OUR TEAM
LEE McDOUGALL - SHE/HER (President | Founder | Festival Director | Sponsorship)
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 from 2004 –2010.
Lee was involved in several significant community projects, amongst many, creating Mixed Fruits in Suits and the annual Winter Balls held at 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 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.
Lee-Anne has been recognised for her outstanding contributions to community building and inclusion through several prestigious awards, including the 2025 Newcastle Local Woman of the Year, the 2023 Government of NSW Community Service Award, and as a NSW finalist for Community Hero at the ACON Honour Awards 2023. She also holds a Diploma in Event Management, further strengthening her leadership in delivering impactful and inclusive events.
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”
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.
MEGAN DONNELLY - SHE/HER (Secretary)
Megan is a proud lesbian and lifelong Novocastrian with 20 years of experience in projects, events, and governance. As Secretary of Newcastle Pride, she is dedicated to making LGBTQIA+ people more visible, included, and celebrated throughout Newcastle and the Hunter.
Megan worked in NSW Government roles, including leading projects at Aboriginal Affairs NSW. She has run major events, improved grant programs, organised ministerial launches, and helped with Closing the Gap governance and engagement. People know her for being calm, organised, and solution-focused, handling complex logistics and sensitive relationships with care and professionalism.
Megan founded Megan Jade Event & Project Solutions, where she works with organisations across NSW to deliver meaningful events, programs, and project support. She values working together, respecting different cultures, and making sure everyone feels represented, welcome, and safe.
Megan cares deeply about connecting with the community and is proud to support Newcastle Pride’s mission to celebrate diversity, stand up for equality, and create inclusive events for LGBTQIA+ people in the region.
SAM BARRISH - SHE/HER (Ordinary Member - Volunteer Coordinator)
Having grown up on the outskirts of Sydney, Sam has called Newcastle home for the last 10 years. She is an Early Childhood Teacher and a fierce advocate for inclusion in Early Childhood. As a mum a grandparent, she has seen first hand the lack of events for local families under the rainbow umbrella, and wants to find new and exciting ways to include new families in a diverse range of events. As a teacher, she also understands the importance of providing a safe space for young people as they try to navigate their identity or diversity within their family.
For the past 10 years, Sam has volunteered with Sydney Mardi Gras, taking on a number of roles across festival season, and she hopes to bring the knowledge she has gained to local events.
LAUREN -HAWLEY SHE/HER (Ordinary Member - Merchandise Coordinator)
Lauren has lived in Newcastle her entire life she is the youngest of eight children in a wonderfully supportive family. She has spent the past 13 years in a senior customer service role and cherishes the laughs and relationships she has made with customers and her team during this time. Lauren is passionate about building LEGO and is deeply involved in the car scene, enjoying everything from building model cars, driving, cleaning, detailing and rebuilding cars, as well as attending car shows and burnout events. Lauren holds the time she spent with her brother helping him build his burnout ute, in memory of their oldest brother who sadly passed. Discovering Newcastle Pride provided Lauren with a safe space to fully embrace her identity. She is committed to offering her support and helping hand in all aspects of Newcastle Pride and the wider LGBTQ+ community.
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)
- Luisa Finau - (2023 Ordinary Member)
- Chris Baguley (2023 Ordinary Member - Tech)
- Fiona Tearne (23 - 24 Ordinary Member - Policy Writing & Soical Justice Advocate)
- Jamie McKee (23 - 24 Ordinary Member - Secretary)
- Jack Bailey (22-25 Ordinary Member - Communications & Marketing)
- Brendan Upcroft (24-25 Ordinary Member - Secretary)
- Jack Bailey (24-25 Ordinary Member - IT & Marketing)