBTQIA+ students in his courses, not hiding the fact that he is gay and providing a space for self-expression. As an academic he is an UON ALLY member to support LGBTQIA+ students.
Jamie is passionate about LGBTQIA+ issues and truly believes community based organisations such as Newcastle Pride play an important role to ensure there are safe places and avenues for expression and pride for all generations of our community.

Fiona Tearne – She/Her (Ordinary Member – policy writing and social justice advocate)

Fi grew up in Sydney, Newcastle has been home for over 30 years. Fi has 28 years experience as a Social Worker in the Hunter and recently returned to Newcastle after 3 years living and working in Alice Springs and remote Indigenous communities. Fi is a strong advocate for the political and social rights for all LGBTIQA+ people. “I have worked on Federal Government Policies and reference groups to ensure federal government employees have adequate training and up to date understanding gender identity and sexuality issues.  I am a current member of the Services Australia LGBTQIA+ community of Practice reference group and member of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)”. Fi has worked with people of all ages including young people at risk of harm and currently works as a Social  Work Manager. Fi is also passionate about the arts and had a prior career as an Interior Designer. “I look forward to bringing my skills and experience as a Newcastle Pride Committee Member. I believe it is important to provide a range of activities to enhance the lives of our members and build on the good work already achieved by Newcastle Pride committee members”. 

Chris Baguley – He/Him (Ordinary Member)

Chris and his husband live in Raymond Terrace with their 2 children and 1 and a 1/2 dogs (he’s really very small). An avid gaymer and proud nerd, he has joined the committee to bring together his passions of community support, having volunteered for his local junior rugby league football club, the P&C of his children’s school and helping run an LQBTQI+ youth fortnightly drop in centre while a committee member of a community services organisation.
Previously, he has been vocal during the marriage equality survey process, speaking to his local council on 2 occasions to garner their support and be visible in the community.
In his working life, he works in finance as a Lending Coach, and is a member of his employers LGBTQI+ employee action group. Chris is excited to bring his skills to the Newcastle Pride team and looks forward to helping push Newcastle Pride to even greater heights.

Luisa Finau – She/Her (Ordinary Member)

Newcastle local for most of my life and an ally/member of the LGBTQIA+ community for what feels like forever. 

In my day job I am a nurse at a major hospital. Throughout my career I have worn a few hats but at the centre of it I am committed to supporting patients and advocating for their needs. I am passionate about many areas of health including: Indigenous, mental, adolescents and exploring the psychosocial needs of the people I support. 

Newcastle has changed so much over the years and I believe that right now it has morphed into such a creative, supportive and inclusive space.

I am so excited and thrilled to be using my creative skills with Newcastle Pride as a committee member dedicated to social media engagement. 

You can usually catch me at any drag show surrounded by Queens, Kings and performers. I love the atmosphere and safety of queer run shows and am always cheering and screaming the loudest for my people! 

PREVIOUS COMMITTEE MEMBERS OF NEWCASTLE PRIDE INC

– Geoff Macfarlane (2019 Secretary)

– Debbie Hansen (2019 Treasurer)

– Sally Franco (2019 Ordinary Committee Member – Policy Coordinator)

– Tory Curran (2019-2020 Secretary)

– Ed Abbott (2019-2021 Ordinary Committee Member – Marketing & Promotion)

– Joshua Yelds (2019-2020 Treasurer)

– Ivan Skaines (2018-2021 Co-founder and Vice-President)

– Jay Bellamy (2019-2021 Ordinary Committee Member -Community Engagement Coordinator)

– Jay Bellamy (2020-2021 Secretary)

– Simon Tarrant (2020-2021 Ordinary Committee Member Youth Co-ordinator)

-Emma Fraser (2021 Ordinary Committee Member Volunteer Co-ordinator)

– Jayme Zimmermann (2022 Ordinary Committee Member – Media & Communications)