Community Consultative Committee 

Elliot Dunn’s passion for the native flora and fauna of the Wet Tropics and protection of the World Heritage Area led him to undertake an undergraduate degree in Sustainability and Ecology at James Cook University in Cairns.

Currently a field ecologist with Australian Wildlife Conservancy, Elliot has experience in sustainability, environmental management, community engagement, and applied conservation.

Elliot’s belief that the species and ecosystems within the Wet Tropics possess an intrinsic value motivates him to make a meaningful contribution to the future of the World Heritage Area. He has strong community ties to the region and is passionate about the impacts of climate change.  

Margaret Freeman is a Jirrbal Traditional Custodian and is well respected within her tribal group and community. She brings a wealth of experience and expertise in cultural heritage, traditional knowledge and on-Country programs as well as historical understanding of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.

Margaret was one of the founding members of the Aboriginal Negotiating Team in the Interim Negotiating Forum that started the discussions for recommendations in the Wet Tropics Regional Agreement.

Margaret currently works with the Tablelands Community Justice Group as the Bama Women’s Group Project Officer and is a member of the Interim Southern Tablelands Local Decision Making Body.  

Lucy Graham has been the Director of the Cairns and Far North Environment Centre (CAFNEC) since August 2019 and has been associated with the organisation since 2014. She has previously worked in adventure tourism and with organisations like The Wilderness Society and GetUp.

Growing up locally, Lucy has strong and enduring community connections across the region. With a sustainability and social science background, she has a passion for environmental and climate justice that empowers First Nations people and communities plus a passion to protect and enhance Australia’s protected areas.

Sarah Hoyal has more than 20 years’ experience as an environmental and social science professional, in Australia and internationally. Working in Far North Queensland (where she was born and raised) over the last 15+ years, she is passionate about ensuring the region has a strong and resilient future, with Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples and the local community playing a central role.

Sarah has significant governance experience on various Boards and was Chair of the Authority’s Conservation Sector Liaison Group from 2009–2012.

As Biodiversity & Climate Leader at Terrain NRM, Sarah is guiding the development of new investment approaches and has built global connections through the COP15 conference in Montreal and World Economic Forum initiatives.

Boyd Lenne is a passionate regeneration ecologist who has guided Treeforce Cairns as President for over a decade.

Boyd is Cairns TAFE's principal trainer for conservation, and has worked extensively with Indigenous ranger groups and mainstream enrolments throughout northern Queensland since 2011. He aims to foster knowledge-sharing opportunities and collaboration between regional peak bodies in his work with Treeforce and TAFE.

With university degrees and diplomas spanning environmental science, sustainability, education and construction, Boyd is a broad-based industry expert.

Boyd loves the Wet Tropics and his roles in environmental education, enabling young people to make a difference in their world.

Steven Nowakowski is a committed environmentalist who has spent decades campaigning for the protection of areas adjacent to and within World Heritage Areas.

Steven considers himself a grass roots activist and is involved with many community campaigns and environmental organisations. He expresses his love for wild places through photography, which he considers a crucial tool to showcase the importance of such places.

Over years of campaigning, Steven has made life-long connections with Traditional Owners, community groups and conservation organisations. He believes his passion and commitment combined with his networking skills can connect the community with conservation outcomes.